China’s imports of polyethylene and polypropylene in April 2026 fell to record lows for the January 2022-April 2026 period. China’s exports of polyethylene and polypropylene set new record highs.

China imported 4.7 million tons of polyethylene through April 2026, down 19%. Imports of polypropylene were 1.1 million tons, down 15%. The drop in imports reflected the addition of major new capacity (ChemOrbis, 6 million tons of PE added in 2025; ICIS, 6.7 million tons of PP scheduled for 2025), constrained Middle East supplies from closure of Strait of Hormuz (Reuters), and weak domestic demand.

The availability of new capacity coupled with weak domestic demand and high inventory levels resulted in record exports. China exported 1.3 million tons of polyethylene (combined grades) through April 2026, up 122% from April 2025 YTD. Exports to Asia-Pacific markets totaled 838,000 tons (up 205%). Shipments to Africa were 176,000 tons (up 39%); to Latin America, 128,000 tons (up 107%); to Eastern Europe, 107,000 tons (up 53%); to Western Europe, 45,000 tons (up 80%).

China’s exports of polypropylene (homopolymer plus propylene copolymers) totaled 1.6 million tons through April, up 54%. Exports to Asia-Pacific were 1.1 million tons (up 92%); to Latin America, 200,000 tons (up 2%); to Africa 173,000 tons (up 5%); to Eastern Europe, 92,000 tons (up 47%); to Western Europe, 26,000 tons (up 113%).

From International Trader Publications’ China Polymer Trade Report, a monthly update of China’s imports and exports of all grades of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenics, PVC, PET, and fabricated plastic products.