US Exports of Polyethylene Slowed from April to June, Picking up Slightly in July. Shipments July 2026 YTD of 8.8 Million Tons Were Down 3%. The average price fell sharply to $1244/ton in July, down roughly $200/ton from June.

US exports YTD to Europe, Africa and Canada were up; shipments to Latin America and Asia-Pacific fell.

The US reported higher export of polyethylene (all grades combined) to numerous destinations with particularly strong gains to Belgium, Spain, Italy, India and Poland. China, Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Peru and Israel saw steep declines.

Lower polyethylene supplies from the Middle East due to the Iranian conflict (ITP Blog), a surge in shipments from China’s expanded capacity (ChemNet) and tariffs imposed by Brazil on the US (ITP Blog) were factors in the shift in US exports toward Western and Eastern Europe and Africa, away from Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

From International Trader Publications’ US Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of US exports of all polymers of ethylene, propylene, styrenics, PVC and PVC, recyclable polymers and key fabricated plastic products.