Polyethylene bags trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in polyethylene bags was worth $13.47 billion in 2024, about 4.59 million tonnes. That is an increase of 22% since 2017, and up 7% 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 | $13.47B | 4.59M t |
| 2023 | $12.58B | 3.92M t |
| 2022 | $14.18B | 4.43M t |
| 2021 | $13.03B | 4.45M t |
| 2020 | $11.43B | 4.09M t |
| 2019 | $11.45B | 4.08M t |
| 2018 | $11.94B | 4.06M t |
| 2017 | $11.00B | 4.06M t |
Top polyethylene bags exporting countries
Exports are led by China (25%), Vietnam (8%) and Germany (7%). 176 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 40%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.33B | 25% |
| Vietnam | $1.04B | 7.7% |
| Germany | $998.8M | 7.4% |
| United States | $848.5M | 6.3% |
| Canada | $687.3M | 5.1% |
| Thailand | $680.5M | 5.1% |
| Poland | $634.0M | 4.7% |
| Turkey | $461.5M | 3.4% |
| Mexico | $425.2M | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $407.5M | 3% |
| Netherlands | $295.5M | 2.2% |
| Italy | $263.9M | 2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (24%), Japan (8%) and Germany (6%). 223 countries imported it, and the top three take 39% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.26B | 24% |
| Japan | $1.08B | 8% |
| Germany | $871.6M | 6.5% |
| United Kingdom | $672.0M | 5% |
| France | $590.5M | 4.4% |
| Canada | $573.5M | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $446.3M | 3.3% |
| Mexico | $420.6M | 3.1% |
| Australia | $361.7M | 2.7% |
| Italy | $260.7M | 1.9% |
| Poland | $209.3M | 1.6% |
| Czech Republic | $205.3M | 1.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.93 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $6.24 per kg and Vietnam $2.12 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 Polyethylene bags (HS 3923.21) 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods. HS 3923 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most polyethylene bags?
China exported $3.33 billion in 2024, 25% of the world total, followed by Vietnam (8%) and Germany (7%). In all, 176 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most polyethylene bags?
The United States imported $3.26 billion in 2024, 24% of world imports, ahead of Japan (8%) and Germany (6%). The top three importers together take 39%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in polyethylene bags?
It was worth $13.47 billion in 2024, about 4.59 million tonnes. That is an increase of 22% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $14.18 billion. 176 countries reported exports and 223 reported imports.
What is the average price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.93 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $6.24 per kg and Vietnam $2.12 per kg, so grade and origin matter. The average mixes every grade and size, so use it as a market reference rather than an offer.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21, 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 3923 page.
How can I find polyethylene bags buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of polyethylene bags by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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