Tag Archives: Korea Polymer Trade Report

Profound Changes in South Korea’s Polyolefins Trade in April 2026: Record Imports of Polymer & Fabricated Plastic Products; Steep Drop in Exports; Soaring Prices

The Iranian conflict and resulting constraints on feedstocks and raw materials were apparent in Korea’s trade in April.

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Korea 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%.

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Korea Exported Record Volumes of PE in March 2020 and Imported High Volumes of Fabricated Plastic Products, Trade with China a Key Factor

Shipments to China accounted for most of the surge in Korea’s exports; China was the source of most of Korea’s imports of fabricated plastic products.

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Overview of Korea’s Commodity Polymer Trade July 2018 YTD

Korea’s exports of commodity polymers expanded moderately in the first seven months of 2018, as did shipments of fabricated plastic products. Imports rose sharply. Korea exported less recycle polymers but imported more.

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