Constrained supplies of polymer and feedstocks from the Middle East provided China with opportunities to sell PE polymer and fabricated PE products globally.

The Middle East accounts for more than 40% of polyethylene exports and large volumes of feedstocks. Disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz reduced supplies and raised freight costs, impacting the global packaging industry. (Yahoo Finance Global Data.)

China’s polyethylene exports (all grades combined) hit new highs in the second quarter of 2026 and jumped 157% over the period, to 2.5 million tons. Exports within Asia-Pacific more than tripled; there were strong gains to all world regions.

PE film/sheet is China’s largest volume fabricated product export that can be identified as specifically polyethylene. PE film/sheet exports soared in the second quarter and totaled 0.9 million tons through June, up 32%. The US was the top destination; Asia-Pacific markets accounted for half of the total.

PE bags/sacks are China’s second largest fabricated product export identifiable as polyethylene, 0.8 million tons, up 20% through June. The US was again the top destination. Asia-Pacific markets accounted for 40% of China’s total.

From International Trader Publications’ China Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of China’s trade in all grades of polymers of ethylene, propylene, styrene, PVC and PET, recyclable polymers and fabricated plastic products.