A new UN report reveals plastic production reached 436 million metric tons in 2023 as countries prepare for final treaty negotiations in Geneva this week, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) official statement. The Global Trade Update shows plastic trade is worth $1.1 trillion, representing 5% of all global merchandise. The August 5-14 talks aim to create a binding agreement covering plastic’s entire lifecycle.
The report exposes how trade policies fuel the plastic crisis through unfair pricing. Tariffs on plastic products dropped from 34% to 7.2% over three decades, making fossil fuel-based plastics cheap. Eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo face 14.4% tariffs, discouraging sustainable options.
Three-quarters of all plastics become waste, mostly in oceans threatening food systems and health. Small island nations suffer most despite limited resources to cope. Trade in non-plastic substitutes reached $485 billion in 2023, but barriers slow adoption.
“Disparities risk hampering investment in alternatives and slowing transition away from fossil fuel-based plastics,” UNCTAD warns in the report.
Countries use bans and labeling requirements to control plastic flows, but conflicting rules create compliance headaches. Small businesses struggle most with complex costs while 98% of plastics still come from fossil fuels. This fragmented approach limits sustainable trade participation.
Geneva negotiations offer a chance to align trade, finance, and environmental policies under one framework. Success requires tariff reforms supporting alternatives, waste management investment, and digital tracking tools. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated action before plastic pollution worsens further.
