The impact of China's import ban: An economic surplus analysis of markets for recyclable plastics

Over the years, China has imported a significant quantity of plastic waste from the rest of the world. In December 2017, however, it implemented a ban on the import of plastic waste, used paper, and miscellaneous scrap goods. This study aims to provide new insight on the waste trade, with specific focus on the market for recyclable plastics. By employing an economic surplus analysis, we investigate the impact of China's import ban on the market for recyclable plastics in China and Japan. Obtained results suggest a significant change in economic surpluses; Japan and China's surpluses reduced by 58 billion yen and 1,304 billion yen at the maximum, respectively. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

China has imported a significant quantity of plastic waste from the rest of the world over the years, but implemented a ban on plastic waste imports in 2017. This study found that China's import ban on recyclable plastics had a significant impact on the economic surplus of China and Japan, reducing their surpluses by a large amount.