Polyethylene global trade (all grades combined) is projected at 29.0 million tons through May 2026, a decline of 1.4 million tons from May 2025 YTD.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz in March, April and May 2026 reduced exports from the Middle East by 18% through May, on lower volumes to nearly all regions, headed by Asia-Pacific. (Exports from the Middle East of 17.7 million tons in 2025 represented 43% of total global exports of 43.8 million tons. (ITP).)

North American exports through May, excluding intra-regional trade, totaled 6.6 million tons. unchanged. Exports to Western Europe and Latin America were down; higher volumes went to Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and Africa.

Led by China, shipments from Asia-Pacific surged. Exports outside the region totaled 1.3 million tons through May, up 20% on gains to all regions except the Middle East. (Intraregional trade of 5 million tons was unchanged.)

China took advantage of excess domestic capacity, rising prices and the demand shortfall from the Middle East to more than double polyethylene exports. Shipments totaled nearly 2 million tons through May, up 149%, shipped within the region and abroad.

From International Trader Publications’ Polyethylene World Trade Analyses, continuously updated analysis of global trade in all grade of polyethylene based on latest statistics from all reporting countries.