China Ethylene Imports Drop 28% in March 2026, Exports Plunge

China's ethylene imports fell sharply in March 2026, dropping 28.01% from a year earlier and 13.48% from the previous month to 156,000 metric tons, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.

For the first quarter of 2026, China's cumulative ethylene imports reached 628,400 metric tons, a decline of 3.23% compared with the same period last year.

Imports Dominated By General Trade, South Korea Remains Top Supplier

General trade and processing trade accounted for the bulk of ethylene imports in the January–March period, representing 76.32% and 23.68% of total volumes, respectively.

South Korea remained China's dominant ethylene supplier, with imports totaling 444,800 metric tons in Q1 — equivalent to 70.78% of the country's total inbound shipments. Japan ranked second at 60,900 metric tons (9.68%), followed by Oman at 53,900 metric tons (8.57%).

Exports Collapse Over 58% Year-On-Year

On the export side, China shipped 4,270.36 metric tons of ethylene in March 2026. Cumulative exports for the first three months of the year stood at 4,475.13 metric tons, representing a steep year-on-year decline of 58.63%.

All ethylene exports during the period were conducted via general trade channels. Taiwan was the primary destination, receiving 4,166.22 metric tons — accounting for 93.1% of total outbound volumes. Singapore followed with 144 metric tons (3.22%), the Philippines with 60 metric tons (1.34%), and Russia with 51 metric tons (1.14%).