Plastic waste exports in Ethiopia
Ethiopia: Plastic waste exports was 3,161 tonnes in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Plastic waste exports in Ethiopia, 2004–2023
Source: United Nations Comtrade Database (2025); United Nations Comtrade Database (2023) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in tonnes.
Analysis
In 2023, plastic waste exports in Ethiopia stood at 3,161 tonnes.
The figure is down 56.7% on the previous year and up 405.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, plastic waste exports in Ethiopia peaked at 7,304 tonnes in 2022 and was at its lowest, 57 tonnes, in 2008.
Ethiopia ranks 72nd of 167 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 397.85 tonnes | 57 tonnes | 1,286 tonnes | 4 |
| 2010s | 2,539 tonnes | 180.93 tonnes | 5,262 tonnes | 10 |
| 2020s | 5,522 tonnes | 3,161 tonnes | 7,304 tonnes | 4 |
Countries ranked near Ethiopia
More environment data for Ethiopia
- Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF 192.7 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF per capita 1.46 t CO2e/capita (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Agriculture 87.11 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Building (Energy) 12.61 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Fugitive Emissions (Energy) 18.3 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Industrial Combustion (Energy) 0.0131 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions (total) excluding LULUCF 131.63 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Power Industry (Energy) 0 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Transport (Energy) 0.0409 Mt CO2e (2024)
- Methane (CH4) emissions from Waste 13.56 Mt CO2e (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is plastic waste exports in Ethiopia?
- Plastic waste exports in Ethiopia was 3,161 tonnes in 2023, according to United Nations Comtrade Database (2025); United Nations Comtrade Database (2023) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest plastic waste exports recorded in Ethiopia?
- The highest recorded value was 7,304 tonnes in 2022.
- What is the lowest plastic waste exports recorded in Ethiopia?
- The lowest recorded value was 57 tonnes in 2008.
- How does Ethiopia rank for plastic waste exports?
- Ethiopia ranks 72nd out of 167 countries with data for 2023.
- Is plastic waste exports rising or falling in Ethiopia?
- Over the last ten years it is up 405.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Ethiopia data come from?
- The figures come from United Nations Comtrade Database (2025); United Nations Comtrade Database (2023) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Plastic waste exports. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The amount of plastic waste a country exports to other countries, measured in tonnes per year.