Expandable polystyrene beads imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported expandable polystyrene beads worth $381.4 million (187.6 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 173 countries. That is 4% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $601.5 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 | $381.4M | 187.6K t |
| 2023 | $368.3M | 181.2K t |
| 2022 | $601.5M | 234.1K t |
| 2021 | $462.4M | 222.3K t |
| 2020 | $295.4M | 209.2K t |
| 2019 | $353.9M | 205.4K t |
| 2018 | $419.3M | 220.2K t |
| 2017 | $373.0M | 201.9K t |
Where the United States imports expandable polystyrene beads from
The largest suppliers were Mexico (35%), Canada (33%), Bahamas (15%). Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $132.7M | 35% |
| Canada | $127.7M | 34% |
| Bahamas | $55.9M | 15% |
| Taiwan | $40.2M | 11% |
| South Korea | $22.6M | 5.9% |
| Argentina | $665K | 0.2% |
| China | $515K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $257K | 0.1% |
| France | $189K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $154K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.03 per kg, close to the world average of $1.73.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Expandable polystyrene beads exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported expandable polystyrene beads worth $163.9 million (77.6 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 99 countries. Mexico alone took 68% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+231% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $112.3M | 69% |
| Canada | $14.9M | 9.1% |
| China | $13.3M | 8.1% |
| Hong Kong | $5.4M | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $3.9M | 2.4% |
| Guatemala | $3.7M | 2.2% |
| Colombia | $1.9M | 1.1% |
| Ecuador | $1.2M | 0.7% |
| Argentina | $779K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $615K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States expandable polystyrene beads imports (HS 3903.11): 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 3903.11: Styrene polymers: expansible polystyrene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of expandable polystyrene beads imported by the United States?
The United States imported expandable polystyrene beads worth $381.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 187.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 173 countries worldwide, with 10% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply expandable polystyrene beads to the United States?
Mexico was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($132.7 million), followed by Canada (33%) and the Bahamas (15%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 48% on the year.
What is the average import price of expandable polystyrene beads per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.03 per kg in 2024, 17% above the world average of $1.73 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of expandable polystyrene beads to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $373.0 million in 2017 to $381.4 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2022 at $601.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $406.9 million a year.
Does the United States also export expandable polystyrene beads?
Yes. The United States exported $163.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mexico, Canada and China. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $217.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for expandable polystyrene beads?
The HS code for expandable polystyrene beads is subheading 3903.11. 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?
Shipment-level records for the United States 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 expandable polystyrene beads trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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