Lower imports into China, together with rising exports from China, will impact trade flows out of Western Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Continue readingTag Archives: Korea
ITP Projects Polycarbonate Polymer Global Trade Volume of 3.9 Million Tons in 2025, up 2% from 2024
Prominent trends include: much higher exports out of the Middle East; higher exports also out of Western Europe and Asia-Pacific; increased imports into every world region except Africa and North America.
Continue readingChina to Raise Naphtha Imports to Counter Ethane and LPG Trade Uncertainties
Although trade tensions have decreased, the higher tariffs in effect and earlier supply disruptions impacting ethane and liquefied propane gas imports from the US have led China to double import quotas on naphtha, which is used mainly to make petrochemicals.
Continue readingChina’s Polymer Trade in April 2025: Record Exports, Low Imports, Huge Challenges Ahead
Following the traditional Chinese New Year slowdown in February, China’s exports of all the commodity polymers – PE, PP, PVC, Styrenics, and PET – rebounded to record levels in March and continued strong in April. Exports of fabricated products also were high. Imports were flat. Major headwinds are expected to impact exports in the coming months.
Continue readingChina Exported Record Volumes of PE, PP, PS, PVC, and PET in March 2025. Shipments of Fabricated Plastic Products Also Surged. Imports Remained Low.
China’s exports of commodity polymers have surged each March in 2021 – 2025 following the Chinese New Year slowdown in February. March of 2025 was the highest volume ever recorded, new capacity and an uncertain trade environment adding to the strong growth trend from 2024.
Continue readingKorea Increased PE, PP, and Styrenic Polymer Exports in a Difficult Trade Environment in 2024 by Shifting Export Destinations; PVC and PET Shipments Contracted
Competition from China and depressed demand globally made 2024 a particularly challenging year.
In 2024 Korea exported 4.5 million tons of ethylene polymers (all grades), up 1%; 3.8 million tons of propylene polymers, up 9%; 1.9 million tons of styrenic polymers, up 4%; 0.7 million tons of PVC, down 7%; and 0.8 million tons of PET, down 4%.
Continue readingBrazil was a Commodity Polymer Import Powerhouse in 2024
Imports of nearly all grades of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenic polymers, PVC and PET were up sharply versus 2023, many grades setting new records. Brazil’s imports of fabricated plastic products also surged to new highs.
Continue readingAdvanced Look at Western Europe’s HDPE Polymer Imports
Although Eurostat statistics for polymers and other products are published three months after the trade month, an earlier view of import demand and the impact of shipping disruptions in the Red Sea can be obtained from trading partner export statistics.
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 reading