Trade volume for recyclable PE, styrenics, and PVC has been relatively consistent over the last several years, despite changes in the amount of virgin polymer traded globally, fluctuations in the price of virgin polymer, government restrictions on imports of recyclable material, changing demand by brand owners, new technologies, and other factors. However, trade flows between countries and regions have changed.
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Trends in Recyclable Polypropylene Trade, and Proposed Changes to the Harmonized System (HS)
The volume of recyclable polypropylene that can be identified as traded globally was 862,000 tons in 2023, up 25% from 2022. Western Europe accounted for more than half of the total, based on available statistics.
Global trade volume is currently understated because statistics specifically for recyclable PP are available only for 52 countries. Other countries combine recyclable PP with recyclable PET and other polymers, excluding recyclable PE, styrenics and PVC, that are identified separately. If interested, this can potentially be changed by an appeal to the World Customs Organization.
Continue readingUnderstanding Global Trade in Recyclable PE, Styrenics and PVC
Between 2017 and 2022 the volume of global trade for these materials fell. The two main components of global trade, intra-regional trade plus exports to other regions also dropped, although with important differences by region.
Continue readingThe Volume of Recyclable Polymers Traded Globally Increased in 2021 After Years of Declines
The increase in 2021 was unusual and may have related to virgin polymer shortages.
Continue readingTrends in Global Trade in Recyclable PE, Styrenics, PVC, PET, PP and Others
The volume of global trade in recyclable polymers in 2020 was less than half of what it was five years ago. The amount of recyclable polymer traded fell from 15.3 million tons in 2016, to 7.0 million tons in 2020. The rate of decline slowed markedly in 2019 and 2020
Continue readingTrends in US Exports of Recyclable Polymers
US exports of recyclable polymers fell from nearly 2 million tons in 2016 to 624,000 tons in 2020. The rate of decline slowed from 2018 through 2020 but new US government initiatives to cut greenhouse gases and reduce plastic waste may have an impact.
Continue readingBrazil’s Polymer Trade Sets Multiple Records in 4Qtr 2020
Imports of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and PET all hit new highs during the fourth quarter of 2020, as did imports of film and sheet made from PP, PVC and PET, and even imports of recyclable PVC and PET polymer. Exports during the period, particularly of polyethylene and polypropylene, were at their lowest levels in over five years.
Continue readingMajor Trends in Recyclable PVC World Trade
The volume of recyclable PVC traded globally has fallen by over 60% over the last five years, from nearly 900,000 tons in 2016 to 340,000 tons projected for year-end 2020.
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