Cellular plastic film imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported cellular plastic film worth $34.0 million (5.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 54% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $34.0M | 5.7K t |
| 2023 | $22.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2022 | $22.1M | 6.2K t |
| 2021 | $23.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2020 | $21.7M | 4.9K t |
| 2019 | $29.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $28.2M | 5.4K t |
| 2017 | $19.4M | 3.2K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports cellular plastic film from
Most of the value came from China (40%), Egypt (11%), Thailand (10%). Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+709% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $13.8M | 41% |
| Egypt | $3.7M | 11% |
| Thailand | $3.4M | 10% |
| France | $2.8M | 8.4% |
| South Korea | $2.3M | 6.6% |
| India | $2.2M | 6.5% |
| Belgium | $1.3M | 3.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $915K | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $840K | 2.5% |
| United States | $659K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.94 per kg, 26% below the world average of $8.07, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cellular plastic film exports from the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates exported $5.1 million of cellular plastic film in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Saudi Arabia (29%), Australia (19%), Bahrain (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+400% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $1.5M | 29% |
| Australia | $940K | 19% |
| Bahrain | $576K | 11% |
| India | $391K | 7.7% |
| Guyana | $318K | 6.3% |
| Kuwait | $187K | 3.7% |
| Canada | $171K | 3.4% |
| Egypt | $169K | 3.4% |
| South Korea | $136K | 2.7% |
| Ecuador | $132K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates cellular plastic film imports (HS 3921.19): 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.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 3921.19: Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3921, cellular.
Common questions
What is the value of cellular plastic film imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported cellular plastic film worth $34.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 215 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 54% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellular plastic film to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($13.8 million), followed by Egypt (11%) and Thailand (10%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Egypt grew fastest among the top ten, up 709% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellular plastic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.94 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $8.07 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of cellular plastic film to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.4 million in 2017 to $34.0 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $25.1 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export cellular plastic film?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $28.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellular plastic film?
The HS code for cellular plastic film is subheading 3921.19. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3921 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For the United Arab Emirates, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World cellular plastic film trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.