Lower imports into China, together with rising exports from China, will impact trade flows out of Western Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
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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 readingITP Projects PP Homopolymer Global Trade Volume in 2025 Up 2% vs. 2024, Copolymers Volume, Unchanged; Middle East and APAC Battle for European and African Markets as China’s Exports Soar.
Polypropylene homopolymer global trade is projected at 22.5 million tons in 2025, up 2% from 2024; propylene copolymers trade adds another 10.3 million tons, unchanged.
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 readingThe Middle East’s ABS, SAN, Polyacetal, Polycarbonate, PMMA, and PET Trade in 2024: Key Trends and Regional Shifts
The Middle East’s largest volume engineering polymer exports were polycarbonates, PET, and ABS. The largest imports were PET and polycarbonates.
Continue readingBrazil’s Commodity Polymer Imports May be Peaking
Brazil’s commodity polymer imports have surged 86% over the past three years—from 648,000 tons in April 2022 YTD to 1.2 million tons through April 2025—with polyethylene and polypropylene accounting for the bulk of the volume. That trend may be reversing.
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 readingSaudi Arabia and UAE Exports of Polypropylene in 2024 Hit by China’s Aggressive PP Export Expansion Globally
Saudi Arabia exported 4.4 million tons of polypropylene (all grades, partly estimated) in 2024, down 14%. The UAE shipped 1.7 million tons, down 7%. (UAE does not publish statistics; data is visible from trading partners). Shipments to Asia-Pacific were the most impacted.
Continue readingSaudi Arabia and UAE Expand Polyethylene Exports in 2024 Despite Trade Challenges
Saudi Arabia exported 10.6 million tons of polyethylene (all grades, partly estimated) in 2024, up 2% from 2023. The UAE shipped 3.8 million tons, up 11%. (UAE does not publish statistics; data is visible from trading partners). Key to the expansions were regional shifts.
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.
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