US imports slowed from 132,000 tons in September to 117,000 tons in October, then plunged to 77,000 tons in November.
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China Surged Past the United States in 2025 to Become the World’s Largest PVC Exporter, Accounting for 24% of Total Global Trade Volume
China exported aggressively within Asia-Pacific and to Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Continue readingChina’s Changing Role in Global Polyethylene Trade
China 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 readingImplications of Venezuela’s Rising Imports of Polyethylene
Venezuela’s imports of polyethylene have risen over most of the 2010-2025 period while exports have been negligible. The dramatic United States military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026 and the stated US intention to upgrade the country’s oil industry raises the possibility that a corollary upgrade of the country’s petrochemical capacity may also be considered.
Continue readingUS Polyethylene Exports Shift to Other Regions, Offsetting Lower Volumes to Asia-Pacific
The US exported 9.1 million tons of polyethylene (all grades combined) through July 2025, up 5% from the same period in 2024. Trade with Asia-Pacific slowed, but there were strong gains to Eastern Europe and Africa and moderate increases to Western Europe and Latin America. Average prices remained depressed.
Continue readingMassive Surge in China’s Exports of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Styrenics, PVC, and PET Through July 2025, at Record Low Prices
Overcapacity, weak domestic demand, and the attraction of very low prices in an uncertain global economic environment were evident in the 29% jump in China’s commodity polymer exports July 2025 YTD, to 11.1 million tons, on gains to every region except North America. Average prices sank to their lowest levels in over five years, most polymers losing roughly $1000/ton from highs in 2021/2022, PET an exception, losing $400.
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 readingLNG Trade Between the US and China: Tariffs, US Export Markets, China’s Import Sources
As of February 4th, 2025, the US imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China. Part of China’s response was to levy a 15% tariff on LNG imports from the US, to go into effect February 10th. In 2024, China reported 4.3 million tons of LNG imports from US; the US reported 6.0 million tons of exports to China, a difference of 1.7 million tons.
Continue readingNorth America’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
North America’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by large volume exports of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC, most of which were up from the prior year. Imports were relatively small; several polyolefins showing large percentage gains.
Continue readingEastern Europe’s PE, PP, PS and PVC Trade in 2024: Key Trends, Challenges, and Regional Shifts
Eastern Europe’s trade in commodity polymers in 2024 was characterized by sizable exports of HDPE and polypropylene homopolymer (PP). Eastern Europe was the largest volume commodity polymer importer of any region with the exception of Asia-Pacific, and, for HDPE with a small increment, also Latin America.
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