Polystyrene resin imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polystyrene resin by the United Kingdom reached $63.3 million in 2024 (35.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 5% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $162.5 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 | $63.3M | 35.0K t |
| 2023 | $66.5M | 35.9K t |
| 2022 | $87.1M | 42.1K t |
| 2021 | $162.5M | 75.6K t |
| 2020 | $70.6M | 49.7K t |
| 2019 | $88.2M | 54.9K t |
| 2018 | $102.6M | 55.6K t |
| 2017 | $94.8M | 58.2K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports polystyrene resin from
Most of the value came from Belgium (29%), France (28%), Italy (12%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+312% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $18.4M | 29% |
| France | $17.6M | 28% |
| Italy | $7.6M | 12% |
| Greece | $6.6M | 11% |
| Germany | $2.5M | 4% |
| Poland | $2.3M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $1.7M | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $1.3M | 2% |
| South Korea | $1.1M | 1.8% |
| United States | $969K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.81 per kg, 27% above the world average of $1.42. 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.
Polystyrene resin exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of polystyrene resin by the United Kingdom reached $20.8 million in 2024 (14.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Germany (22%), Portugal (21%), Malaysia (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.5M | 22% |
| Portugal | $4.4M | 21% |
| Malaysia | $3.5M | 17% |
| Belgium | $1.1M | 5.3% |
| France | $895K | 4.3% |
| Netherlands | $894K | 4.3% |
| Ireland | $595K | 2.9% |
| Poland | $494K | 2.4% |
| Italy | $458K | 2.2% |
| North Macedonia | $444K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom polystyrene resin imports (HS 3903.19): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3903.19: Styrene polymers: (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polystyrene resin imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported polystyrene resin worth $63.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 193 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply polystyrene resin to the United Kingdom?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($18.4 million), followed by France (28%) and Italy (12%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 312% on the year.
What is the average import price of polystyrene resin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.81 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $1.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polystyrene resin to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $94.8 million in 2017 to $63.3 million in 2024, a fall of 33%. The peak was 2021 at $162.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $91.9 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export polystyrene resin?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $20.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, Portugal and Malaysia. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $42.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for polystyrene resin?
The HS code for polystyrene resin is subheading 3903.19. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3903 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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