Chinese retaliatory tariffs on imports of polyethylene from the US resulted in a 24% drop in US shipments to China for the January – May 2025 period, to 822,000 tons. That decline was somewhat offset by higher volumes to other markets, resulting in a 4% increase in the US total, to 6.5 million tons YTD.
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US Ethane Exports to China Expected to Rebound in July
The US imposed restrictions on ethane exports to China in late May and early June. Restrictions have since eased and exports are expected to rise.
Continue readingNew US Sanctions on Russian Petrochemical Exports, if Passed, Would: Impact Trade in Polyolefins, Liquefied Gases, Rubber and Other Products; Affect Many Importing Countries; and Cripple Russia’s Economy
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, introduced in both the US Senate and the House of Representatives in April 2025, is currently in committee. Its enactment is far from certain and depends on negotiations toward peace between Russia and Ukraine. Were it to pass, the impact on Russia would be crippling because of the country’s reliance on exports of energy and related products.
Continue readingChina to Raise Naphtha Imports to Counter Ethane and LPG Trade Uncertainties
Although trade tensions have decreased, the higher tariffs in effect and earlier supply disruptions impacting ethane and liquefied propane gas imports from the US have led China to double import quotas on naphtha, which is used mainly to make petrochemicals.
Continue readingChina’s Surging PP Exports Have Sharply Reduced Korea’s Exports Within Asia-Pacific and Africa, but Not Yet in Europe
China and South Korea are early reporting countries with trade data currently available for April 2025. From January to April, China exported 1.0 million tons of polypropylene (all grades), up 17%; Korea shipped 1.2 million tons, down 9%.
Continue readingLiquefied Propane Gas Global Trade Continues Expanding and Adapting to Shifting Market Dynamics
LPG global trade expanded each year over the 2020 to 2024 period and continued through April 2025. Rising US exports, increasing demand globally for LPG as a petrochemical feedstock and a cleaner fuel, and the ban on EU imports from Russia were key market drivers.
Continue readingVietnam Surges, Germany Slows: The Shifting Landscape of Recyclable Polymer Trade
Recyclable polymers constitute an important pillar of the circular economy, helping transform waste into valuable resources. This post delves into the trade trends of the four key recyclable polymer types distinguishable by HS code – Recyclable Polyethylene, Recyclable Styrenics, Recyclable PVC, and Other Recyclable Polymers – from 2020 to 2024. ‘Recyclable’ signifies post-consumer, post-industrial waste (not yet recycled).
Continue readingThe US Exports Substantially More Ethane than Polyethylene to China, But Ethane Shipments May Now be Subject to Licensing Requirements
Ethane is a key feedstock for producing ethylene, which in turn is polymerized to make polyethylene — one of the world’s most widely-traded plastics.
The US exported 1.8 million tons of ethane to China through April 2025, up 23%. As part of the ongoing trade conflict the US Commerce Dept. has indicated that licenses may now be required to continue these exports.
Continue readingUS Polyethylene Exports to China Hit 16-Month Low Amidst Tariff Uncertainty
The impact of the trade war between the US and China and the associated tariff uncertainty was reflected in US exports of polyethylene to China in April 2025, the lowest in 16 months.
Continue readingUS Ethanol Exports to Benefit from Trade Deal with the UK
On May 8, 2025 the US announced the first country-specific trade deal from among the many that are currently under negotiation. Details have yet to be finalized, but one provision to be included is tariff-free quotas for ethanol imports into the UK from the US.
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