From the start of the conflict on February 28, 2026, flows through the Strait of Hormuz have been restricted by both Iran and the US. The US increasingly imposed sanctions on Iranian vessels and its growing shadow fleet.
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Thailand 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 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 readingTrends in Polyethylene Film/Sheet Global Trade 2015-2025
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.
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 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.
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