Latin America’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by sizable exports of HDPE, polypropylene homopolymer (PP), and uncompounded PVC (PVCU). Latin America was a growth import market for each of the commodity polymers, noting especially both large volumes and large percentage increases on linear/ethylene-alpha-olefin-copolymers (LL/EAOC), HDPE, PP, and PVCU.
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US Plastic Product Imports Most Likely to be Impacted by the 10% Tariff on China
On February 4, 2025, the US imposed a 10% tariff on imports of all products from China, which included polymers and fabricated plastic products. US imports of polymers from China are small but there are large imports of fabricated plastic products. China countered with tariffs on imports from US of LNG and other products, but not on the large volumes of polymer shipped to China from the US.
Continue readingLNG Trade Between the US and China: Tariffs, US Export Markets, China’s Import Sources
As of February 4th, 2025, the US imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China. Part of China’s response was to levy a 15% tariff on LNG imports from the US, to go into effect February 10th. In 2024, China reported 4.3 million tons of LNG imports from US; the US reported 6.0 million tons of exports to China, a difference of 1.7 million tons.
Continue readingNorth America’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
North America’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by large volume exports of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC, most of which were up from the prior year. Imports were relatively small; several polyolefins showing large percentage gains.
Continue readingAfrica’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Key Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
Africa’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by relatively small volume exports of HDPE, polypropylene, and PVC. Imports of each of these polymers were substantial and posted gains versus the prior year.
Continue readingEastern Europe’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Key Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
Eastern Europe’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by sizable exports of HDPE and polypropylene homopolymer (PP). Eastern Europe was the largest volume commodity polymer importer of any region with the exception of Asia-Pacific, and, for HDPE with a small increment, also Latin America.
Continue readingWestern Europe’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Key Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
Weak demand, competition in export markets and imports from other regions were reflected in Western Europe’s trade in polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and PVC in 2024.
Continue readingChina’s Trade in Commodity Polymers Has Shifted by 20 Million Tons from 2020 to 2024 – Imports Have Dropped by 10 million tons, Exports Have Risen by 10 Million Tons
The changes in China’s trade in polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenic polymers, PVC and PET have profoundly impacted trade flows for both exporting and importing countries.
Continue readingGlobal Trade in Commodity Polymers in 2024
ITP’s analysis of commodity polymers trade projects higher global trade volume in 2024 versus 2023 for all of the polymers listed below except polystyrene, which is projected flat, and EVA and high pressure LDPE, which are projected to contract. Changes in trade volume are linked to changes in demand, production and shipping.
Continue readingITP Projects Higher Global Trade Volume in 2024 For Many Widely Traded Polymers and Chemicals
Although final trade statistics for 2024 will not be available for many countries until March of 2025, ITP’s analysis of trends for individual countries indicates expanded global trade volume in 2024 for the majority of products. Increased global trade generally indicates increased demand.
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