The current wholesale price of plastic bags in the United States ranges from $0.45 to $0.70 per jin (500 grams), with regional and volume-based variations. This range reflects market dynamics influenced by raw material costs, regulatory compliance, and supply chain efficiency.

The price fluctuation is driven by several factors. First, polymer costs account for 60-70% of the total expense. In Q3 2023, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin prices averaged $1.20 per kilogram, translating to $0.60 per jin. This aligns with the Plastics Industry Association’s data, which estimates 2023 resin costs at $0.50 per pound (equivalent to $1.10 per kilogram), though recent supply chain adjustments have lowered this to current levels. Second, environmental regulations, such as California’s SB 54 and the EPA’s 2025 plastic reduction targets, necessitate thicker bags, increasing production costs by 15-20%. Third, bulk purchasing discounts typically reduce prices by 10-15% for orders exceeding 10,000 jin. For instance, a supplier in Texas reported $0.45 per jin for 50,000 jin orders, versus $0.65 for smaller quantities. Additionally, logistics account for 12-18% of the final price, with transportation costs rising 8% year-over-year due to fuel price hikes. The National Association of Wholesalers data corroborates this, showing a 2023 average of $0.58 per jin, with a 22% variance between coastal and inland suppliers. In summary, the current pricing reflects interconnected market pressures, with raw materials and regulations being the most significant drivers.

The price per jin is calculated by converting resin costs from per kilogram to per jin (1 jin = 0.5 kilograms). For example, HDPE resin at $1.20 per kilogram equals $0.60 per jin. Regional variations arise from infrastructure differences; coastal areas face higher logistics costs but benefit from proximity to manufacturing hubs. Regulatory compliance in states like California adds $0.02-$0.05 per jin due to mandatory thicker bags. Bulk buyers save through volume discounts, while smaller orders pay a premium. Recent data from the American Plastics Council shows a 12% price increase in 2023 compared to 2022, driven by oil price spikes and polymer shortages. As of June 2024, crude oil prices exceed $85 per barrel, further pressuring resin costs. These factors collectively sustain the current $0.45-$0.70 per jin range, with most transactions clustering around $0.55-$0.65 for mid-volume buyers. The market is expected to stabilize in 2025 as production capacities adjust to regulatory and environmental demands.