Imports of LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE hit new record highs in December. Propylene copolymer imports also set a record, while imports of polypropylene homopolymer were the highest in over four years.
Imports of all ethylene polymers totaled 19.2 million tons in 2019, up 19%. Imports of all propylene polymers totaled 5.5 million tons, up 9%.
Declines in imports from the United States ranging from 34% to 69% for these polymers were more than offset by increased volumes, mainly from the Middle East, followed by Asia-Pacific and other sources.
Imports into China in January 2020 are expected to be sharply lower because of both the Chinese New Year holiday and the impact of the coronavirus.
From International Trader Publications’ China Polymer Trade Report, a monthly reports on China’s trade in all commodity polymers, recycle polymers and key fabricated plastic products.