Global and Turkish Plastic Raw Material Trade
Introduction Plastic raw materials form the foundation of a wide array of industries globally, from packaging and automotive to healthcare and construction. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the plastic raw material trade, focusing particularly on Turkey’s import-export dynamics, usage areas, classification of plastic materials, and the increasing importance of plastic recycling. Additionally, the strategic significance of ATABAS GRUP in this market will be highlighted.
Turkey’s Plastic Raw Material Trade Overview
Turkey is heavily dependent on plastic raw material imports due to limited local petrochemical production. The country imports a wide range of plastic polymers mainly for processing and re-export in the form of finished or semi-finished products. With growing demand across key industries, the market continues to evolve with significant trading partners and logistics hubs.
Annual Import & Export Figures (2024)
| Year | Import Volume (Tons) | Import Value (USD Billion) | Export Volume (Tons) | Export Value (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.5 million | 12.4 | 1.1 million | 2.3 |
Countries Turkey Imports From
| Country | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 18% |
| South Korea | 15% |
| Germany | 12% |
| USA | 10% |
| Belgium | 9% |
| Others | 36% |
Countries Turkey Exports To
| Country | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Iraq | 14% |
| Germany | 12% |
| Italy | 10% |
| United Kingdom | 9% |
| Romania | 8% |
| Others | 47% |
Applications and Industry Demand
Plastics are integrated into nearly every industrial sector. Understanding their usage offers insight into market demand and innovation potential.
Main Usage Areas of Plastic Raw Materials
| Industry | Description |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Used in flexible and rigid packaging for food, beverages, and goods. |
| Construction | Pipes, insulation, flooring, window profiles. |
| Automotive | Interior parts, bumpers, dashboards, cable insulations. |
| Electrical & Electronics | Insulation, circuit boards, connectors. |
| Agriculture | Greenhouse films, irrigation systems, packaging. |
| Healthcare | Syringes, tubing, packaging, medical device housing. |
| Textiles | Fiber production, nonwovens, and composite materials. |
Plastic Raw Materials: Categories and Characteristics
The wide variety of plastic types allows industries to select materials based on cost-efficiency, durability, flexibility, and recyclability.
Common Plastic Types
| Type | Abbreviation | Properties | Usage Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | PE | Flexible, moisture-resistant, low-cost | Packaging, films, containers |
| Polypropylene | PP | Rigid, chemical and heat resistant | Automotive, textiles, packaging |
| PVC | PVC | Durable, weather-resistant | Pipes, cables, medical equipment |
| PET | PET | Strong, transparent, barrier properties | Bottles, food containers |
| PS | PS | Lightweight, rigid, brittle | Disposable cutlery, insulation |
| ABS | ABS | Tough, impact resistant | Automotive, electronics, toys |
| Polycarbonate | PC | Transparent, impact-resistant | Optical discs, eyewear, electronics |
Number of Plastic Types by Category
| Category | Number of Types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastics | 20+ | PE, PP, PVC, PET, PC, ABS |
| Thermosetting plastics | 10+ | Epoxy, Phenolic, Melamine |
| Bioplastics | 5+ | PLA, PHA, Starch blends |
Plastic Recycling and Circular Economy Trends
In recent years, plastic recycling has gained traction due to environmental concerns, legislative pressure, and consumer expectations. Consequently, industries are adopting more sustainable production models.
Types of Plastic Recycling
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Recycling | Physical reprocessing (shredding, melting, reforming). |
| Chemical Recycling | Depolymerization back into monomers for reuse. |
| Energy Recovery | Incineration to generate energy. |
Recycled Plastic Applications
| Industry | Recycled Usage Areas |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Non-food containers, shipping materials. |
| Construction | Plastic lumber, insulation. |
| Automotive | Inner panels, trims, wheel arch liners. |
| Textiles | Recycled PET (rPET) fibers in clothing and industrial fabrics. |
ATABAS GRUP’s Strategic Importance in the Plastic Raw Material Market
ATABAS GRUP, with over two decades of experience in international trade and logistics, plays a pivotal role in the plastic raw material supply chain. Moreover, by leveraging its strong global supplier network and advanced logistics capabilities, ATABAS GRUP ensures timely and cost-effective delivery of high-quality plastic raw materials to manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Thanks to its reputation for reliability, transparency, and solution-oriented trade strategies, it has become a preferred partner for many industrial clients. In addition, the company’s deep market knowledge, commitment to sustainability—including integration of recycled materials—and multilingual communication capability further enhance its position as a market leader in plastic raw material trade.
Conclusion
Plastic raw materials continue to be a backbone of industrial production worldwide. As Turkey seeks to strengthen its export capacity, reduce import dependency, and align with global sustainability goals, companies like ATABAS GRUP are instrumental in creating a more balanced, efficient, and circular plastic trade ecosystem. Ultimately, the future of plastic lies not only in innovation but also in collaboration and environmental responsibility.