Global plastic waste export volume 2023, by country

In 2023, Germany was the world's largest plastic waste exporter, with shipments totaling over 693 thousand metric tons. The UK ranked second that year, with exports amounting to some 615 thousand tons. Seven out of the top 10 plastic exporters that year were located in Europe.

Trends in plastic waste exports

In 2022, global plastic exports were estimated at some four million metric tons, the lowest figure recorded in over a decade. Exports have decreased significantly in the past decade, from more than 15 million metric tons in 2010. This was a result of stricter regulations on the quality of waste allowed to be exported and the imposition of a series of import bans across the world - the latter mainly in Asian countries who historically received the bulk of global plastic waste exports.

Where does plastic waste end up?

Nowadays, plastic waste flows are mostly intraregional. Since China’s ban on plastic waste imports in 2018, Turkey has emerged as the leading destination for plastic waste exports form the European Union, receiving some 315 thousand metric tons in 2023. Meanwhile, plastic waste exports from Japan – the third largest exporter worldwide - were mainly directed to Malaysia and Vietnam. Globally, the Netherlands and Turkey were the largest plastic waste importers in 2023.