Stats: China’s Jan polymer imports and exports decline, marking multi-month lows

According to data from ChemOrbis Stats Wizard PRO, China’s polymer trade witnessed a slowdown in January 2025, with both imports and exports falling from December levels. The declines also extended on a year-on-year basis for several key polymers, reflecting weaker market demand.

Total polymer imports in January dropped by 11% from December 2024 and were down 6% from a year earlier. This decline marked one of the weakest import volumes in recent months. Similarly, total polymer exports fell 14% from the previous month, although they saw a notable 21% increase from a year ago.

In value terms, China’s polymer imports for January amounted to approximately $1.8 million, down 13% from December, marking the lowest figure since June 2024. Meanwhile, the total export value was around $992,000, registering a 16% month-on-month drop and marking the lowest since February 2024.

PP imports hit 11-month low, exports rise 25% on year

China’s PP imports saw a significant decline in January, dropping 21% from both December 2024 and January 2024. This marked the lowest monthly figure since February 2024, signaling weakened import demand amid increased local supply.

PP exports also declined by 13% from December; however, they recorded a robust 25% year-on-year increase, suggesting improved overseas demand compared to early 2024.

In terms of trade value, total PP imports stood at approximately $290,000, reflecting a 21% drop on a monthly basis, while PP exports were valued at $183,000, down 17% from December. Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates remained China’s top PP suppliers, while Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh were the primary export destinations.

PE imports edge up on year, exports drop to 2-year low

PE imports, including LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and mLLDPE, decreased by 8% from December but managed a slight 2% increase from January 2024. PE exports faced a more significant drop, falling 15-16% on both a monthly and yearly basis, reaching their lowest level since January 2023.

The total import value for PE in January was around $1.3 million, down 10% from December, while exports were valued at $67,000, down 16% on month. Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading suppliers of PE to China, while the top export destinations were the Philippines, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

PVC exports surge 105% on year, imports decline

China’s PVC imports, including both suspension-PVC (S-PVC) and emulsion-PVC (E-PVC), declined by 8% from December and 4% from January 2024. In contrast, PVC exports saw a sharp surge, rising 22% month-on-month and an impressive 105% year-on-year, reaching their highest monthly volume since March 2024.

The strong export performance pushed the total export value of PVC to $194,000, up 18% from December and 42% from a year ago. India, Nigeria, and Vietnam were the key destinations for China’s PVC exports.

PET bottle exports take a sharp fall

Exports of PET bottle resin saw a steep decline in January, dropping 32% from December, marking the lowest monthly volume since February 2024. The total export value also took a hit, falling 33% on a monthly basis to nearly $350,000. The major export destinations for PET bottle resin were Indonesia, Vietnam, and Russia.

PS and ABS imports decline sharply

PS imports, covering both GPPS and HIPS, saw a 19% decline from December. The total import value dropped 19% on month and 24% on year to approximately $31,000, marking the lowest value since February 2024.

ABS imports also plummeted, falling 25% from December, reaching their lowest level since February 2024. The total import value declined by 28% month-on-month and 23% year-on-year to nearly $100,000, making it the weakest level since February 2024.

For detailed figures on tonnage and more, visit ChemOrbis Stats Wizard Pro.