Stats: China’s Q1 PVC exports reach record high above 1 million tons

According to ChemOrbis Stats Wizard, China’s total PVC exports soared past 1 million tons in the first quarter of 2025, setting a new all-time quarterly record. Imports, on the other hand, remained nearly unchanged from a year earlier, continuing to hover around historical lows.

Exports surge 54% on year

China exported more than 1 million tons of PVC in Q1 2025, marking a robust 54% increase from the same quarter in 2024. Despite lingering uncertainty around potential anti-dumping duties (ADDs), India retained its lead as the largest export destination by a wide margin.

The value of these exports totaled nearly $665,000, up from Q1 2024 and the highest since Q2 2022. However, this figure remains well below the Q2 2022 peak of $1 million, when lower export volumes were offset by higher prices. The disparity highlights the impact of persistently low Chinese PVC prices during Q1 2025, which have remained near multi-year lows.

Weak domestic demand, oversupply, and globally competitive prices were the key drivers behind the export boom. Further adding to the supply glut, China is set to boost its production capacity significantly this year. According to ChemOrbis Supply Wizard, over 2 million tons/year of new PVC capacity are planned for 2025, with 500,000 tons/year already commissioned in the first quarter.

Steady monthly growth: March marks new monthly record

China’s export momentum picked up steadily through the first quarter. After gaining traction in December 2024, PVC exports climbed month by month, culminating in a record high of 383,000 tons in March alone, marking the highest monthly volume on record.

Imports flat, but US flow may be at risk

PVC imports into China were almost unchanged from a year earlier in Q1, staying close to record lows. The US remained the top PVC supplier during this period. However, new tariffs imposed on US-origin goods are casting a shadow over future trade flows, potentially leading to a sharp decline in American PVC inflows in the coming quarter.

In response, market participants are closely watching whether other key suppliers, such as Taiwan and Japan, currently the second- and third-largest sources, will ramp up shipments to fill the gap if US-origin volumes dip.

China’s total PVC import value stood at just under $75,000 in the first quarter, also near historic lows, underscoring the country’s rising self-sufficiency and subdued domestic buying appetite.

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