Skip to main content
Data Hub
Empowering development through data and statistics

Environment and related trade

Data insights

The intersection of international trade and environmental sustainability has become increasingly important in shaping global economic policies. This collection of thematic insights explores key areas where trade and the environment intersect, shedding light on the dynamics of environmentally related trade.

Half of global exports of plastics consist of primary forms, but manufactured plastics is booming

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, the growth in plastics exports remained noteworthy compared to 2019 (+7.2 per cent). The main drivers of this growth were manufactured plastics products, which increased from one-fourth of all exports in 2019 to one third by 2022. Primary forms of plastic still constituted the largest share, accounting for 48 per cent of all plastics exports at 164 million tonnes in 2022. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure was 55 per cent.

Data updated on 1 May 2024

Developed economies continue as 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 per cent of global plastic waste exports in 2022, and 68 per cent of global plastic waste imports. However, the volume of plastic waste exports has declined over the past decade from 15.3 million tons (MT) in 2012 to 5.6 MT in 2022, a decrease of 63 per cent.

Data updated on 1 May 2024

Metadata

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

International trade
Economy, investment and finance
Maritime transport
Digital economy and technology
Population and inclusiveness