The volume of PE film/sheet traded globally increased by 2.6 million tons from 2015 to 2025. Imports into every region grew, as did trade within each region. Shipments by suppliers in Asia-Pacific and Eastern European surged. Trade flows in 2026 will be impacted heavily by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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Mexico 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 readingUS Imports of Polyethylene Bags May Face Additional Tariffs
As reported in Plastics News, US retail plastic bag makers have filed a petition with the US government requesting an additional 25% tariff on bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Continue readingUS-Canada Polyethylene Trade in 2025 Negatively Impacted by Fluctuating Tariff Policies
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 readingGlobal Trade in PE Film/Sheet and PE Bags/Sacks Continued to Rise in 2025 Despite Bans on Single-Use Products
Global trade in PE film/sheet rose 8% in 2025 to 7.4 million tons; trade in PE bags/sacks grew by 6% to 5 million tons. This followed gains of about 6% per product in 2024, compared to 2023.
Continue readingThe US and India Have Announced a Trade Deal That Will Impact Trade in Petrochemicals and Related Products
Tariffs will be lowered or eliminated on a number of chemical, polymer, rubber, and plastic products, enhancing trade flows between the countries.
Continue readingChina’s Imports of Commodity Polymers Continued Low in October 2025; Exports Stabilized Near Record Levels
China imported 18.3 million tons of all grades of PE, PP, PS, PVC, and PET through October 2025, down 8% on declines across all the polymers. Exports were 15.8 million tons, up 27%, with shipments of all polymers showing strong gains. Trade for the month was likely negatively impacted by the one week holiday celebrating China’s National Day, October 1-8.
Continue readingProjected Global Trade Volume in 2025: Methacrylates, 1.3 million Tons, down 1% from 2024; PMMA Polymer, 0.6 million Tons, down 4%; PMMA Film/Sheet, 0.7 million Tons, down 1%
Regional export flows shifted in 2025, pressured by lower global trade volume, weak demand, and new capacity.
Continue readingIndia Imported Record High Volumes of Film/Sheet Fabricated from PE, PP, and PET in July/August 2025; Prices Were at Their Lowest in Over Two Years
Through August 2025, the most current month available for India, imports of PE film/sheet totaled 282,000 tons, up 52% from the same period the year before. Imports of PP film/sheet were 67,000 tons, up 64%; PET film/sheet, 84,000 tons, up 76%.
Continue readingBrazil’s Soaring 2024 Polyethylene Imports Eased Somewhat Through September 2025; the Remainder of 2025 is Expected to be Impacted by Anti-Dumping Duties on US Polymer; Braskem Plans new Polyethylene Capacity in 2028
Brazil’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.
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