Polystyrene resin imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polystyrene resin by the United Arab Emirates reached $37.8 million in 2024 (30.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $71.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $37.8M | 30.2K t |
| 2023 | $43.5M | 34.0K t |
| 2022 | $71.2M | 43.1K t |
| 2021 | $58.8M | 35.8K t |
| 2020 | $32.5M | 28.7K t |
| 2019 | $37.2M | 28.8K t |
| 2018 | $44.3M | 27.8K t |
| 2017 | $15.2M | 10.3K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports polystyrene resin from
Most of the value came from Saudi Arabia (37%), Taiwan (24%), Pakistan (14%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+348% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $14.0M | 37% |
| Taiwan | $9.1M | 24% |
| Pakistan | $5.3M | 14% |
| China | $3.3M | 8.8% |
| India | $3.1M | 8.1% |
| Singapore | $1.6M | 4.2% |
| Thailand | $646K | 1.7% |
| Malaysia | $359K | 1% |
| South Korea | $163K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $132K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.25 per kg, close to the world average of $1.42.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polystyrene resin exports from the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates exported $6.2 million of polystyrene resin in 2024 (7.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to India (37%), Malaysia (19%), Kuwait (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Kuwait grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates polystyrene resin imports (HS 3903.19): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3903.19: Styrene polymers: (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polystyrene resin imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported polystyrene resin worth $37.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 30.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 193 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply polystyrene resin to the United Arab Emirates?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($14.0 million), followed by Taiwan (24%) and Pakistan (14%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 539% on the year.
What is the average import price of polystyrene resin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.25 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $1.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polystyrene resin to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.2 million in 2017 to $37.8 million in 2024, an increase of 149%. The peak was 2022 at $71.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $42.6 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export polystyrene resin?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $6.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Malaysia and Kuwait. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $31.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for polystyrene resin?
The HS code for polystyrene resin is subheading 3903.19. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3903 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
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