Polyethylene imports in Ethiopia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Ethiopia imported polyethylene worth $25.5 million (20.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 77% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $132.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $25.5M | 20.2K t |
| 2023 | $110.1M | 72.8K t |
| 2022 | $132.4M | 82.2K t |
| 2021 | $89.0M | 63.2K t |
| 2020 | $106.6M | 77.2K t |
| 2019 | $115.0M | 76.2K t |
| 2018 | $40.4M | 27.1K t |
| 2017 | $13.0M | 9.2K t |
Where Ethiopia imports polyethylene from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+283% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.0M | 51% |
| Saudi Arabia | $8.6M | 34% |
| South Korea | $1.8M | 6.9% |
| Germany | $817K | 3.2% |
| India | $420K | 1.7% |
| Kenya | $354K | 1.4% |
| Taiwan | $174K | 0.7% |
| Austria | $151K | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $45K | 0.2% |
| Slovenia | $45K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 42% |
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 29% |
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 22% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 6.4% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.26 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Ethiopia?
The shipment records behind Ethiopia polyethylene imports (HS 3901): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by Ethiopia?
Ethiopia imported polyethylene worth $25.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 115th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 77% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to Ethiopia?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($13.0 million), followed by Saudi Arabia (34%) and South Korea (7%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 283% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.22 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene to Ethiopia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.0 million in 2017 to $25.5 million in 2024, an increase of 96%. The peak was 2022 at $132.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $79.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In Ethiopia the largest six-digit codes were 3901.30 (42% of the value) and 3901.20 (29%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Ethiopia, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in Ethiopia
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