Plastic waste (other) exports from the United Arab Emirates: data, top buyers and prices
The United Arab Emirates exported $6.7 million of plastic waste (other) in 2024 (10.5 thousand tonnes). That is 24% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $20.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.7M | 10.5K t |
| 2023 | $8.8M | 12.9K t |
| 2022 | $5.9M | 11.0K t |
| 2021 | $7.1M | 10.7K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 12.3K t |
| 2019 | $10.9M | 22.9K t |
| 2018 | $14.1M | 23.1K t |
| 2017 | $20.3M | 38.5K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates exports plastic waste (other) to
The largest buyer markets were Taiwan (32%), Pakistan (27%), Italy (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Myanmar grew fastest (+408% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $2.1M | 32% |
| Pakistan | $1.8M | 27% |
| Italy | $762K | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $394K | 5.9% |
| Myanmar | $325K | 4.8% |
| Egypt | $278K | 4.1% |
| Spain | $262K | 3.9% |
| United States | $174K | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $173K | 2.6% |
| Malaysia | $94K | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.64 per kg, 49% above the world average of $0.43. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic waste (other) imports to the United Arab Emirates
Imports of plastic waste (other) by the United Arab Emirates reached $3.5 million in 2024 (10.3 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Italy (34%), China (30%), Saudi Arabia (11%). Among the main suppliers, Uganda grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.2M | 34% |
| China | $1.1M | 31% |
| Saudi Arabia | $382K | 11% |
| Uganda | $375K | 11% |
| Japan | $94K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $82K | 2.4% |
| Pakistan | $79K | 2.3% |
| Tunisia | $76K | 2.2% |
| Belgium | $58K | 1.7% |
| Spain | $38K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates plastic waste (other) exports (HS 3915.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 3915.90: Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915: waste, parings and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic waste (other) exported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates exported plastic waste (other) worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 170 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries buy plastic waste (other) from the United Arab Emirates?
Taiwan was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Pakistan (27%) and Italy (11%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. Myanmar grew fastest among the top ten, up 408% on the year.
What is the average export price of plastic waste (other) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.64 per kg in 2024, 49% above the world average of $0.43 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of plastic waste (other) from the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Exports went from $20.3 million in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024, a fall of 67%. The peak was 2017 at $20.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.9 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also import plastic waste (other)?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates imported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, China and Saudi Arabia. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic waste (other)?
The HS code for plastic waste (other) is subheading 3915.90. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3915 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World plastic waste (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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