Disposable paper tableware imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported disposable paper tableware worth $251.7 million (87.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 223 countries. That is 15% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $251.7M | 87.4K t |
| 2023 | $218.2M | 64.2K t |
| 2022 | $248.4M | 59.5K t |
| 2021 | $192.8M | 51.3K t |
| 2020 | $117.2M | 51.5K t |
| 2019 | $137.0M | 77.5K t |
| 2018 | $134.7M | 40.7K t |
| 2017 | $115.7M | 44.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports disposable paper tableware from
China alone supplied 57% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $144.5M | 57% |
| Ireland | $14.3M | 5.7% |
| Italy | $13.4M | 5.3% |
| Vietnam | $12.5M | 5% |
| India | $11.9M | 4.7% |
| Poland | $9.4M | 3.7% |
| Sweden | $6.9M | 2.7% |
| Turkey | $6.2M | 2.5% |
| Spain | $5.0M | 2% |
| Greece | $3.7M | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.88 per kg, close to the world average of $3.17.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Disposable paper tableware exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $32.7 million of disposable paper tableware in 2024 (6.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Ireland (34%), Netherlands (14%), France (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $11.2M | 34% |
| Netherlands | $4.6M | 14% |
| France | $3.9M | 12% |
| Belgium | $2.4M | 7.4% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 4% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 3.6% |
| United States | $843K | 2.6% |
| Switzerland | $682K | 2.1% |
| Austria | $605K | 1.9% |
| Sweden | $586K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom disposable paper tableware imports (HS 4823.69): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 4823.69: Paper and paperboard: trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo.
Common questions
What is the value of disposable paper tableware imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported disposable paper tableware worth $251.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 87.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 223 countries worldwide, with 6% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply disposable paper tableware to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($144.5 million), followed by Ireland (6%) and Italy (5%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 74 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 39% on the year.
What is the average import price of disposable paper tableware per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.88 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $3.17 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of disposable paper tableware to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $115.7 million in 2017 to $251.7 million in 2024, an increase of 117%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $177.0 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export disposable paper tableware?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $32.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, the Netherlands and France. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $219.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for disposable paper tableware?
The HS code for disposable paper tableware is subheading 4823.69. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4823 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World disposable paper tableware trade: top importers and exporters
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