Polyethylene scrap exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
The United States exported $123.1 million of polyethylene scrap in 2024 (200.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 133 countries. That is 26% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $207.0 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 | $123.1M | 200.3K t |
| 2023 | $98.0M | 230.6K t |
| 2022 | $117.5M | 233.4K t |
| 2021 | $125.3M | 271.3K t |
| 2020 | $93.8M | 295.1K t |
| 2019 | $93.0M | 242.5K t |
| 2018 | $118.4M | 291.8K t |
| 2017 | $207.0M | 540.7K t |
Where the United States exports polyethylene scrap to
The largest buyer markets were Vietnam (45%), Malaysia (17%), India (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Vietnam grew fastest (+221% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $55.0M | 45% |
| Malaysia | $20.8M | 17% |
| India | $17.6M | 14% |
| Canada | $8.5M | 6.9% |
| Indonesia | $5.1M | 4.1% |
| Mexico | $3.3M | 2.7% |
| Taiwan | $2.4M | 2% |
| El Salvador | $2.4M | 2% |
| Turkey | $1.2M | 1% |
| Thailand | $1.0M | 0.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.61 per kg, 56% above the world average of $0.39. 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.
Polyethylene scrap imports to the United States
The United States imported $40.1 million of polyethylene scrap in 2024 (66.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 130 countries for imports of this product. One supplier dominates: Canada accounted for 57% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $22.8M | 57% |
| Mexico | $8.7M | 22% |
| India | $3.1M | 7.7% |
| Philippines | $2.3M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $669K | 1.7% |
| Dominican Republic | $407K | 1% |
| Nicaragua | $346K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $275K | 0.7% |
| El Salvador | $250K | 0.6% |
| New Zealand | $163K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States polyethylene scrap exports (HS 3915.10): 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 3915.10: Ethylene polymers: waste, parings and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene scrap exported by the United States?
The United States exported polyethylene scrap worth $123.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 200.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 133 countries worldwide, with 11% of world exports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries buy polyethylene scrap from the United States?
Vietnam was the largest buyer with 45% of the value ($55.0 million), followed by Malaysia (17%) and India (14%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 54 buyer countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 221% on the year.
What is the average export price of polyethylene scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.61 per kg in 2024, 56% above the world average of $0.39 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of polyethylene scrap from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $207.0 million in 2017 to $123.1 million in 2024, a fall of 41%. The peak was 2017 at $207.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $122.0 million a year.
Does the United States also import polyethylene scrap?
Yes. The United States imported $40.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Canada, Mexico and India. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $83.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene scrap?
The HS code for polyethylene scrap is subheading 3915.10. 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?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, 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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