Global plastics trade: trends and non-plastic substitutes
Global trade in plastics reached US$1.2 trillion in 2024, making plastics one of the most widely traded categories of goods in the world economy. UNCTADstat's plastics trade datasets — covering primary plastics, semi-finished products, and plastic-containing manufactured goods — reveal the complex geography of this trade and the emerging market for substitutes.
Asia dominates both production and export of plastics. China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan together account for nearly 40% of global primary plastics exports. Importing economies are more evenly distributed, with significant demand in North America, Europe, and increasingly in developing Asia. Intra-Asian trade in plastics intermediates — feeding into electronics, automotive, and textile value chains — represents the fastest-growing segment.
The plastics treaty negotiations under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) are creating measurable shifts in trade patterns ahead of any legally binding agreement. Several European Union economies have already reduced plastic packaging imports by 15-20% since 2022 as companies anticipate regulatory change. The data shows accelerated substitution towards paper, glass, and biobased materials in high-income markets.
UNCTAD's new dataset on non-plastic substitutes tracks trade in paper and paperboard packaging, glass containers, natural fibre textiles, and biobased polymers. Combined, these categories grew by 11% in 2024 — roughly double the rate of overall merchandise trade growth. The fastest growth is in biobased polymers derived from agricultural feedstocks, though from a small base.
For developing economies, the transition away from plastics presents both risks and opportunities. Countries that export plastics and plastic-intensive goods face potential demand contraction from regulatory changes in major importing markets. However, the growing market for natural fibre products, sustainable packaging, and recycled materials creates openings for exporters of agricultural commodities and recycling-capable manufacturers. UNCTAD recommends that trade-related adjustments be incorporated into national plastic treaty action plans to ensure equitable outcomes.
Datasets used in this analysis
