Top Plastic Waste Exporters & Suppliers Data | Plastic Waste Export by Country 2025

The global plastic waste trade has changed more in the last seven years than in the previous three decades combined. What was once a fast-growing and loosely regulated international market peaked in 2017 and then sharply contracted after major policy shifts, most notably China’s import ban. As of 2024–25, plastic waste exports still exist at scale, but volumes are lower, trade routes are narrower, & compliance requirements are far stricter. According to the global trade data and plastic waste export data, the total value of plastic waste exports reached $3.15 billion in 2024, a 1% decline from the previous year.

This blog provides a detailed, data-driven overview of the top plastic waste exporters and suppliers, explains how global plastic waste exports are structured today, and examines what the 2024–25 outlook looks like by country and region.

Global Plastic Waste Export Overview (2024–25)

Plastic waste exports are measured primarily under the HS Code 3915, which includes waste, scrap, and parings of plastics. This category covers post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste, including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, and mixed plastic fractions.

Key Global Metrics

• Peak year: 2017

• Peak export volume: 12–13 million metric tons

• 2022–23 export volume: 6–7 million metric tons

• Overall decline since peak: 45–50%

While 2024 and early 2025 data show some stabilization, exports remain far below pre-2018 levels. The decline reflects a structural change rather than a temporary dip, as per the plastic waste trade report.

Why Global Exports Fell

1. China’s import ban (2018): Eliminated the world’s largest destination market overnight

2. Shift to Southeast Asia: Short-term rerouting followed by new import restrictions

3. Basel Convention plastic amendments: Added consent and compliance requirements

4. Higher contamination standards: Reduced acceptance of low-quality waste

5. Rising domestic recycling investment: Especially in Europe and North America

Despite the overall decline, the plastic waste trade has not disappeared. Instead, it has become more selective, more regional, and more quality-driven.

Plastic Waste Exports by Country: Top Plastic Waste Exporting Countries

Plastic waste exports by country reveal the top plastic waste exporting nations globally. These countries play a significant role in the global waste management landscape. Understanding the key players in plastic waste exports can highlight areas for improvement in waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan are among the leaders in exporting plastic waste. The top 10 plastic waste exporting countries, as per the plastic waste shipment data for 2024-25, include: 

1. United Kingdom: $317.78 million (10.1%)

The United Kingdom is a major player in the global plastic waste export market, with over $317 million worth of plastic waste exported annually. While this may seem like a lucrative business, the environmental consequences of exporting plastic waste are severe. Many developing countries that import plastic waste lack the infrastructure to handle it properly, leading to widespread pollution and environmental degradation.

2. Japan: $301.15 million (9.5%)

Japan is another top plastic waste exporting country, sending over $301 million worth of plastic waste to other nations, as per the data on Japan Plastic waste exports by HS code. Despite Japan's advanced waste management systems, the country still relies on exporting its plastic waste to alleviate domestic pressures. However, this practice comes at a high cost to the environment, as much of the exported plastic waste ends up polluting oceans and harming marine life.

3. Germany: $288.98 million (9.2%)

Germany is known for its strong recycling culture, but the country still exported nearly $289 million worth of plastic waste in 2024-25. While Germany has made strides in waste management, the volume of plastic waste being exported raises concerns about the environmental impact. As one of the top plastic waste exporting countries, Germany must reconsider its waste management strategies to prioritize sustainability.

4. USA: $264.30 million (8.4%)

The United States is one of the largest plastic waste exporters globally, shipping over $264 million worth of plastic waste in 2024-25, as per the Plastic Waste Export Data of the USA by HS code. The reliance on exporting plastic waste highlights the need for improved domestic recycling infrastructure. As the world's leading consumer of plastic, the USA plays a significant role in shaping global waste management practices.

5. Netherlands: $236.31 million (7.5%)

The Netherlands is a key player in the plastic waste export market, with over $236 million worth of plastic waste exported. Despite the country's reputation for innovative environmental policies, the exportation of plastic waste raises concerns about sustainability. As the Netherlands strives to become a circular economy, reducing plastic waste exports should be a top priority.

6. Belgium: $162.63 million (5.2%)

Belgium is a significant exporter of plastic waste, sending over $162 million worth of plastic waste to other countries. While Belgium has made progress in waste management, the reliance on exporting plastic waste undermines local recycling efforts. To address this issue, Belgium must invest in domestic recycling infrastructure and reduce its dependence on plastic waste exports.

