Low-density polyethylene trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in low-density polyethylene was worth $26.10 billion in 2024, about 20.65 million tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017, and down 1% 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 | $26.10B | 20.65M t |
| 2023 | $26.45B | 20.70M t |
| 2022 | $34.40B | 21.89M t |
| 2021 | $34.16B | 22.01M t |
| 2020 | $22.61B | 21.10M t |
| 2019 | $25.52B | 21.78M t |
| 2018 | $28.85B | 21.21M t |
| 2017 | $25.11B | 18.35M t |
Top low-density polyethylene exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (17%), Saudi Arabia (15%) and Belgium (6%). 142 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 39%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.48B | 17% |
| Saudi Arabia | $4.04B | 16% |
| Belgium | $1.53B | 5.9% |
| Netherlands | $1.39B | 5.3% |
| Germany | $1.16B | 4.5% |
| Qatar | $1.15B | 4.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $969.0M | 3.7% |
| South Korea | $954.5M | 3.7% |
| Iran | $797.8M | 3.1% |
| Thailand | $764.0M | 2.9% |
| Malaysia | $751.3M | 2.9% |
| Canada | $698.3M | 2.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 16% of world imports, ahead of Turkey and Germany. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 26% across 205 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.26B | 16% |
| Turkey | $1.30B | 5% |
| Germany | $1.25B | 4.8% |
| India | $1.02B | 3.9% |
| Italy | $997.5M | 3.8% |
| Vietnam | $906.5M | 3.5% |
| Poland | $744.1M | 2.9% |
| Belgium | $727.5M | 2.8% |
| United States | $709.2M | 2.7% |
| Mexico | $706.4M | 2.7% |
| France | $693.2M | 2.7% |
| Brazil | $626.8M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $1.52 per kg and Qatar $1.12 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 Low-density polyethylene (HS 3901.10) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 3901.10: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. HS 3901 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most low-density polyethylene?
The United States exported $4.48 billion in 2024, 17% of the world total, followed by Saudi Arabia (15%) and Belgium (6%). In all, 142 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most low-density polyethylene?
China imported $4.26 billion in 2024, 16% of world imports, ahead of Turkey (5%) and Germany (5%). The top three importers together take 26%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in low-density polyethylene?
It was worth $26.10 billion in 2024, about 20.65 million tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $34.40 billion. 142 countries reported exports and 205 reported imports.
What is the average price of low-density polyethylene per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $1.52 per kg and Qatar $1.12 per kg, so grade and origin matter. Read it as a benchmark: it blends all grades, origins and contract terms.
What is the HS code for low-density polyethylene?
The HS code for low-density polyethylene is subheading 3901.10, 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 low-density polyethylene buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of low-density polyethylene by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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