Plastic waste trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in plastic waste was worth $3.11 billion in 2024, about 7.45 million tonnes. That is a fall of 43% since 2017, and up 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 | $3.11B | 7.45M t |
| 2023 | $3.09B | 7.40M t |
| 2022 | $4.01B | 7.56M t |
| 2021 | $3.44B | 7.35M t |
| 2020 | $2.58B | 7.28M t |
| 2019 | $3.16B | 8.06M t |
| 2018 | $3.47B | 8.57M t |
| 2017 | $5.43B | 13.53M t |
Top plastic waste exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 10% of world exports, followed by Germany and Japan. The top three supply 28% between them, out of 178 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $308.3M | 9.9% |
| Germany | $297.2M | 9.6% |
| Japan | $256.7M | 8.3% |
| Netherlands | $218.7M | 7% |
| United Kingdom | $200.5M | 6.5% |
| Belgium | $138.6M | 4.5% |
| France | $134.1M | 4.3% |
| Canada | $101.0M | 3.3% |
| Spain | $95.1M | 3.1% |
| Italy | $87.3M | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $84.1M | 2.7% |
| Philippines | $67.4M | 2.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 10% of world imports, ahead of Malaysia and Vietnam. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 25% across 188 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $321.5M | 10% |
| Malaysia | $253.5M | 8.2% |
| Vietnam | $210.1M | 6.8% |
| Germany | $207.1M | 6.7% |
| Turkey | $201.3M | 6.5% |
| Netherlands | $173.1M | 5.6% |
| Taiwan | $143.9M | 4.6% |
| Belgium | $123.4M | 4% |
| Spain | $111.0M | 3.6% |
| Indonesia | $104.1M | 3.4% |
| Italy | $97.9M | 3.2% |
| Canada | $82.0M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.42 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.52 per kg and France $0.31 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?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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 3915: Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics. HS 3915 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most plastic waste?
The United States exported $308.3 million in 2024, 10% of the world total, followed by Germany (10%) and Japan (8%). In all, 178 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most plastic waste?
The United States imported $321.5 million in 2024, 10% of world imports, ahead of Malaysia (8%) and Vietnam (7%). The top three importers together take 25%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in plastic waste?
It was worth $3.11 billion in 2024, about 7.45 million tonnes. That is a fall of 43% since 2017. The peak year was 2017 at $5.43 billion. 178 countries reported exports and 188 reported imports.
What is the average price of plastic waste per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.42 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.52 per kg and France $0.31 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 plastic waste?
The HS code for plastic waste is heading 3915, in chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 3915 page.
How can I find plastic waste buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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