Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $54.4 million (13.7 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 219 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $69.4 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 | $54.4M | 13.7K t |
| 2023 | $55.9M | 12.8K t |
| 2022 | $69.4M | 15.9K t |
| 2021 | $55.2M | 16.8K t |
| 2020 | $47.0M | 14.7K t |
| 2019 | $49.7M | 14.8K t |
| 2018 | $50.3M | 25.0K t |
| 2017 | $56.4M | 18.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) from
Most of the value came from Germany (21%), Italy (14%), Ireland (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $11.2M | 21% |
| Italy | $7.6M | 14% |
| Ireland | $7.3M | 14% |
| Poland | $5.1M | 9.3% |
| China | $4.5M | 8.4% |
| Belgium | $4.4M | 8% |
| Netherlands | $2.8M | 5.1% |
| Norway | $2.6M | 4.7% |
| France | $1.6M | 3% |
| India | $1.5M | 2.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.96 per kg, 32% above the world average of $3.00. 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.
Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $31.4 million (7.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Ireland (33%), Germany (14%), Singapore (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+397% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $10.2M | 33% |
| Germany | $4.5M | 14% |
| Singapore | $2.5M | 8% |
| United States | $1.6M | 5.2% |
| China | $1.2M | 4% |
| France | $1.2M | 3.9% |
| Thailand | $974K | 3.1% |
| Australia | $915K | 2.9% |
| Norway | $810K | 2.6% |
| India | $752K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imports (HS 3917.21): 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 3917.21: Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $54.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 219 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) to the United Kingdom?
Germany was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($11.2 million), followed by Italy (14%) and Ireland (13%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.96 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $3.00 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 pipes and tubes (rigid) to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $56.4 million in 2017 to $54.4 million in 2024, a fall of 4%. The peak was 2022 at $69.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $54.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $31.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, Germany and Singapore. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $22.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
The HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) is subheading 3917.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3917 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 polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
- Plastic pipe and hose fittings
- Plastic hose and tubing (other)
- Flexible plastic tubing (unreinforced)
- Flexible high-pressure plastic hose
- Flexible plastic hose with fittings
- Plastic pipes and tubes (rigid, other)
- Polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes
- Plastic sausage casings
- All United Kingdom trade data
- HS 3917 codes
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