Non-Cellular Polyethylene Film Market

The global non-cellular polyethylene film market is anticipated to see growth in consumption, production, imports, and exports over the next eight years. The market performance is forecast to accelerate, with the consumption volume projected to reach 42M tons by 2030. Key countries driving this growth include China, the United States, and India, with significant increases in market value and volume. From 2012 to 2022, the market experienced fluctuations but overall showed a positive trend. China remains the largest producer and exporter of non-cellular polyethylene film, while the United States and Germany are the main importers. Prices have shown slight increases, with the average export price reaching $3,326 per ton in 2022.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 42M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.6% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $145.7B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Non-Cellular Polyethylene Films, Sheets, Foil and Strip

In 2022, global non-cellular polyethylene film consumption declined slightly to 33M tons, waning by -4.2% on the previous year's figure. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the consumption volume increased by 8.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global consumption hit record highs at 35M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The global non-cellular polyethylene film market size fell slightly to $102B in 2022, with a decrease of -4.5% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 9.9% against the previous year. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $106.7B, and then contracted slightly in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (8.2M tons), the United States (4.1M tons) and India (3.5M tons), together accounting for 48% of global consumption. Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Iran, France, Canada, Thailand and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 24%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the key consuming countries, was attained by Canada (with a CAGR of +5.9%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest non-cellular polyethylene film markets worldwide were China ($25.1B), the United States ($17.1B) and India ($8.9B), together accounting for 50% of the global market. Japan, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Canada, France, Spain, Thailand and Iran lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 21%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Canada, with a CAGR of +5.8%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of non-cellular polyethylene film per capita consumption in 2022 were Canada (16 kg per person), the United States (12 kg per person) and Spain (11 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by Canada (with a CAGR of +4.8%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Non-Cellular Polyethylene Films, Sheets, Foil and Strip

In 2022, approx. 33M tons of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip were produced worldwide; declining by -4.6% on the previous year's figure. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 10%. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak volume at 35M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film production shrank modestly to $102.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $111.5B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

China (9.1M tons) remains the largest non-cellular polyethylene film producing country worldwide, comprising approx. 27% of total volume. Moreover, non-cellular polyethylene film production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (3.9M tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by India (3.4M tons), with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China stood at +4.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-0.6% per year) and India (+3.6% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Non-Cellular Polyethylene Films, Sheets, Foil and Strip

In 2022, purchases abroad of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip decreased by -0.1% to 6.4M tons for the first time since 2013, thus ending a eight-year rising trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the period 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 2016 with an increase of 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs at 6.4M tons in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film imports rose significantly to $20.9B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (584K tons), Germany (446K tons) and France (436K tons) was the main importer of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip in the world, mixing up 23% of total import. It was followed by Belgium (287K tons), creating a 4.5% share of total imports. The Netherlands (250K tons), Spain (246K tons), Italy (224K tons), the UK (216K tons), Japan (207K tons), Mexico (195K tons), Poland (172K tons), Canada (166K tons) and Australia (145K tons) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +11.0%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($2.3B), Germany ($1.4B) and France ($1.2B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 23% of global imports. The UK, the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Poland, Japan and Australia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

Spain, with a CAGR of +9.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average non-cellular polyethylene film import price stood at $3,274 per ton in 2022, surging by 5.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a slight expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 17%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($4,576 per ton), while Belgium ($2,492 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+7.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Non-Cellular Polyethylene Films, Sheets, Foil and Strip

In 2022, overseas shipments of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil and strip decreased by -2.3% to 6.6M tons for the first time since 2011, thus ending a ten-year rising trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% 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 2017 when exports increased by 9.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at 6.8M tons in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, non-cellular polyethylene film exports amounted to $21.9B in 2022. In general, total exports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +32.9% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports By Country

China (982K tons) and Germany (725K tons) represented roughly 26% of total exports in 2022. The United States (352K tons) held a 5.3% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Canada (5.1%), Malaysia (5.1%) and Poland (4.6%). Italy (281K tons), Turkey (258K tons), Spain (240K tons), Belgium (219K tons), France (204K tons), the Netherlands (163K tons) and Saudi Arabia (159K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +13.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($3.4B), Germany ($2.6B) and the United States ($1.6B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 35% share of global exports.

In terms of the main exporting countries, China, with a CAGR of +14.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average non-cellular polyethylene film export price stood at $3,326 per ton in 2022, increasing by 8.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($4,652 per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($1,972 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+2.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform