Propylene copolymers, defined as polymer containing less than 95% propylene monomer by weight and the remainder another olefin(s), are exported from three main regions, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This is unlike homopolymer, where exports from the Middle East currently account for about half of total exports and, as such, are highly vulnerable to supply constraints in the region.

Propylene copolymers tend to be used in applications where high impact strength, flexibility and cold resistance are required. Homopolymer serves where stiffness, strength and chemical resistance are priorities.

The ITP indicator of global trade volume measures imports/exports, plus intra-regional trade. The indicator showed 10.3 million tons of propylene copolymers trade in 2025, unchanged from 2024 and the same as in 2021. The contractions in 2022 and 2023 partly reflected a sharp drop in imports into North America in both years.

Although Middle East exports of 1.4 million tons in 2025 accounted for one third of total exports of 4.3 million tons, Western Europe and Asia-Pacific accounted for an additional 25% each.

Eastern Europe was the world’s largest propylene copolymers importing region, over 60% of which came from Western Europe. Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Western Europe and Africa also saw imports increase over the period.

From International Trader Publications’ Propylene Copolymers World Trade Analysis, a continuously updated analysis of global trade based on latest statistics from all publishing countries.