The conflict that began in Iran on February 28, 2026 has spread across the region, curtailing production and delaying or rerouting shipments of ethylene through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East shipments of ethylene in 2025 were 238,000 tons, accounting for 20% of total global exports of 1.2 million tons.
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Polycarbonates Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
The conflict that began in Iran on February 28, 2026 has spread across the region, curtailing production and delaying or rerouting shipments of polycarbonates through the Strait of Hormuz. The Middle East is the world’s third largest exporter of polycarbonates; shipments of 318,000 tons in 2025 were 20% of total global exports of 1.6 million tons.
Continue readingMethanol Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
The conflict that began in Iran on February 28, 2026 has spread across the region, curtailing production and delaying or rerouting shipments of methanol through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports of methanol of 17.5 million tons in 2025 were 56% of total global exports of 31.1 million tons.
Continue readingPolypropylene Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
The conflict that began in Iran on February 28, 2026 has spread across the region, curtailing production and delaying or rerouting shipments of polypropylene through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports of polypropylene in 2025 (7.0 million tons) were 42% of total global exports of 16.7 million tons.
Continue readingPolyethylene Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
Exports from Iran have ended and global trade flows are being impacted by the conflict that began February 28, 2026, spreading to other suppliers in the region, and delaying or rerouting shipments of polyethylene through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports of polyethylene in 2025 (18.7 million tons) represented 43% of total global exports of 43.8 million tons.
Continue readingUS-Canada Polyethylene Trade in 2025 Negatively Impacted by Fluctuating Tariff Policies
Uncertainty created by the “Liberation Day” policies announced by the US in April contributed to a drop in trade between the US and Canada for the year, and also led to greater efforts by both countries to increase exports abroad.
The renegotiation of the USMCA, which governs trade between the US, Mexico, and Canada is scheduled for later in 2026. Until this is finalized, tariff uncertainty will continue.
Continue readingGlobal Trade in PE Film/Sheet and PE Bags/Sacks Continued to Rise in 2025 Despite Bans on Single-Use Products
Global trade in PE film/sheet rose 8% in 2025 to 7.4 million tons; trade in PE bags/sacks grew by 6% to 5 million tons. This followed gains of about 6% per product in 2024, compared to 2023.
Continue readingUS Polyethylene Exports Increased Again in 2025 on Gains to Latin America, Western Europe, and Other Regions
US exports of polyethylene (all grades combined) reached 15.7 million tons in 2025, up from 13.8 million tons in 2023, based on US export statistics.
Continue readingGlobal Trade in Virgin PET Polymer Soared in 2025; Trade in Recyclable PET Shrank
China’s aggressive PET export expansion, the resulting oversupply and low prices, together with high operating costs and scaled back use of recycle content by brands, were factors reducing global trade in 2025 in recyclable PET to its lowest level in several years, and, the announcement of several rPET plant closures.
Continue readingUnited States Imports of PET Sank in November 2025 As Reciprocal Tariffs Hit Supplies From Vietnam, Thailand, and Others
US imports slowed from 132,000 tons in September to 117,000 tons in October, then plunged to 77,000 tons in November.
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