Imports of PE and PP from Eastern Europe increased in both 2020 and 2021. Large volumes of polymer were imported from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, North America and other regions, despite widely discussed logistics issues.

Imports into Western Europe of PE (all grades) and PP (homopolymer and copolymers) were down in 2020 because of reduced demand from the pandemic. PE imports are projected at 4.7 million tons in 2021, up 2.6% from 2020 but off by 1% from 2019. Imports of PP are projected at 2.0 million tons in 2021, up 15% from 2020 and 9% from 2019.

PE imports from Eastern Europe rose sharply in 2021. PE supplies from North America declined because of production issues. Imports from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific rebounded.

Imports of PP from Eastern Europe increased in both years. Supplies from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific rebounded in 2021.

From International Trader Publications World Trade Analyses on all grades of PE and PP.