Plastic waste (other) imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported plastic waste (other) worth $254.5 million (372.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 185 countries. Value rose 21% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $254.5M | 372.1K t |
| 2023 | $209.5M | 336.4K t |
| 2022 | $247.5M | 312.0K t |
| 2021 | $224.6M | 333.7K t |
| 2020 | $159.4M | 310.2K t |
| 2019 | $177.2M | 293.5K t |
| 2018 | $191.7M | 336.8K t |
| 2017 | $168.6M | 317.1K t |
Where the United States imports plastic waste (other) from
The largest suppliers were Canada (23%), Thailand (17%), Japan (15%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+200% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $57.3M | 23% |
| Thailand | $42.0M | 17% |
| Japan | $39.3M | 15% |
| Mexico | $30.4M | 12% |
| Indonesia | $20.9M | 8.2% |
| Honduras | $10.7M | 4.2% |
| Nigeria | $8.4M | 3.3% |
| Taiwan | $8.4M | 3.3% |
| China | $4.2M | 1.6% |
| India | $4.1M | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, 58% above the world average of $0.43. 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.
Plastic waste (other) exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported plastic waste (other) worth $157.2 million (354.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 170 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Canada (34%), Mexico (25%), Malaysia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Vietnam grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $53.9M | 34% |
| Mexico | $40.1M | 26% |
| Malaysia | $18.4M | 12% |
| Thailand | $16.3M | 10% |
| Vietnam | $3.2M | 2.1% |
| Guatemala | $2.5M | 1.6% |
| Hong Kong | $2.5M | 1.6% |
| Germany | $2.2M | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $1.7M | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $1.6M | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States plastic waste (other) imports (HS 3915.90): 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 3915.90: Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915: waste, parings and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic waste (other) imported by the United States?
The United States imported plastic waste (other) worth $254.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 372.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 185 countries worldwide, with 15% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic waste (other) to the United States?
Canada was the largest supplier with 23% of the value ($57.3 million), followed by Thailand (17%) and Japan (15%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 200% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic waste (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 58% above the world average of $0.43 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic waste (other) to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $168.6 million in 2017 to $254.5 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $204.1 million a year.
Does the United States also export plastic waste (other)?
Yes. The United States exported $157.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and Malaysia. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $97.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic waste (other)?
The HS code for plastic waste (other) is subheading 3915.90. 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?
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 plastic waste (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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