China Chlorinated Methanes Trade Volatile In Early 2026
China's trade in key chlorinated methanes, dichloromethane and chloroform, saw sharp month-to-month volatility in the first two months of 2026, according to customs data, with exports continuing to far exceed imports despite abrupt swings in volumes.
Dichloromethane Exports Drop In February After January Surge
China imported 20.6 metric tons of dichloromethane in January 2026, up 25.3% month-on-month and 40.0% year-on-year. Exports rose to 21,448.9 metric tons, increasing 34.4% on the month and 43.7% from a year earlier.
In February, imports fell to 6.6 metric tons, down 67.8% month-on-month and 28.3% year-on-year, while exports declined to 13,156.5 metric tons, down 38.7% on the month and 21.7% year-on-year.
For January–February combined, imports totaled 27.2 metric tons, up 13.3% year-on-year, while exports reached 34,605.4 metric tons, rising 9.1% year-on-year.
Export Destinations Concentrated In Five Markets
Dichloromethane exports were heavily concentrated in a small group of destinations. The United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Vietnam, Turkey and Pakistan accounted for 17,110.8 metric tons in total, or 49.4% of shipments during the period.
The United Arab Emirates was the largest destination at 6,607.0 metric tons, followed by Brazil at 4,012.7 metric tons, Vietnam at 2,382.8 metric tons, Turkey at 2,150.1 metric tons and Pakistan at 1,958.0 metric tons.
Chloroform Imports And Exports Swing Sharply Month-To-Month
China imported 1,600.2 metric tons of chloroform in January, down 11.1% from December, while exports rose 39.3% to 117.0 metric tons, though still down 61.1% year-on-year.
In February, imports dropped sharply to 60.1 metric tons, down 96.2% month-on-month, while exports fell to 60.2 metric tons, down 48.5% on the month but up 50.6% year-on-year.
For January–February, imports totaled 1,660.3 metric tons, while exports reached 177.2 metric tons, up 152.9% year-on-year.
Chloroform Exports Nearly Fully Concentrated In Two Markets
Export flows were overwhelmingly concentrated in South Korea and Brazil, which together absorbed 177.0 metric tons, or 99.9% of total shipments.
South Korea accounted for 153.0 metric tons, while Brazil took 24.0 metric tons. All trade was conducted under general trade channels.