Tag Archives: Iraq

China Surged Past the United States in 2025 to Become the World’s Largest PVC Exporter, Accounting for 24% of Total Global Trade Volume

China exported aggressively within Asia-Pacific and to Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

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The 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.

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Global Trade in Recyclable Polyethylene Slowed in 2023 and 2024

Global trade in recyclable PE contracted slightly in 2024, to 2.9 million tons, off 1% from 2023. This followed a 3% decline in 2023 versus 2022. Turkey was the world’s largest importer of recyclable PE; imports picked up in 2024 as the average price fell.

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Polyethylene Sheets and Other Flat Products: Current Global Trade Trends

In 2014, global trade in polyethylene sheets and other flat products (film, foil and strip) totaled 4.4 million tons, up 2% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was up 3% from the same period in the prior year, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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PVC Floor and Wall Coverings: Current Global Trade Trends

Nearly 3 million tons of flooring and wall coverings made from PVC were traded globally in 2014, up 11% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was flat with last year, based on reporting countries.  Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.    Continue reading →