- Global Trade Update (August 2025): Mobilising trade to curb plastic pollution2.06 MB
Plastics have fuelled global growth across various industries, but at an increasing environmental, economic, and social cost.
Today, plastic pollution represents a systemic and transboundary crisis, disproportionately affecting developing countries that have limited capacity for waste management.
$1.1-trillion in plastic trade, but 75% ends up as waste
In 2023, global plastic production reached 436 million metric tons, while trade in plastics surpassed $1.1-trillion, accounting for 5% of global merchandise trade. However, 75% of all plastic ever produced has become waste, much of which leaks into oceans and ecosystems.
This growing imbalance threatens public health, food systems, ecosystems, and long-term development, especially in small island and coastal nations.
Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development
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