Key factors in the trends were feedstock shortages from shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and aggressive exporting by China.

Thai polymer producers have been forced to suspend or reduce production of polymer and downstream plastic products because of shortages of naphtha, LPG and other feedstocks. (CommoPlast News).

China took advantage of excess domestic PE capacity, rising prices and the shortfall from the Middle East to export record volumes of PE polymer and also PE film/sheet and bags/sacks. (International Trader Publications).

Thailand’s imports of PE (all grades combined) trended higher from early 2025 and hit a record in the second quarter of 2026 with polymer from China, Korea, Saudi Arabia and US accounting for 60% of the June YTD total.

Thailand’s PE exports trended lower in the last half of 2025 and through April 2026, picking up slightly in May and June. Shipments June 2026 YTD were down to most markets, noting especially China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

From International Trader Publications Thailand Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of Thailand’s trade in all polymer grades of PE, PP, styrenics, PVC and PET, recyclable polymers and key fabricated plastic products.