Korea’s ethylene exports plummeted with the start of the Iranian conflict. The restructuring will result in further declines.
Continue readingTag Archives: ethylene
Ethylene 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 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.
Continue readingIndonesia’s New Facility Will Reduce Dependence on Imports of Polyethylene and Polypropylene From Asia-Pacific Sources
On November 6, 2025, Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a naphtha cracker that will produce 1 million tons of ethylene and 520,000 tons of propylene. These will reduce Indonesia’s imports of monomers, polymers, and other petrochemicals.
Continue readingITP Projects Linear Polyethylene Global Trade of 22.4 Million Tons in 2025, up 2% from 2024
North America and Middle East are projected to export higher volumes for the year, competing in key regional markets.
Continue readingImports of Nearly All Widely Traded Polymers and Chemicals are NOT Exempt from the New Tariffs Announced by the US on April 2, 2025
The tariff situation is rapidly evolving. The Executive Order announced by the White House on April 2, 2025 to go into effect April 5 imposed a 10% general tariff on nearly all products imported into the US. This was to be followed by additional tariffs that would vary depending on the country. All of these may change as a result of currently ongoing negotiations.
In Annex II to the Executive Order, the White House exempted certain strategic goods. Most organic chemicals, polymers, and fabricated plastic products are not on this list and are not exempt.
Continue readingITP Projects Higher Global Trade Volume in 2024 For Many Widely Traded Polymers and Chemicals
Although final trade statistics for 2024 will not be available for many countries until March of 2025, ITP’s analysis of trends for individual countries indicates expanded global trade volume in 2024 for the majority of products. Increased global trade generally indicates increased demand.
Continue readingMost Widely-Traded Petrochemicals and Related Products Will Show Increased Global Trade Volume September 2024 YTD Versus September 2023 YTD
Gains or declines in global trade volume have wide-ranging implications for shippers, producers, marketers and planners.
Continue readingTrends in LDPE/LLDPE Global Trade
Global trade in LDPE/LLDPE was 22.3 million tons in 2022. LDPE/LLDPE accounted for 33% of the 68 million tons of all grades of ethylene polymers traded globally that year.
Continue readingChina Reported Lower Imports of Most Major Polymers and Chemicals Through September, 2022
Of fifteen large volume imports, each exceeding 1 million tons, imports of only three products were up September 2022 YTD from the same period in 2021.
Continue readingWidely Differing Trends in Ethylene and Propylene Monomer Global Trade 2016-2020
Global trade in ethylene and propylene monomer fluctuated over the five-year period, with a sharp downturn in 2020.
Continue reading