Uncertainty created by the “Liberation Day” policies announced by the US in April contributed to a drop in trade between the US and Canada for the year, and also led to greater efforts by both countries to increase exports abroad.
The renegotiation of the USMCA, which governs trade between the US, Mexico, and Canada is scheduled for later in 2026. Until this is finalized, tariff uncertainty will continue.
Continue readingUS exports of polyethylene (all grades combined) reached 15.7 million tons in 2025, up from 13.8 million tons in 2023, based on US export statistics.
Continue readingThe addition of massive Chinese capacity dramatically impacted global trade flows.
Continue readingChina continues as the world’s largest PE importer but its percentage share of global trade volume has fallen over the 2020-2025 period. China’s imports are projected to decline further; China’s exports, to increase.
Continue readingHigher exports of both polymer grades are projected from Western Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Continue readingBrazil’s imports of polyethylene were at record high levels for most of 2024. Trade through September 2025 slowed versus the prior year, but the impact of a recent anti-dumping ruling against polymer imports from the US and Canada is expected to be realized in the fourth quarter.
Continue readingRising exports out of North America are a prominent trend in 2025.
Continue readingThe US imposed restrictions on ethane exports to China in late May and early June. Restrictions have since eased and exports are expected to rise.
Continue readingLPG global trade expanded each year over the 2020 to 2024 period and continued through April 2025. Rising US exports, increasing demand globally for LPG as a petrochemical feedstock and a cleaner fuel, and the ban on EU imports from Russia were key market drivers.
Continue readingThe impact of the trade war between the US and China and the associated tariff uncertainty was reflected in US exports of polyethylene to China in April 2025, the lowest in 16 months.
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