Polylactic acid imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $7.2 million of polylactic acid in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 33% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $10.8 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 | $7.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $10.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $9.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2021 | $7.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $6.9M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $7.2M | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $5.5M | 2.3K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports polylactic acid from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 67% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.8M | 67% |
| Netherlands | $1.3M | 17% |
| Switzerland | $342K | 4.7% |
| Belgium | $259K | 3.6% |
| Germany | $209K | 2.9% |
| Ireland | $100K | 1.4% |
| Thailand | $100K | 1.4% |
| China | $60K | 0.8% |
| South Korea | $46K | 0.6% |
| Denmark | $20K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.65 per kg, 34% above the world average of $2.72. 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.
Polylactic acid exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $458 thousand of polylactic acid in 2024 (741 tonnes). Most of it went to Belgium (48%), Pakistan (20%), Netherlands (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $221K | 48% |
| Pakistan | $93K | 20% |
| Netherlands | $28K | 6% |
| United States | $24K | 5.3% |
| Germany | $18K | 3.8% |
| Georgia | $12K | 2.5% |
| Israel | $8K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $7K | 1.5% |
| Hong Kong | $5K | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $5K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom polylactic acid imports (HS 3907.70): 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 3907.70: Poly(lactic acid): in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polylactic acid imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported polylactic acid worth $7.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply polylactic acid to the United Kingdom?
The United States was the largest supplier with 67% of the value ($4.8 million), followed by the Netherlands (17%) and Switzerland (5%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 875% on the year.
What is the average import price of polylactic acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.65 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $2.72 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polylactic acid to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.5 million in 2017 to $7.2 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. The peak was 2023 at $10.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.6 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export polylactic acid?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $458 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Belgium, Pakistan and the Netherlands. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $6.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for polylactic acid?
The HS code for polylactic acid is subheading 3907.70. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3907 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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