Polystyrene scrap exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United States exported polystyrene scrap worth $22.3 million (31.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 82 countries. That is 16% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $46.5 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 | $22.3M | 31.1K t |
| 2023 | $26.4M | 28.3K t |
| 2022 | $22.6M | 23.4K t |
| 2021 | $32.0M | 40.0K t |
| 2020 | $36.5M | 56.6K t |
| 2019 | $32.6M | 51.6K t |
| 2018 | $28.0M | 37.8K t |
| 2017 | $46.5M | 92.9K t |
Where the United States exports polystyrene scrap to
Most of it went to Spain (32%), Canada (24%), Thailand (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+282% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $7.2M | 32% |
| Canada | $5.4M | 24% |
| Thailand | $2.3M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $1.5M | 7% |
| Czech Republic | $1.2M | 5.2% |
| Belgium | $1.2M | 5.2% |
| Portugal | $993K | 4.5% |
| Mexico | $797K | 3.6% |
| Colombia | $259K | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $251K | 1.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.72 per kg, 29% above the world average of $0.56. 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 scrap imports to the United States
The United States imported $2.1 million of polystyrene scrap in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Mexico alone supplied 56% of it. Among the main suppliers, Dominican Republic grew fastest (+758% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $1.1M | 56% |
| Canada | $815K | 40% |
| Dominican Republic | $87K | 4.2% |
| Oman | $8K | 0.4% |
| Spain | $3K | 0.2% |
| China | $2K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $1K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States 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 States?
The United States exported polystyrene scrap worth $22.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 82 countries worldwide, with 11% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy polystyrene scrap from the United States?
Spain was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($7.2 million), followed by Canada (24%) and Thailand (10%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 31 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 282% on the year.
What is the average export price of polystyrene scrap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.72 per kg in 2024, 29% 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 States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $46.5 million in 2017 to $22.3 million in 2024, a fall of 52%. The peak was 2017 at $46.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $30.9 million a year.
Does the United States also import polystyrene scrap?
Yes. The United States imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $20.2 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?
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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