Polylactic acid trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in polylactic acid was worth $533.3 million in 2024, about 195.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 100% since 2017, and up 17% 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 | $533.3M | 195.8K t |
| 2023 | $454.7M | 157.5K t |
| 2022 | $659.7M | 212.4K t |
| 2021 | $639.9M | 224.7K t |
| 2020 | $588.5M | 220.2K t |
| 2019 | $428.7M | 194.5K t |
| 2018 | $347.1M | 160.6K t |
| 2017 | $266.1M | 118.2K t |
Top polylactic acid exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (37%), Thailand (25%) and the Netherlands (17%). 67 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 79%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $196.4M | 37% |
| Thailand | $135.1M | 25% |
| Netherlands | $90.0M | 17% |
| China | $46.4M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $27.7M | 5.2% |
| Belgium | $5.6M | 1.1% |
| South Korea | $5.5M | 1% |
| Italy | $3.6M | 0.7% |
| Japan | $2.8M | 0.5% |
| Taiwan | $2.6M | 0.5% |
| France | $2.0M | 0.4% |
| Brazil | $1.8M | 0.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 23% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands and Italy. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 47% across 129 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $122.7M | 23% |
| Netherlands | $81.5M | 15% |
| Italy | $46.2M | 8.7% |
| Taiwan | $44.8M | 8.4% |
| Germany | $36.0M | 6.8% |
| South Korea | $25.9M | 4.9% |
| United States | $21.3M | 4% |
| Japan | $13.2M | 2.5% |
| France | $12.6M | 2.4% |
| India | $10.4M | 2% |
| Vietnam | $9.5M | 1.8% |
| Belgium | $9.4M | 1.8% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.72 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $7.09 per kg and Thailand $2.42 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 Polylactic acid (HS 3907.70) 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 3907.70: Poly(lactic acid): in primary forms. HS 3907 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most polylactic acid?
The United States exported $196.4 million in 2024, 37% of the world total, followed by Thailand (25%) and the Netherlands (17%). In all, 67 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most polylactic acid?
China imported $122.7 million in 2024, 23% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (15%) and Italy (9%). The top three importers together take 47%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in polylactic acid?
It was worth $533.3 million in 2024, about 195.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 100% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $659.7 million. 67 countries reported exports and 129 reported imports.
What is the average price of polylactic acid per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.72 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $7.09 per kg and Thailand $2.42 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 polylactic acid?
The HS code for polylactic acid is subheading 3907.70, 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 3907 page.
How can I find polylactic acid 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 polylactic acid buyers and suppliers on a short call.
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