Protective packaging – including air pillows, bubble wrap, foam inserts, and molded pulp – plays a vital role in protecting goods from shocks, scratches, and damage during storage and shipping.
Beyond protection, these materials improve handling efficiency, reduce product loss, and support sustainable practices with recyclable and biodegradable solutions.
The U.S. protective packaging market was valued at USD 7.80 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.20% from 2025 to 2034, reaching around USD 11.77 billion by 2034 (Expert Market Research).
In this article, we highlight the Top 5 countries exporting protective packaging to the United States, based on trade data from May 2024 to April 2025, reflecting the growing demand driven by e-commerce and logistics expansion.
Top 5 countries exporting Protection Packaging to the USA
1. China
China remains the undisputed leader in supplying protective packaging to the United States, accounting for nearly 70% of total imports. Key export categories include bubble wrap, air pillows, and foam rolls, supported by massive production capacity and the lowest-cost feedstocks.
- Bubble wrap, air pillows, foam rolls: Core product lines widely adopted in US logistics and retail.
- Massive production capacity: Ability to meet large-scale demand without disruption.
- Cost efficiency: Lowest-cost feedstocks and streamlined supply chains.
China’s competitive edge lies in its abundant low-cost labor, large-scale manufacturing base, and rapid scale-up capabilities. By focusing on high output and price competitiveness, China secures its position as the primary source of protective packaging for American importers seeking affordable, reliable, and high-volume solutions.
Notable Chinese protective packaging companies: Guangdong Zhaoxing Packaging Materials Co., Ltd. (bubble wrap solutions), Pakoro China (eco-friendly food & protective packaging), Mengda Plastic Packaging Products Co., Ltd. (foam rolls & air cushion films with over 30 years’ experience).
2. India
India has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of protective packaging to the United States, accounting for around 12% of total imports. Key export categories include foam sheets, molded pulp, and air pillows, supported by competitive labor costs and a fast-growing polymer industry.
- Foam sheets & rolls: Widely used for electronics and fragile goods.
- Molded pulp: Eco-friendly solutions for food, beverage, and consumer products.
- Air pillows: Lightweight cushioning material supporting e-commerce logistics.
India’s competitive edge comes from cost-efficient labor, increasing polymer production capacity, and a strong push toward sustainability. As global buyers diversify beyond China, India is positioning itself as a reliable alternative for protective packaging at scale.
Notable Indian protective packaging companies include Mold-Tek Packaging Ltd., the country’s largest rigid plastic packaging producer with advanced injection molding technology and a focus on innovation and sustainability; Avon Containers, specializing in protective foam-based solutions for logistics and fragile goods with eco-friendly approaches; and Ecopack India, a leader in molded pulp packaging offering recyclable and biodegradable solutions for food, beverage, and consumer goods.
3. South Korea
South Korea supplies around 6% of U.S. imports of protective packaging, driven by its strength in advanced film technology and consistent quality standards. Key export categories include bubble wrap, stretch film, and foam rolls, widely used in logistics, e-commerce, and electronics packaging.
- Bubble wrap & air cushioning: High-performance protective films used for fragile and high-value goods.
- Stretch film: Advanced cling and stretch technology, ensuring load stability in shipping.
- Foam rolls: Lightweight yet durable options for both industrial and consumer packaging.
South Korea’s competitive edge lies in its technological innovation, high-quality manufacturing, and reliability. By focusing on precision and advanced film development, it has earned a strong reputation among U.S. buyers who seek premium protective packaging beyond low-cost alternatives.
Notable South Korean companies: Hanwha Total Petrochemical, a leader in PE, PP, and EVA polymers used for protective films and air cushions; SK Chemicals, known for eco-friendly polymers and advanced thermoplastics applied in sustainable packaging; and Kolon Industries, specializing in high-performance films, composites, and anti-static materials for electronics and logistics. These companies demonstrate South Korea’s strong position in advanced polymer technology and premium protective packaging solutions.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is an emerging supplier of protective packaging to the U.S., currently accounting for around 4% of total imports. Key export categories include bubble wrap and air pillows, serving both e-commerce and consumer goods sectors.
- Bubble wrap: Widely used for protecting fragile products during storage and shipping.
- Air pillows: Lightweight cushioning for parcel deliveries and logistics.
Vietnam’s strength lies in its cost-efficient labor force and growing manufacturing base, but unlike China, it does not compete purely on scale or ultra-low prices. Instead, Vietnam emphasizes quality-focused production, standardized processes, and compliance with international standards. This balanced approach allows the country to steadily expand its presence in the protective packaging market and position itself as a reliable partner for U.S. buyers.
