Plastic bottles and carboys imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $403.7 million of plastic bottles and carboys in 2024 (60.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 223 countries. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $403.7M | 60.3K t |
| 2023 | $392.9M | 57.6K t |
| 2022 | $407.6M | 61.6K t |
| 2021 | $443.0M | 82.5K t |
| 2020 | $422.1M | 107.1K t |
| 2019 | $451.5M | 142.0K t |
| 2018 | $419.4M | 173.7K t |
| 2017 | $405.6M | 92.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports plastic bottles and carboys from
Most of the value came from China (21%), Germany (15%), France (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $85.9M | 21% |
| Germany | $60.5M | 15% |
| France | $54.7M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $29.9M | 7.4% |
| Ireland | $24.6M | 6.1% |
| Poland | $24.5M | 6.1% |
| United States | $19.4M | 4.8% |
| Belgium | $17.5M | 4.3% |
| Italy | $13.4M | 3.3% |
| Turkey | $12.1M | 3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.70 per kg, 76% above the world average of $3.80. 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 bottles and carboys exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of plastic bottles and carboys by the United Kingdom reached $232.6 million in 2024 (42.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Most of it went to Ireland (32%), France (12%), Netherlands (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Greece grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $73.9M | 32% |
| France | $27.3M | 12% |
| Netherlands | $16.2M | 7% |
| Germany | $16.2M | 7% |
| Belgium | $11.8M | 5.1% |
| Poland | $10.1M | 4.3% |
| United States | $7.8M | 3.4% |
| Sweden | $6.8M | 2.9% |
| Italy | $6.5M | 2.8% |
| Greece | $6.4M | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom plastic bottles and carboys imports (HS 3923.30): 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 3923.30: Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic bottles and carboys imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported plastic bottles and carboys worth $403.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 60.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 223 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic bottles and carboys to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($85.9 million), followed by Germany (15%) and France (14%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 75 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 24% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic bottles and carboys per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.70 per kg in 2024, 76% above the world average of $3.80 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic bottles and carboys to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $405.6 million in 2017 to $403.7 million in 2024, a fall of 0%. The peak was 2019 at $451.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $418.2 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export plastic bottles and carboys?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $232.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, France and the Netherlands. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $171.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic bottles and carboys?
The HS code for plastic bottles and carboys is subheading 3923.30. 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?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World plastic bottles and carboys trade: top importers and exporters
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