Monthly LPG volume was relatively steady from April, although down sharply versus the first quarter.
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Iran’s Recently Published Polyethylene Export Statistics Show a Rebound in Shipments in July and August 2026
China, Pakistan, and other trading partner import statistics corroborate the increase in polyethylene volumes from Iran and other Middle East sources.
Continue readingSharply Lower Middle East Styrene Monomer Exports Through September 2026 Impacted Asia-Pacific Trade Flows for Monomer and Polymers
Asia-Pacific shipments of styrene monomer surged. Exports of general purpose and expandable polystyrene also expanded, but ABS was down.
Continue readingIndonesia Has Removed Import Duties on Polyolefins in Response to Supply Disruptions in the Middle East
As reported in Business Indonesia, the removal of tariffs on linear low-density polyethylene, HDPE, and polypropylene began in May 2026 and is to extend for six month. The removal of these duties, and also from LPG imports, was intended to reduce prices along the packaging chain.
Continue readingSharp Drop in Global Trade Volume Projected for September 2026 YTD for Methanol, Ethylene Glycol, and Anhydrous Ammonia
ITP projects global trade volume for these products, heavily sourced from the Middle East, down by 13-22%. The drop in volume, plus shifts in regional trade flows and high prices for transportation fuel have had a major impact on shipping rates.
Continue readingGlobal Trade Volume for Ethylene Monomer, Polyethylene, and Recyclable Polyethylene is Projected Down by 5-15% Through September 2026
The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in lower trade volume along the entire chain, impacting shipping and shifting trade flows between regions.
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 readingTrends in Polyethylene Global Trade, 2021-2025; Implications for 2026
The ITP Indicator of polyethylene global trade showed a volume of 72.2 million tons in 2025, up 1% from 2024. The upward trend visible since 2023 will likely be disrupted in 2026.
Continue readingPolypropylene Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
The conflict that began in Iran on February 28, 2026 has spread across the region, curtailing production and delaying or rerouting shipments of polypropylene through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports of polypropylene in 2025 (7.0 million tons) were 42% of total global exports of 16.7 million tons.
Continue readingPolyethylene Exports from the Middle East – Impact of Supply Disruption
Exports from Iran have ended and global trade flows are being impacted by the conflict that began February 28, 2026, spreading to other suppliers in the region, and delaying or rerouting shipments of polyethylene through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports of polyethylene in 2025 (18.7 million tons) represented 43% of total global exports of 43.8 million tons.
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