China: Plastic Container Market 2025

Plastic Container Market Size in China

After four years of growth, the Chinese plastic container market decreased by -11.8% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +51.5% against 2016 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then contracted in the following year.

Plastic Container Production in China

In value terms, plastic container production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +61.9% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 33%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then fell in the following year.

Plastic Container Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, overseas shipments of plastic containers decreased by -0.3% to X tons for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year rising trend. In general, exports, however, showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, plastic container exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Hong Kong SAR (X tons) were the main destinations of plastic container exports from China, with a combined 30% share of total exports. Taiwan (Chinese), Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Indonesia (with a CAGR of +21.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), South Korea ($X) and Malaysia ($X) constituted the largest markets for plastic container exported from China worldwide, together accounting for 33% of total exports. Japan, Taiwan (Chinese), Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 40%.

Indonesia, with a CAGR of +30.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average plastic container export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 21% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.9%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to South Korea (+11.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Plastic Container Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, approx. X tons of plastic containers were imported into China; dropping by -4.1% against the previous year's figure. Overall, imports continue to indicate a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 6.5% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, plastic container imports expanded notably to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a pronounced decline. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

South Korea (X tons), Japan (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) were the main suppliers of plastic container imports to China, with a combined 70% share of total imports. These countries were followed by the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark and Hong Kong SAR, which together accounted for a further 25%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +35.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X), South Korea ($X) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) appeared to be the largest plastic container suppliers to China, together accounting for 69% of total imports. These countries were followed by the United States, Malaysia, Germany, Thailand, Denmark, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong SAR, which together accounted for a further 24%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Denmark, with a CAGR of +28.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average plastic container import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 18% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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