7. France: $123.57 million (3.9%)

France is a notable plastic waste exporter, with over $123 million worth of plastic waste shipped annually. While France has implemented strict recycling regulations, the exportation of plastic waste raises questions about the effectiveness of these policies. To combat plastic pollution effectively, France must prioritize domestic recycling and reduce reliance on exporting plastic waste.

8. Canada: $99.85 million (3.2%)

Canada is a significant player in the global plastic waste export market, with nearly $100 million worth of plastic waste exported each year. Despite Canada's commitment to sustainability, the exportation of plastic waste poses challenges to environmental protection. To align with its environmental goals, Canada must reduce plastic waste exports and focus on sustainable waste management practices.

9. Thailand: $88.42 million (2.8%)

Thailand is a growing plastic waste exporter, sending over $88 million worth of plastic waste to other countries annually. While Thailand has made efforts to improve waste management, the exportation of plastic waste remains a contentious issue. To address this, Thailand must enhance domestic recycling infrastructure and reduce reliance on exporting plastic waste.

10. Philippines: $88.31 million (2.8%)

The Philippines is a key player in the plastic waste export market, with over $88 million worth of plastic waste exported each year, as per the customs data on Philippines plastic waste exports by HS code. Despite efforts to enforce strict waste regulations, the exportation of plastic waste poses challenges to environmental sustainability. To protect the environment and public health, the Philippines must prioritize domestic recycling and reduce plastic waste exports.

Top Plastic Waste Exporters & Suppliers: Global Plastic Waste Exporter Database

The Global Plastic Waste Exporter Database provides a comprehensive resource for businesses seeking to connect with reputable suppliers worldwide. This database serves as a valuable tool for companies seeking to source plastic waste from reliable exporters, ensuring quality and sustainability in their supply chain. The leading plastic waste exporter companies, as per the plastic waste exporters data & plastic waste suppliers list for 2024-25, include: 

Plastic Waste Exports in the Last 10 Years: Historical Plastic Waste Export Data

Plastic Waste Export by Region

Europe (EU + UK)

• Largest exporting region overall

• Strong internal trade flows

• High regulatory oversight

• Increasing restrictions on exports outside OECD

Europe’s plastic waste exports are increasingly regional rather than global, as per the Europe trade data.

North America

• The United States and Canada dominate

• Cleaner waste streams

• Strong PET trade

• Exports are tied closely to market pricing

Asia-Pacific

• Japan dominates exports

• South Korea exports limited volumes

• Australia exports small but growing quantities due to limited domestic capacity

Types of Plastic Waste Traded Internationally

High-Value Plastics

• PET bottles

• HDPE containers

• Clean industrial scrap

These remain actively traded in 2024–25.

Low-Value Plastics

• Mixed plastics

• Contaminated films

• Multi-layer packaging

Trade in these categories has declined sharply.

Environmental and Social Concerns

Plastic waste exports raise several persistent issues:

1. Environmental leakage

2. Informal recycling

3. Worker health risks

4. Illegal dumping

5. Mislabeling and smuggling

These concerns have driven many policy reforms globally.

Regulatory Landscape (2024–25)

• Stricter enforcement of plastic waste shipment rules

• Prior informed consent requirements

• Growing bans on imports in Southeast Asia

• Increased inspections and shipment rejections

Exporters now face higher compliance costs and reputational risk.

Market Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Key Trends

• Continued decline in low-grade plastic waste exports

• Growth in domestic recycling capacity

• Higher demand for recycled content in packaging

• Shift toward circular economy models

Plastic waste exports will not return to 2017 levels. Instead, the market is evolving into a smaller, higher-quality, compliance-driven trade system.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Plastic waste exports remain a significant part of the global recycling economy, but the rules of the game have changed. In 2024–25:

• Japan, the United States, and major European countries dominate exports

• Volumes are lower, but standards are higher

• Trade is more regional and selective

• Policy, not price alone, shapes the market

For suppliers, traders, policymakers, and sustainability professionals, understanding who exports plastic waste, where it goes, and why is essential for navigating the future of global plastic waste management.

For more information on the latest global trade data, or to search live data on plastic waste exports by country, visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for customized trade reports, market insights, & a verified database of the top plastic waste exporters, as per your requirements.