Through May, 2017, China imported a total of 5.4 million tons of ethylene polymers, up 17% from the same period in 2016. Iran supplied 823,000 tons, or 15%, of the total, down 7%. A restriction on imports into China from Iran, will likely be made up by Saudi Arabia, US, Korea and UAE, among others.
Category Archives: Trade Trends
North America’s Trade in PE Film and Sheet
North America is a relatively small exporter and importer of PE film and sheet, compared with Western Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Recent Trends in Trade in PE Bags and Sacks
The volume of polyethylene bags and sacks (also includes cones) traded globally in 2016 was nearly 4 million tons, up 4% from the prior year. Trade volume through May is up 7%.
Recent Trends in Recycle Polyethylene Trade
The volume of recycle polyethylene traded globally was up 12% through May, 2017, mainly on higher imports into China, followed by gains in other Asia-Pacific markets.
Trends in Brazil’s Polyolefins Trade
Brazil’s imports of ethylene polymers were up 13% through June, 2017 and imports of propylene polymers increased 5%. Brazil’s exports of these polymers were off slightly YTD.
China Exports Record Volumes of Polypropylene
China’s exports of polypropylene homopolymer surged to a new high in March 2017 and continued heavy in April. Continue reading
China’s Imports of Recycle Polymers up 25% Through April 2017
China imported 2.5 million tons of recycle PE, PP, PS, PVC and PET through April 2017, up 25% from the prior year. Imports of every recycle polymer showed an increase. Continue reading
New: Liquefied Butanes Gas World Trade Report
This new Report tracks the movement of liquefied butanes between all importing and exporting countries and regions. In 2016, trade volume was 35 million tons, up 1% from 2015. Preliminary data shows volume March 2017 YTD up 6%. Continue reading
The Eastern European Import Market for Polyethylene
In 2016, Eastern Europe, including Turkey, imported 4 million tons of ethylene polymers from other regions, primarily Western Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Import volume in 2016 was up 5% from 2015. Continue reading
The Latin American Import Market for Polyethylene
In 2016, Latin America, including Mexico, imported 4 million tons of ethylene polymers from other regions, primarily North America. Import volume was down 3% from 2015. Continue reading