Polyethylene bags imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported polyethylene bags worth $672.0 million (285.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 223 countries for imports of this product. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $672.0M | 285.9K t |
| 2023 | $669.6M | 245.1K t |
| 2022 | $765.4M | 263.6K t |
| 2021 | $719.6M | 268.4K t |
| 2020 | $655.6M | 277.6K t |
| 2019 | $680.4M | 275.2K t |
| 2018 | $722.9M | 278.9K t |
| 2017 | $633.4M | 268.8K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports polyethylene bags from
Most of the value came from China (16%), Turkey (16%), Germany (15%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $109.2M | 16% |
| Turkey | $107.7M | 16% |
| Germany | $100.6M | 15% |
| Vietnam | $78.2M | 12% |
| Poland | $52.7M | 7.9% |
| Thailand | $36.2M | 5.4% |
| France | $26.9M | 4% |
| India | $21.4M | 3.2% |
| Italy | $16.2M | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $15.6M | 2.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.35 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 Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported polyethylene bags worth $146.6 million (30.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Ireland (29%), France (15%), Germany (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $42.9M | 29% |
| France | $22.5M | 15% |
| Germany | $17.8M | 12% |
| United States | $10.4M | 7.1% |
| Netherlands | $6.4M | 4.4% |
| Mexico | $5.9M | 4.1% |
| Switzerland | $4.7M | 3.2% |
| Poland | $4.0M | 2.8% |
| Belgium | $4.0M | 2.7% |
| Italy | $2.5M | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom polyethylene bags imports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: 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 Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported polyethylene bags worth $672.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 285.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 223 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was up 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene bags to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 16% of the value ($109.2 million), followed by Turkey (16%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 84 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 22% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.35 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $2.93 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene bags to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $633.4 million in 2017 to $672.0 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2022 at $765.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $689.9 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export polyethylene bags?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $146.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, France and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $525.4 million a 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?
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.
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