Polyethylene bags imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported polyethylene bags worth $41.6 million (12.9 thousand tonnes). Value rose 96% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% 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 | $41.6M | 12.9K t |
| 2023 | $21.2M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $18.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2021 | $21.1M | 5.3K t |
| 2020 | $20.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2019 | $17.8M | 4.3K t |
| 2018 | $19.2M | 4.7K t |
| 2017 | $21.0M | 7.1K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports polyethylene bags from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Indonesia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $25.4M | 61% |
| Indonesia | $3.5M | 8.5% |
| Thailand | $2.7M | 6.6% |
| India | $1.5M | 3.6% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $1.2M | 2.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.1M | 2.7% |
| United States | $955K | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $776K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $665K | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $595K | 1.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.21 per kg, close to the world average of $2.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene bags exports from the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates exported polyethylene bags worth $36.8 million (21.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Saudi Arabia (43%), United States (11%), United Kingdom (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Qatar grew fastest (+886% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $15.7M | 43% |
| United States | $4.0M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 8.2% |
| Bahrain | $2.8M | 7.6% |
| Kuwait | $2.4M | 6.5% |
| Canada | $1.8M | 4.9% |
| South Korea | $1.7M | 4.7% |
| Qatar | $1.5M | 4.1% |
| South Africa | $1.3M | 3.4% |
| Egypt | $745K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates polyethylene bags imports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene bags imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported polyethylene bags worth $41.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 96% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene bags to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($25.4 million), followed by Indonesia (8%) and Thailand (7%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 57 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 341% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.21 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $2.93 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene bags to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.0 million in 2017 to $41.6 million in 2024, an increase of 98%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $22.5 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export polyethylene bags?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $36.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Kingdom. That compares with imports of $41.6 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3923 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the United Arab Emirates trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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