Importers, distributors and industrial manufacturers rely on saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids every day, especially in sectors like plastics, detergents, lubricants, coatings and personal care. China is now the leading global exporter of these products, shipping more than 3.4 billion USD worth in 2024 alone.

If you want to export Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids from China efficiently and safely, you need the right supplier base, correct HS classification and a logistics partner who understands chemical cargo. That’s where Wigmore Trading can help.

What are saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids?

In simple terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids are organic acids with a single carboxyl group (–COOH) and a straight, saturated carbon chain. Typical examples include:

• Formic, acetic and propionic acid

• Butyric and valeric acids

• Longer-chain fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids and their salts and esters

In trade statistics and customs systems, these products sit under HS heading 2915 – Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives, with more specific lines such as 291570 – Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters.

These acids are widely used as:

• Building blocks for solvents, esters and plasticisers

• Inputs for detergents and surfactants

• Lubricant and grease ingredients

• Additives in cosmetics and personal care formulations

Because they feed into so many downstream sectors, maintaining a secure and compliant supply is critical.

Why source these acids from China?

China is currently the top global exporter of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, ahead of the US and Germany. For buyers, this concentration of production in China offers several advantages:

• Competitive pricing – Strong economies of scale and integrated chemical complexes keep unit costs attractive.

• Product variety – From bulk acetic acid to speciality derivatives and fatty acids, Chinese producers can supply a broad grade range.

• Containerised availability – Regular shipments through major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao help reduce lead times and freight costs.

However, competitive pricing alone is not enough. You still need robust quality control, reliable logistics and accurate customs handling. This is where a partner like Wigmore Trading adds real value, combining sourcing support with international shipping and supply chain management.

Trade classifications and compliance basics

Getting the classification right is essential when you export Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids from China. Typical references include:

• HS 2915 – Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

• HS/HSN 291570 / 29157090 – Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters and related derivatives, depending on the national tariff schedule.

Alongside HS codes, you should also consider:

• Safety documentation – Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA) and, where relevant, technical data sheets.

• Regulatory schemes – For example, REACH for the EU/UK, or national chemical inventory rules in Africa, the Middle East or Latin America.

• Packaging and labelling – Correct UN numbers and hazard labels when acids are classified as dangerous goods.

Wigmore Trading can help you coordinate documentation with suppliers and ensure that shipping and customs teams work from the correct HS and hazard data.

Key challenges when buying from China

Sourcing directly from Chinese manufacturers can unlock savings, but it also introduces risk if not managed carefully:

• Supplier reliability – Not every exporter maintains consistent purity, colour or odour profiles across batches.

• MOQ and contract terms – Minimum order quantities, payment terms and Incoterms can be difficult to negotiate from abroad.

• Quality control – Without independent verification, COAs may not always reflect actual shipped quality.

• Logistics complexity – Coordinating pick-up, consolidation, export clearance in China and import clearance in your destination can be time-consuming.

• Customs and duty optimisation – Misclassification under HS 2915 or related lines can lead to delays, fines or overpayment of duty.

Working with a trade and logistics specialist helps you keep these issues under control while you focus on your core business.

How Wigmore Trading supports your exports from China

Wigmore Trading specialises in global trading and logistics, supplying customers across Africa, Europe and other regions while managing end-to-end supply chains.

When you export Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids from China through Wigmore Trading, you can benefit from:

• Vendor sourcing and due diligence – Access to vetted producers and traders with established export records in HS 2915 product lines.

• Price and contract negotiation – Support in comparing offers, locking in price structures and choosing the right Incoterms (FOB, CFR, CIF, etc.).

• Quality assurance – Coordination of third-party inspection and pre-shipment sampling where required.

• Integrated logistics – Transport from factory to Chinese port, export documentation, sea freight and onward distribution to your warehouse or customer.

• Customs and documentation support – Assistance with invoices, packing lists, COAs and HS classification notes to reduce clearance issues.

Throughout the process, Wigmore Trading focuses on transparency and communication so you always know where your cargo is and when it will arrive.

Step-by-step: exporting with Wigmore Trading

Here is how a typical project for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids from China can look:

1. Define your specification

   • Target acid (e.g. palmitic acid flakes, stearic acid, mixed fatty acids).

   • Purity, colour, iodine value and any food, cosmetic or technical-grade requirements.

   • Preferred packaging (bags, drums, IBCs or bulk).

2. Request a sourcing proposal
   Share your specs and destination. Wigmore Trading identifies suitable suppliers, checks HS codes under 2915/291570 and prepares indicative pricing including freight options.

3. Confirm terms and compliance
   You agree Incoterms, payment method and delivery schedule. Compliance requirements (e.g. local registrations, labelling languages) are clarified at this stage.

4. Production and quality checks
   The supplier produces your batch. COAs and, where requested, independent inspection reports are shared before loading.

5. Export, shipping and tracking
   Wigmore Trading arranges export clearance in China, books container space and provides regular shipment updates until arrival at your nominated port.

6. Import clearance and delivery
   With the correct HS classification and documentation in place, your customs broker clears the cargo and delivery is made to your warehouse or customer.

At every stage, Wigmore Trading can help, from initial feasibility checks to resolving any issues at the port of discharge.

Practical tips for buyers in Africa, Europe and beyond

To get the most from your China sourcing strategy for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids:

• Plan for lead times – Factor in production, vessel schedules and transit time, especially for African and Latin American ports where feeder services may add days.

• Consider consolidation – Combining several chemical and FMCG lines into one container can significantly reduce logistics costs, an area where Wigmore Trading’s multi-product expertise is useful.

• Align specs with end-use – For example, cosmetic or food-adjacent applications often require tighter impurity and odour limits than technical uses.

• Review total landed cost – Look beyond FOB China pricing and assess freight, duties, insurance, warehousing and local distribution.

If you’re unsure where to start, a discussion with Wigmore Trading’s team can clarify which HS codes, packaging types and shipping routes make the most sense for your market.

Ready to streamline your sourcing?

Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids are essential building blocks for many modern industries, and China is central to their global supply. By combining trusted Chinese producers with professional logistics and trading support, you can secure reliable, cost-effective supply while keeping compliance and quality under control.

Wigmore Trading can help you:

• Compare offers and shortlist reputable suppliers in China

• Manage export logistics and customs documentation

• Deliver product reliably to ports and warehouses across Africa, Europe and other regions

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and export Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids from China with confidence.