Notable Vietnamese companies: K-Packing, specializing in bubble wrap and soft protective films with modern standardized production; Duy Tân Plastics, a leading rigid plastic packaging manufacturer now backed by SCG, offering bubble wrap and air pillows with strict quality control; and Suneco Packaging, focusing on eco-friendly and recycled protective materials for logistics and e-commerce. These firms highlight Vietnam’s shift toward high-quality, sustainable solutions while leveraging competitive costs.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia accounts for about 3% of U.S. protective packaging imports, leveraging its long-standing expertise in pulp-forming and supportive government incentives for the packaging industry. Key export categories include molded pulp and foam packaging, serving electronics, food, and consumer goods:
- Molded pulp: Widely used in food trays, beverage carriers, and eco-friendly consumer packaging.
- Foam packaging: Lightweight protective solutions for electronics and fragile goods.
Malaysia’s competitive edge lies in its established pulp-forming know-how, cost-competitive production, and investment-friendly environment. This enables the country to position itself as a reliable supplier of sustainable and affordable protective packaging to the U.S. market.
Notable Malaysian companies: Innovo Packaging Sdn Bhd, producing eco-friendly molded pulp packaging; Pulpmold Sdn Bhd, a leader in molded pulp technology and sustainable product development; and Kuala Lumpur Foam Industries, a manufacturer of diverse protective foam solutions for electronics and consumer goods.
Which country should you Iimport Protective Packaging from?
The top five exporters – China, India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia – each bring unique strengths to the U.S. market. Depending on whether you prioritize cost, technology, or sustainability, one country may be a better fit than the others.
China remains the dominant force, supplying nearly 70% of U.S. protective packaging imports. With bubble wrap, air pillows, and foam rolls produced at massive scale and ultra-low costs, China is the go-to source for high-volume and cost-efficient solutions.
India has grown into a reliable partner, accounting for about 12% of U.S. imports. With strengths in foam sheets, molded pulp, and air pillows, backed by competitive labor and a growing polymer industry, India offers cost-effective yet increasingly sustainable options.
South Korea contributes around 6% of U.S. imports, standing out for advanced film technology and consistent quality. With expertise in bubble wrap, stretch film, and foam rolls, Korea is the preferred choice for buyers seeking premium, high-performance protective packaging.
Vietnam is an emerging supplier with about 4% of the market. Leveraging low labor costs and standardized production processes, Vietnam focuses on delivering bubble wrap and air pillows with high quality and reliability, making it a fast-growing alternative for U.S. buyers.
Malaysia rounds out the top five with 3% of imports, specializing in molded pulp and foam packaging. Thanks to its established pulp-forming expertise and government-backed investment incentives, Malaysia has positioned itself as a dependable source for sustainable protective packaging solutions.
Key considerations when importing Protective Packaging in bulk
When sourcing protective packaging at large volumes, quality consistency must be the top priority. Even minor defects in bubble wrap, air pillows, or foam inserts can compromise entire shipments, leading to costly damages. Importers should establish strict quality control agreements with suppliers to ensure uniform performance.
Compliance with international standards is equally important. For industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, or electronics, protective packaging materials must meet U.S. regulatory requirements. Documentation such as ISO, FDA, EN, or ASTM certifications helps avoid customs issues and ensures product safety.
Logistics and lead times play a critical role. Bulk shipments of lightweight but bulky materials like air pillows, molded pulp trays, or foam rolls require optimized container planning, freight routes, and customs clearance. Proximity gives suppliers like South Korea and Malaysia quicker turnaround advantages, while imports from India, Vietnam, or China require longer lead times and reliable freight partners.
Finally, businesses should carefully negotiate pricing, payment terms, and long-term contracts. Securing bulk discounts, stable polymer or pulp costs, and flexible payment options can help mitigate risks from raw material price swings or currency fluctuations, ensuring a dependable and cost-effective supply of protective packaging.
Conclusion
The U.S. protective packaging market is growing steadily, driven by e-commerce and the need for safe, sustainable shipping solutions. The top five exporters – China, India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia – each play a unique role in meeting this demand.
China dominates with ultra-low-cost, high-volume production, while India offers competitive labor and expanding sustainable options. South Korea stands out for premium film technology, Vietnam provides a balance of low-cost labor and quality-driven processes, and Malaysia strengthens its position with molded pulp expertise and eco-friendly materials.
For U.S. importers, choosing the right partner depends on priorities: lowest cost with China, sustainability with India and Malaysia, high-tech performance with South Korea, or balanced cost and quality with Vietnam. Aligning sourcing decisions with these strengths ensures a reliable and future-ready supply of protective packaging.
