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Monitoring trade in plastic waste and scrap 2026

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  • OECD

Abstract

This paper forms part of a series of annual OECD monitoring reports that track developments in plastic waste and scrap trade and identify trends that may warrant policy attention. Incorporating trade data for 2024, the analysis shows that global trade volumes continued to decline, recording the largest year-on year decrease since 2020, while intra-regional trade became increasingly important. At the same time, exports from OECD to non-OECD countries continued to increase, extending the rebound observed in 2023 and reversing part of the decline that followed the introduction of international controls in 2021. Several OECD countries continued to export a large share of their plastic waste and scrap to non-OECD destinations, notably Malaysia, Viet Nam and Indonesia. The analysis also highlights a continued value gap between intra-OECD trade and exports to non-OECD countries, with the former commanding higher average prices. Overall, the findings underline the importance of continued monitoring of evolving trade patterns and destination countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Oecd, 2026. "Monitoring trade in plastic waste and scrap 2026," OECD Environment Working Papers 279, OECD Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:oec:envaaa:279-en
    DOI: 10.1787/54500067-en
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    JEL classification:

    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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