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.
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Polyethylene 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 readingChina’s Imports of Commodity Polymers Continued Low in October 2025; Exports Stabilized Near Record Levels
China imported 18.3 million tons of all grades of PE, PP, PS, PVC, and PET through October 2025, down 8% on declines across all the polymers. Exports were 15.8 million tons, up 27%, with shipments of all polymers showing strong gains. Trade for the month was likely negatively impacted by the one week holiday celebrating China’s National Day, October 1-8.
Continue readingThe US Eyes Tougher Sanctions on Countries Importing Iranian Petrochemicals
While US sanctions currently target specific companies that facilitate exports of Iranian oil, Washington is weighing a broader move: sanctions on countries that import Iranian petrochemicals. This potential escalation could impact ethylene glycol, methanol, polyethylene, and liquefied butane and propane gases, among others, with wide-ranging implications for global trade flows. Iranian export statistics show China as the largest destination for these products. Volumes do not, however, correlate with China’s import statistics.
Continue readingIran’s Petrochemical Exports Expand in the First Half of 2024.
Methanol, polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) and mono-ethylene glycol were Iran’s leading petrochemical exports (excluding liquefied gases) in the first half of 2024. Shipments of each were up versus the same period in 2023, mainly on increased exports to China.
Continue readingTrends in China’s Polyolefin Polymer Trade Through February 2924
Polyethylene polymer import and export volumes were higher versus February YTD 2023, but at depressed prices. Imports of polypropylene were down sharply; low-priced export volumes climbed.
Continue readingTrends in China’s Trade in Commodity Polymers in 2023
China’s imports of commodity polymers as a total of all grades of PE, PP, styrenics, PVC and PET, declined for the third year in a row, a loss of nearly 10 million tons of volume over the 2020-2023 period. Exports of the combined total climbed for the third year in a row, increasing by nearly 7 million tons. Shipments of manufactured products identifiable as plastic showed a small gain of 0.7 million tons in 2023, rising to 16.7 million tons.
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 readingExpansion in Iran’s Exports of Liquefied Gases and Chemicals
Iran is a major exporter of liquefied gases and chemicals and the country’s shipments of these products have risen dramatically over the last five years.
Continue readingThe United States Exceeds Iran in Exports of Polyethylene To China
From November 2022 through January 2023, the US shipped more polyethylene (all grades combined) to China than did Iran.
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