As reported in Business Indonesia, the removal of tariffs on linear low density polyethylene, HDPE and polypropylene began in May 2026 and is to extend for six month. The removal of these duties, and also from LPG imports, were intended to reduce prices along the packaging chain.
Continue readingIndia and Thailand, Both Large Polyolefin Importers, had Higher Volumes YTD Despite Reduced Middle East Supply.
The conflict in the Middle East has shifted trade flows between regions. For India and Thailand, the shortfall from the Middle East was offset by increased supplies from Asia-Pacific, and, for polyethylene, also North America.
Continue readingSharp Drop in Global Trade Volume Projected September 2026 YTD for Methanol, Ethylene Glycol and Anhydrous Ammonia.
ITP projects global trade volume for these products, heavily sourced from the Middle East, down by 13%-22%. The drop in volume, plus shifts in regional trade flows and high prices for transportation fuel have had a major impact on shipping rates.
Continue readingGlobal Trade Volume for Ethylene Monomer, Polyethylene, and Recyclable Polyethylene is Projected Down by 5-15% Through September 2026
The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in lower trade volume along the entire chain, impacting shipping and shifting trade flows between regions.
Continue readingUS Exports of Polyethylene Slowed Across Q2, Picking up Slightly in July (YTD, 8.8 Million Tons, Down 3%); Steep Decline in the Average Price vs. June (to $1244/ton, Down ~$200/ton)
US exports YTD to Europe, Africa, and Canada were up; shipments to Latin America and Asia-Pacific fell.
Continue readingMiddle East Exports of Anhydrous Ammonia and Methanol are Projected Down >40% Through June 2026; MEG, Down 33%; HDPE and LDPE/LLDPE Each Down 20%
From the start of the conflict on February 28, 2026, flows through the Strait of Hormuz have been restricted by both Iran and the US. The US has increasingly imposed sanctions on Iranian vessels and its growing shadow fleet.
Continue readingThailand Imported 0.5 Million Tons of Polyethylene Through June 2026 YTD, up 46% vs 2025, and Exported 1.1 Million Tons, Down 20%
Key factors in the trends were feedstock shortages from the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and aggressive exporting by China.
Continue readingFaced With Global Oversupply, South Korea Will Restructure the Yeosu Complex, Shutting 1.4 Million Tons of Ethylene Capacity
Korea’s ethylene exports plummeted with the start of the Iranian conflict. The restructuring will result in further declines.
Continue readingChina Exported Record Volumes of PP Polymer and Fabricated PP Film/Sheet, PP Bags/Sacks in the First Half of 2026
The availability of excess polypropylene polymer capacity plus constrained supplies from the conflict in the Middle East gave China an unprecedented opportunity to sell PP polymer and fabricated PP products globally.
Continue readingChina Exported Record Volumes of PE Polymer and Fabricated PE Film/Sheet, PE Bags/Sacks in the First Half of 2026
Constrained supplies of polymer and feedstocks from the Middle East provided China with opportunities to sell PE polymer and fabricated PE products globally.
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