U.S.: Plastic Bag Market 2024

Plastic Bag Market Size in the U.S.

In 2022, the U.S. plastic bag market increased by 0.3% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Plastic bag consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Plastic Bag Production in the U.S.

In value terms, plastic bag production fell to $X in 2022. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 6.5% against the previous year. Plastic bag production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Plastic Bag Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2022, the amount of plastic sacks and bags exported from the United States expanded significantly to X tons, increasing by 5.8% against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, plastic bag exports expanded significantly to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 17% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Canada (X tons), Mexico (X tons) and the Dominican Republic (X tons) were the main destinations of plastic bag exports from the United States, with a combined 78% share of total exports. Costa Rica, France and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 4.8%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Costa Rica (with a CAGR of +12.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($X), Mexico ($X) and the Dominican Republic ($X) were the largest markets for plastic bag exported from the United States worldwide, together accounting for 68% of total exports. France, Costa Rica and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 5.2%.

Among the main countries of destination, France, with a CAGR of +12.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average plastic bag export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 4.2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.0%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 28% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to France ($X per ton) and the Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Mexico ($X per ton) and Canada ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Plastic Bag Imports

Imports into the U.S.

Plastic bag imports into the United States stood at X tons in 2022, increasing by 3.5% against 2021 figures. Overall, total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +2.0% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 27%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, plastic bag imports rose notably to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 14% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Mexico (X tons) and Canada (X tons) were the main suppliers of plastic bag imports to the United States, together accounting for 57% of total imports. Vietnam, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Taiwan (Chinese) and South Korea lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +29.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest plastic bag suppliers to the United States were China ($X), Canada ($X) and Mexico ($X), together accounting for 53% of total imports. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan (Chinese) and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +30.9%, saw 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

In 2022, the average plastic bag import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 9.2% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+6.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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