Brazil’s Polyethylene Import Sources Shifted Dramatically June 2026 YTD from June 2025 YTD. Much Lower Volumes From North America were Largely Offset by a Surge in PE from Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Others.

Anti-dumping duties on North American suppliers and disruption in Middle East supply were major factors.

In March 2026 Brazil imposed five-year anti-dumping duties on US and Canadian polyethylene. This was in addition to the 20% import duty imposed in 2024 to protect domestic producers. (Argus Media).

The duties led to a 55% drop in imports of polyethylene (all grades combined) from North America, to 317,000 tons June 2026 YTD. This shortfall was mainly offset by the Middle East, 153,000 tons, up 241% (mainly Saudi Arabia), Asia-Pacific, 165,000 tons, up 327% (China, Korea, Vietnam and others), and Western Europe, 100,200 tons, up 221%. (Not shown is intra-regional trade of 202,000 tons, up 68%, mainly from Argentina).

The contrast in regional supply sources June 2026 YTD, above, versus June 2025 YTD is striking:

From International Trader Publications’ Brazil Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of Brazil’s trade between countries and regions for all grades of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenics, PVC and PET, recyclable polymers and major fabricated plastic products.