High-density polyethylene imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported high-density polyethylene worth $668.0 million (462.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $969.0 million.
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 | $668.0M | 462.6K t |
| 2023 | $706.6M | 467.3K t |
| 2022 | $969.0M | 548.2K t |
| 2021 | $868.3M | 547.6K t |
| 2020 | $608.1M | 556.0K t |
| 2019 | $806.4M | 617.5K t |
| 2018 | $775.5M | 559.5K t |
| 2017 | $756.2M | 571.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports high-density polyethylene from
The largest suppliers were Belgium (18%), Germany (17%), United States (16%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $123.2M | 18% |
| Germany | $115.6M | 17% |
| United States | $104.0M | 16% |
| Saudi Arabia | $90.7M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $69.7M | 10% |
| France | $38.7M | 5.8% |
| Ireland | $19.5M | 2.9% |
| Egypt | $17.5M | 2.6% |
| Sweden | $16.2M | 2.4% |
| Italy | $9.8M | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.44 per kg, 27% above the world average of $1.13. 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.
High-density polyethylene exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of high-density polyethylene by the United Kingdom reached $97.5 million in 2024 (47.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Belgium (16%), France (15%), Ireland (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 40%. Among the main buyer markets, Israel grew fastest (+842% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $15.8M | 16% |
| France | $14.3M | 15% |
| Ireland | $9.2M | 9.5% |
| Netherlands | $8.0M | 8.2% |
| Israel | $7.4M | 7.6% |
| Czech Republic | $6.6M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $6.2M | 6.3% |
| Poland | $5.2M | 5.3% |
| Malaysia | $4.7M | 4.8% |
| United States | $3.4M | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom high-density polyethylene imports (HS 3901.20): 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 3901.20: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
Common questions
What is the value of high-density polyethylene imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported high-density polyethylene worth $668.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 462.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 202 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-density polyethylene to the United Kingdom?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 18% of the value ($123.2 million), followed by Germany (17%) and the United States (16%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 47% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-density polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.44 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $1.13 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of high-density polyethylene to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $756.2 million in 2017 to $668.0 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2022 at $969.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $769.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export high-density polyethylene?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $97.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, France and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $570.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-density polyethylene?
The HS code for high-density polyethylene is subheading 3901.20. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3901 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 high-density polyethylene trade: top importers and exporters
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