The 2020 data shows the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany as the top importers of extra-EU27 plastic waste. Among them, Spain experienced the highest increase in 2023, with a jump of nearly 19%. Countries like Slovakia and Greece also showed significant growth, whereas Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Estonia saw a decline in their imports. Notably, Cyprus saw a dramatic increase of 66.6%, but from a low base. To spot longer trends, countries like Austria and Sweden showed consistent growth over the past few years, positioning them as key players in this import segment.
Looking forward, the European plastics waste market may increasingly focus on circular economy initiatives, which could alter the volume and direction of imports. Countries leading in recycling technologies might see a reduction in imports, whereas those with less developed capabilities might continue to import heavily. Legislative changes and sustainability pressures will further influence these trends in the plastic waste sector across Europe.
Top countries in Plastics Waste Imports Extra-EU27 (2020) by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Thousand Euros | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Netherlands | 51,540 | 2023 | +2.72% | +4.52% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Spain | 49,210 | 2023 | +25.17% | +18.82% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Germany | 47,480 | 2023 | +10.13% | +5.96% | View data |
| 4 | 4 France | 38,160 | 2023 | +12.93% | +4.29% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Belgium | 31,390 | 2023 | +8.19% | +3.99% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Ireland | 20,320 | 2023 | +13.05% | +4.62% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Poland | 15,870 | 2023 | +14.04% | +12.97% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Sweden | 13,770 | 2023 | +6.63% | +13.5% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Italy | 13,660 | 2023 | +4.55% | -5.34% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Latvia | 7,640 | 2023 | +4.54% | +1.29% | View data |
