The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in lower trade volume along the entire chain, impacting shipping and shifting trade flows between regions.
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US Exports of Polyethylene Slowed Across Q2, Picking up Slightly in July (YTD, 8.8 Million Tons, Down 3%); Steep Decline in the Average Price vs. June (to $1244/ton, Down ~$200/ton)
US exports YTD to Europe, Africa, and Canada were up; shipments to Latin America and Asia-Pacific fell.
Continue readingThailand Imported 0.5 Million Tons of Polyethylene Through June 2026 YTD, up 46% vs 2025, and Exported 1.1 Million Tons, Down 20%
Key factors in the trends were feedstock shortages from the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and aggressive exporting by China.
Continue readingFaced With Global Oversupply, South Korea Will Restructure the Yeosu Complex, Shutting 1.4 Million Tons of Ethylene Capacity
Korea’s ethylene exports plummeted with the start of the Iranian conflict. The restructuring will result in further declines.
Continue readingChina Exported Record Volumes of PE Polymer and Fabricated PE Film/Sheet, PE Bags/Sacks in the First Half of 2026
Constrained supplies of polymer and feedstocks from the Middle East provided China with opportunities to sell PE polymer and fabricated PE products globally.
Continue readingBrazil’s PE Import Sources Shifted Dramatically June 2026 YTD vs 2025; Much Lower Volumes From North America Largely Offset by Surge in PE from APAC, Middle East, and Others
Anti-dumping duties on North American suppliers and disruption in Middle East supply were major factors.
Continue readingPE Global Trade Down 4% May 2026 YTD: Lower Exports From the Middle East Partly Offset by Higher Shipments From APAC; North American Shipments Flat as Regional Flows Shifted
Polyethylene global trade (all grades combined) is projected at 29.0 million tons through May 2026, a decline of 1.4 million tons from May 2025 YTD.
Continue readingMexico and Canada, Importing Under the USMCA, Accounted for 19% of Total US Exports of Polyethylene in 2025, Down from 28% in 2021
The decline as a percentage of US total exports mainly reflected the rapid expansion of US exports worldwide. The USMCA is currently being reviewed; its renewal is uncertain.
Continue readingChina’s Imports of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Sank in April 2026; Exports Soared
China’s imports of polyethylene and polypropylene in April 2026 fell to record lows for the January 2022-April 2026 period. China’s exports of polyethylene and polypropylene set new record highs.
Continue readingProfound 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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