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 there was a slowdown in 2022 and 2023, the total export volume in 2023 was still slightly higher than in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.

The main driver of this growth was final manufactured plastic goods, whose share increased from 25.1% in 2019 to 27.4% in 2023. By contrast, plastics in primary forms, while still constituting the largest share, declined from 54.8% in 2019 to 52.8% in 2023, accounting for 171 million tons. This confirms a gradual shift in global trade from raw to more processed and final plastic products.

Data updated on 4 Aoû 2025

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, accounting for over 80% of global plastic waste exports and 65% of global plastic waste imports in 2023. However, the volume of global plastic waste exports has dropped significantly over the past decade — from 15.3 million tons (MT) in 2012 to 5.4 million tons (MT) in 2023, representing a decrease of 64%.

Data updated on 4 Aoû 2025

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).

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