Overcapacity, weak domestic demand and the attraction of very low prices in an uncertain global economic environment were evident in the 29% jump in China’s commodity polymer exports July 2025 YTD, to 11.1 million tons, on gains to every region except North America. Average prices sank to their lowest levels in over five years, most polymers losing roughly $1000/ton from highs in 2021/2022, PET an exception, losing $400.

Following a brief pause at the beginning of 2025 during Chinese New Year, China’s reported statistics showed record high exports from March to May, volume easing slightly easing in June on flaring tariff tensions with the US, and, a rebound in July.

Year-to-date through July, China exported 1.2 million tons of polyethylene, up 17% (all grades), 1.9 million tons of polypropylene, up 29%, 0.7 million tons of styrenic polymers, up 40%, 2.7 million tons of PVC, up 51%, and 4.6 million tons of PET, up 19%.

Asia-Pacific was the top destination but China shipped more polymer to every region except North America. There were particularly large volumes and high percentage gains on most polymers to Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The Middle East was a high growth export destination for Chinese PET and PVC.

China’s exports by polymer (combined grades) and by region:

Prices for every polymer plummeted, with the steepest decline on PVC, down from over $2000/ton in November 2021 to $837/ton in July 2025:

From International Trader Publications China Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of China’s reported imports and exports of all grades of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenic polymers, PVC and PET.