The US exported 9.1 million tons of polyethylene (all grades combined) through July 2025, up 5% from the same period in 2024. Trade with Asia-Pacific slowed but there were strong gains to Eastern Europe and Africa and moderate increases to Western Europe and Latin America. Average prices remained depressed.

US exports have generally trended higher since 2022. Volume peaked early in 2025 but eased from April to July. Trade with China, impacted by the tariff war, was down 31% July YTD, to 1.0 million tons. Exports to Brazil and Canada also slowed. Strong growth markets included Turkey, Colombia, Vietnam, Italy, Peru, India, Israel and others.

Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers were the US’s largest polymer export by grade, 3.4 million tons, down 1% on lower volumes to Asia-Pacific and Latin America. HDPE followed with 3.2 million tons, up 14%, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe and Africa leading growth destinations. The distribution of US exports by region based on US export statistics is shown below.

From International Trader Publications US Polymer Trade Report, a monthly analysis of the United States’ reported imports and exports of all grades of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrenic polymers, PVC and PET, recyclable polymers, and fabricated plastic products.