High-density polyethylene trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in high-density polyethylene was worth $29.77 billion in 2024, about 26.24 million tonnes. That is an increase of 12% since 2017, and down 0% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $29.77B | 26.24M t |
| 2023 | $29.85B | 25.20M t |
| 2022 | $35.18B | 25.81M t |
| 2021 | $34.90B | 25.59M t |
| 2020 | $25.97B | 27.30M t |
| 2019 | $29.33B | 26.16M t |
| 2018 | $31.69B | 23.51M t |
| 2017 | $26.69B | 21.37M t |
Top high-density polyethylene exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 17% of world exports, followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The top three supply 41% between them, out of 139 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.02B | 17% |
| Saudi Arabia | $4.66B | 16% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.42B | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $1.88B | 6.3% |
| Canada | $1.42B | 4.8% |
| Germany | $1.30B | 4.4% |
| Belgium | $1.22B | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $1.07B | 3.6% |
| Iran | $908.8M | 3.1% |
| Netherlands | $861.9M | 2.9% |
| Qatar | $651.1M | 2.2% |
| Singapore | $560.4M | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 18% of world imports, ahead of the United States and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 28% across 202 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.50B | 19% |
| United States | $1.47B | 4.9% |
| Germany | $1.32B | 4.4% |
| India | $1.23B | 4.1% |
| Turkey | $1.05B | 3.5% |
| Mexico | $979.3M | 3.3% |
| Italy | $927.8M | 3.1% |
| Vietnam | $904.9M | 3% |
| Brazil | $810.6M | 2.7% |
| Belgium | $797.3M | 2.7% |
| Spain | $745.5M | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $668.0M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $1.44 per kg and Canada $1.03 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind High-density polyethylene (HS 3901.20) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3901.20: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. HS 3901 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most high-density polyethylene?
The United States exported $5.02 billion in 2024, 17% of the world total, followed by Saudi Arabia (16%) and the United Arab Emirates (8%). In all, 139 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most high-density polyethylene?
China imported $5.50 billion in 2024, 18% of world imports, ahead of the United States (5%) and Germany (4%). The top three importers together take 28%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in high-density polyethylene?
It was worth $29.77 billion in 2024, about 26.24 million tonnes. That is an increase of 12% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $35.18 billion. 139 countries reported exports and 202 reported imports.
What is the average price of high-density polyethylene per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $1.44 per kg and Canada $1.03 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for high-density polyethylene?
The HS code for high-density polyethylene is subheading 3901.20, in chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 3901 page.
How can I find high-density polyethylene buyers and suppliers?
Company names sit below these country totals: EximDataX reads the customs records shipment by shipment, with dates and values. We can show high-density polyethylene buyers and suppliers on a short call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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