European Total Waste Extra-EU28 Imports Share by Country (Metric Tons)

The leading importers of total waste from extra-EU28 countries in 2023 were Germany, Netherlands, and Greece, with Germany accounting for the largest share. Year-on-year, Germany showed a slight decrease, while Netherlands and Greece experienced increases in import shares. Other notable changes included significant declines for Italy, France, and Spain. Smaller countries like Poland and Ireland showed substantial growth in their import shares. Over the last five years, Germany saw a decline in imports, while Greece and the Netherlands increased their share steadily.

Future trends to watch include potential shifts in waste importation due to evolving environmental policies and economic conditions. Increased regulations and sustainability measures could impact the volume and distribution of imports, potentially benefiting countries that are adopting greener waste processing technologies. Monitoring the impact of technological advancements and international trade agreements will be crucial.