Polystyrene scrap exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported polystyrene scrap worth $18.8 million (29.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 82 countries. That is 12% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $24.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $18.8M | 29.2K t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 25.5K t |
| 2022 | $24.8M | 27.7K t |
| 2021 | $14.7M | 22.4K t |
| 2020 | $5.9M | 14.5K t |
| 2019 | $10.0M | 17.8K t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 36.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 22.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports polystyrene scrap to
The largest buyer markets were Netherlands (18%), Portugal (16%), Turkey (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+508% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.3M | 18% |
| Portugal | $3.0M | 16% |
| Turkey | $2.5M | 13% |
| Malaysia | $1.5M | 8.2% |
| Spain | $1.5M | 8.2% |
| Belgium | $1.4M | 7.3% |
| Czech Republic | $1.2M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $757K | 4% |
| Austria | $713K | 3.8% |
| Vietnam | $669K | 3.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.64 per kg, close to the world average of $0.56.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polystyrene scrap imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported polystyrene scrap worth $583 thousand (1.0 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Norway accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+98% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | $356K | 61% |
| Italy | $96K | 16% |
| Ireland | $85K | 15% |
| Germany | $17K | 3% |
| Bulgaria | $14K | 2.4% |
| France | $10K | 1.8% |
| United States | $3K | 0.5% |
| Brazil | $1K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom polystyrene scrap exports (HS 3915.20): 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 3915.20: Styrene polymers: waste, parings and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of polystyrene scrap exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported polystyrene scrap worth $18.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 82 countries worldwide, with 10% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy polystyrene scrap from the United Kingdom?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($3.3 million), followed by Portugal (16%) and Turkey (13%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 508% on the year.
What is the average export price of polystyrene scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.64 per kg in 2024, 14% above the world average of $0.56 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of polystyrene scrap from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $18.8 million in 2024, an increase of 101%. The peak was 2022 at $24.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import polystyrene scrap?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $583 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Norway, Italy and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $18.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for polystyrene scrap?
The HS code for polystyrene scrap is subheading 3915.20. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3915 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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