Polystyrene resin trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in polystyrene resin was worth $4.38 billion in 2024, about 3.09 million tonnes. That is a fall of 10% 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 | $4.38B | 3.09M t |
| 2023 | $4.40B | 3.07M t |
| 2022 | $5.83B | 3.47M t |
| 2021 | $6.15B | 3.94M t |
| 2020 | $4.19B | 3.91M t |
| 2019 | $4.90B | 3.84M t |
| 2018 | $5.59B | 3.66M t |
| 2017 | $4.87B | 3.24M t |
Top polystyrene resin exporting countries
Taiwan is the largest exporter with 11% of world exports, followed by Belgium and France. The top three supply 30% between them, out of 122 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $492.7M | 11% |
| Belgium | $480.9M | 11% |
| France | $327.2M | 7.5% |
| China | $324.9M | 7.4% |
| South Korea | $293.8M | 6.7% |
| United States | $264.5M | 6% |
| Malaysia | $218.5M | 5% |
| Japan | $183.9M | 4.2% |
| Germany | $180.6M | 4.1% |
| Italy | $156.3M | 3.6% |
| Mexico | $138.4M | 3.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $129.7M | 3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 12% of world imports, ahead of Germany and Vietnam. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 22% across 193 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $535.2M | 12% |
| Germany | $242.8M | 5.5% |
| Vietnam | $202.2M | 4.6% |
| Turkey | $189.1M | 4.3% |
| Italy | $169.4M | 3.9% |
| Mexico | $167.5M | 3.8% |
| United States | $150.1M | 3.4% |
| Malaysia | $142.4M | 3.3% |
| Spain | $135.4M | 3.1% |
| Poland | $114.4M | 2.6% |
| Canada | $111.5M | 2.5% |
| Portugal | $103.8M | 2.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.42 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, France averaged $2.17 per kg and Malaysia $1.01 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 Polystyrene resin (HS 3903.19) 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 3903.19: Styrene polymers: (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms. HS 3903 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most polystyrene resin?
Taiwan exported $492.7 million in 2024, 11% of the world total, followed by Belgium (11%) and France (7%). In all, 122 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most polystyrene resin?
China imported $535.2 million in 2024, 12% of world imports, ahead of Germany (6%) and Vietnam (5%). The top three importers together take 22%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in polystyrene resin?
It was worth $4.38 billion in 2024, about 3.09 million tonnes. That is a fall of 10% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $6.15 billion. 122 countries reported exports and 193 reported imports.
What is the average price of polystyrene resin per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.42 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, France averaged $2.17 per kg and Malaysia $1.01 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 polystyrene resin?
The HS code for polystyrene resin is subheading 3903.19, 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 3903 page.
How can I find polystyrene resin buyers and suppliers?
The rankings here stop at countries; EximDataX goes down to the companies trading polystyrene resin, from direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your markets to see them live.
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