Republic of Korea: Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Market 2025

Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Market Size in Republic of Korea

The South Korean non-cellular polyethylene film market declined to $X in 2021, reducing by -2% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated slight growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +3.2% against 2019 indices. Non-cellular polyethylene film consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Production in Republic of Korea

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film production contracted modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2021, the amount of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip exported from South Korea rose slightly to X tons, with an increase of 3.4% against the previous year's figure. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 30%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), China (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of non-cellular polyethylene film exports from South Korea, with a combined 52% share of total exports. Turkey, Taiwan (Chinese), Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Germany, India, Australia and Mexico lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +78.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for non-cellular polyethylene film exported from South Korea were the United States ($X), China ($X) and Turkey ($X), together accounting for 50% of total exports.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +88.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among 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

In 2021, the average non-cellular polyethylene film export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 16% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Myanmar ($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 Vietnam (+6.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

After nine years of growth, purchases abroad of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip decreased by -3.2% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 14%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film imports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +61.6% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 10%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Malaysia (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of non-cellular polyethylene film to South Korea, with a 51% share of total imports. Moreover, non-cellular polyethylene film imports from Malaysia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), twofold. Vietnam (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Malaysia amounted to +10.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+22.4% per year) and Vietnam (+45.7% per year).

In value terms, the largest non-cellular polyethylene film suppliers to South Korea were Malaysia ($X), China ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 77% share of total imports. The United States, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +43.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average non-cellular polyethylene film import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 12% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible curtailment. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+2.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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