A new report from IndexBox reveals significant growth in the global market for sacks and bags made from Ethylene Polymers. With a market volume projected to reach 98 million tons and a value of $332.7 billion by 2035, the industry continues to see robust demand and production, driven largely by Russia, which dominates the sector.

Market Overview

In 2024, the global consumption of sacks and bags made from Ethylene Polymers stood at 76 million tons, valued at approximately $248.3 billion in nominal wholesale prices. Russia is at the forefront, producing around 36 million tons, which constitutes roughly 48% of the total market. This strong position has allowed Russia to remain the world’s leading consumer and producer of these products.

Projections for Growth Ethylene Polymers

The market for ethylene polymer sacks and bags is anticipated to grow steadily over the next decade. Analysts forecast a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2024 to 2035 in terms of volume, while the value is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7%, reaching $332.7 billion by 2035. The demand for these products is driven by a variety of factors including increased consumption and evolving trade dynamics.

Consumption Patterns

Global Consumption Trends

In 2024, global consumption showed a mild increase of 1.5% from the previous year. Historically, the average annual growth rate from 2013 to 2024 was 2.7%. Despite fluctuations in consumption—peaking at 78 million tons in 2022—the general trend indicates steady demand.

Notably, the value of the market remained stable at $248.3 billion in 2024, following peak revenues of $250 billion in 2022. The dynamics of consumption show some variability due to global economic conditions and regional demands.

Country-Specific Consumption

Russia leads the consumption landscape with consumption figures reaching 36 million tons, significantly higher than China, the second-largest consumer with 8.9 million tons. India follows with a distant third, consuming 3.4 million tons. Consumption trends reveal that Russia has maintained an average growth rate of 5.8% annually from 2013 to 2024, highlighting a strong domestic demand.

In terms of value, Russia also leads with $104.5 billion, while Japan and China follow with $24.6 billion and a lesser amount, respectively. Per capita consumption shows stark differences, with Russia at the top with 253 kg per person, dwarfing other nations such as Japan (16 kg per person) and the United States (8 kg per person).

Production Landscape

Global Production Overview

In 2024, global production of sacks and bags made of polymers of ethylene reached 76 million tons, a 1.7% increase from the previous year. The growth trajectory has been moderately stable, with an average annual increase of 2.7% from 2013 to 2024.

While production peaked at 78 million tons in 2022, the market saw a decline from then through mid-2024. The total production value also reflected a decline, estimated at $234 billion in 2024. Nevertheless, the production landscape showcases resilience and potential for recovery given the ongoing market demands.

Leading Production Countries

Top production figures are driven by Russia, which produced 36 million tons in 2024 alone, holding a commanding 47% of the global market share. China trails with just 10 million tons, indicating a significant production gap. India’s production reached 3.5 million tons, solidifying its place among the leading producers.

The average annual growth rates for production reflect Russia’s stabilization at 5.8%, while China saw lower growth at 1.0%, and India’s growth stands at 4.5%.

Import Dynamics

Global Import Overview

In 2024, imports of sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene declined marginally by 0.6% to 4.2 million tons, marking the second consecutive year of decline after a phase of growth. The average annual growth from 2013 to 2024 shows a modest rate of 1.3%, with notable fluctuations throughout the years.

Key Importers

The United States remains the largest importer by value, with 884,000 tons imported, accounting for approximately 25% of global imports valued at $3.1 billion. Japan, Germany, and the UK followed as significant importers, contributing to over half of the global import total.

The United States experienced a compounded annual growth rate of 5.2% in its import volume, showcasing robust demand despite recent declines.

Export Movements

Global Export Overview

After two years of decline, shipments of sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene saw a rebound in 2024 with an increase of 2.3%, totaling 4.4 million tons. Exports had peaked at 4.9 million tons in 2021, reflecting a fluctuating trend characterized by a modest 1.3% average annual growth since 2013.

Leading Export Countries

China emerged as the dominant exporter, sending out 1.3 million tons in 2024, which is nearly 30% of the global total. Following China, Vietnam and Thailand contributed 502,000 tons and a smaller portion, respectively. China also leads in export value, equating to $3.7 billion, solidifying its standing in the global supply chain.

Export Price Trends

By 2024, the average export price of ethylene polymer bags registered at $3,001 per ton, slightly down from the previous year. This price stability contrasts with significant fluctuations seen in earlier years. For notable reference, the United States exhibited the highest export price at $5,891 per ton, while Malaysia offered the lowest at $1,836 per ton.

Overall, as the global market for sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene evolves, sustaining demand from key markets like Russia and China, alongside shifting dynamics in consumption and trade, will shape the industry’s trajectory over the coming years.
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