August Polyethylene Import and Export Volumes Reach New Levels, But Show Contrasting Trends

In August, China's polyethylene import volume showed a downward trend, significantly lower than the same period last year, reaching the lowest level in nearly seven years. Export volume continued to grow, hitting a historical high. The starkly different situation in China's polyethylene import and export volumes is closely related to the continuous increase in polyethylene production capacity and the rising domestic self-sufficiency rate in recent years. The import and export pattern has gradually changed, but China's polyethylene industry still faces the dilemma of "oversupply in the low-end, dependence on the high-end."

I. Import Volume

 

Data source: General Administration of Customs, JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Data source: General Administration of Customs, Jinlianchuang

According to customs data, in August 2025, China's PE import volume was 950,200 tons, showing a decrease both year-on-year and month-on-month. From January to August, China's total PE import volume was 8,981,500 tons, a decrease of 0.84% compared to the same period last year.

In August, the import volume of polyethylene saw a decline both month-on-month and year-on-year, with a month-on-month decrease of 14.17% and a year-on-year decrease of 22.14%. By category, the import volume of LDPE was 200,800 tons, down 21.72% month-on-month and 14.12% year-on-year; the import volume of HDPE was 402,500 tons, down 13.65% month-on-month and 25.99% year-on-year; the import volume of LLDPE was 346,900 tons, down 9.76% month-on-month and 21.62% year-on-year.

Overall, in August, the import volumes of high-pressure, low-pressure, and linear varieties all saw a decline, with low-pressure imports experiencing the largest drop, followed by high-pressure and linear. Firstly, in August, there were limited new maintenance units added in China, and some previously maintained units were restarted, resulting in overall adequate supply. Secondly, supply from the Middle East was tight, and the arbitrage window between domestic and international markets was largely closed, leading to a reduction in imported resources. Thirdly, poor market demand has been a concern, resulting in low trading willingness.

2. Export Volume

  

Data Source: General Administration of Customs, JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd.

 

Data source: General Administration of Customs, Jin Lian Chuang

According to customs data statistics, in August 2025, China's PE export volume reached 116,000 tons, showing a growth trend both month-on-month and year-on-year. From January to August, China's total PE export volume was 729,800 tons, an increase of 25.94% compared to the same period last year.

In August, the export volume of polyethylene showed a growth trend both month-on-month and year-on-year, with a month-on-month increase of 14.12% and a year-on-year increase of 61.83%. By product category, the export volumes of all products experienced slight growth. The export volume of LDPE was 30,300 tons, with a month-on-month increase of 21.69% and a year-on-year increase of 33.48%; the export volume of HDPE was 45,200 tons, with a month-on-month increase of 13.28% and a year-on-year increase of 19.58%; the export volume of LLDPE was 40,500 tons, with a month-on-month increase of 9.76% and a year-on-year increase of 261.61%.

In August, China's polyethylene exports continued to maintain a growth trend, reaching a record high. The supply pressure of polyethylene in China increased in August, while domestic demand remained weak, which enhanced the enthusiasm of businesses for exports. Meanwhile, the quality of China's polyethylene products has rapidly improved, gaining recognition in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia. In terms of export flow, China's polyethylene exports mainly went to regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From the perspective of exporting countries, Vietnam consistently accounted for the largest share, becoming China's largest PE export destination.