Environnement et commerce associé

Data insights

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The intersection of international trade and environmental sustainability has become increasingly important in shaping global economic policies. The trade of goods that impact natural ecosystems plays a crucial role in either preserving or degrading our planet’s resources. This collection of thematic insights explores key areas where trade and the environment intersect, shedding light on the dynamics of environmentally related trade

Primary forms still dominate global plastics exports, but final manufactured plastic goods continue to gain ground

Global exports of plastics, millions of metric tons

UN Trade and Development, UNCTADstat.

Data refer to plastic products and products containing plastics as identified in this classification by UN Trade and Development jointly with the Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS) at the Geneva Graduate Institute, based on HS codes.

See metadata.

Plastics exports remained relatively resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew significantly in 2021. Although exports declined in 2022 and 2023, they recovered in 2024, reaching 337 million tons (MT), compared with 322 MT in 2019.

The main driver of the longer-term shift was final manufactured plastic goods, whose exports increased from 81 MT in 2019 to 95 MT in 2024, raising their share from 25.1% to 28.3% of global plastics exports. By contrast, plastics in primary forms, while still constituting the largest share, declined slightly in volume, from 177 MT in 2019 to 173 MT in 2024, with their share falling from 54.9% to 51.4%. This points to a gradual shift in global trade towards more processed and final plastic products.

Data updated on 4 Sep 2026

Developed economies remain major net exporters of plastic waste globally

Trade balance of plastic waste, millions of dollars

UN Trade and Development, UNCTADstat.

Data refer to plastic products and products containing plastics as identified in this classification by UN Trade and Development jointly with the Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS) at the Geneva Graduate Institute, based on HS codes.

See metadata.

Despite efforts to reduce international plastic waste trade, developed economies remained net exporters of plastic waste in 2024, with a trade surplus of $549 million. In contrast, developing economies recorded a trade deficit of $235 million.

The value of the trade balance has changed substantially over time. Developed economies’ surplus peaked at around $3.1 billion in 2011, before declining markedly over the following decade. After reaching a low of $458 million in 2022, the surplus increased to $737 million in 2023 before narrowing to $549 million in 2024. This suggests that, while developed economies remain net exporters, the value gap in plastic waste trade between developed and developing economies has narrowed considerably.

Data updated on 4 Sep 2026

Metadonnées

This statistical series offers insights into global plastic trade patterns, but it is still in its experimental phase and requires refinement. Labeled as experimental, ongoing testing and development may result in some uncertainties. The user's feedback is crucial for enhancing accuracy and reliability. Additionally, note that volume data reports may have discrepancies, requiring careful analysis, especially at the country level. 

The hierarchy table used for the aggregation of Harmonized-System six-digit codes and subheading descriptions to the categories of product groups of the plastics trade across the plastics life cycle are is available on our Classifications page.

Full metadata are available in our Data Centre for Plastics trade by partner, annual (experimental).

More data insights

Commerce international
Économie, finance
Transport maritime et autre
Économie numérique et tech
Population, inclusivité