China Ethylene Trade Data 2025: Imports Up 26.67%

According to China Customs statistics, China's ethylene trade showed mixed performance in December 2025, with imports remaining stable month-on-month while exports surged from a low base but declined significantly year-on-year.

China's Ethylene Imports and Exports in December 2025

In December 2025, China imported 237,500 tonnes of ethylene, up 1% compared with November, but down 12.42% year-on-year. During the same period, China exported 4,400 tonnes of ethylene, representing a sharp month-on-month increase of 5,776.13%, while recording a 43.81% year-on-year decline.

The significant monthly rise in exports reflects a low base in the previous month, whereas the annual comparison indicates continued pressure on outbound shipments.

Full-Year 2025: Ethylene Import Growth, Export Contraction

For the full year from January to December 2025, China's cumulative ethylene imports reached 2.8242 million tonnes, marking a year-on-year increase of 26.67%. In contrast, total ethylene exports stood at 19,800 tonnes, down 75.64% compared with the previous year.

The data highlight China's sustained reliance on imported ethylene supply in 2025, alongside a substantial contraction in export volumes.

Trade Structure: General Trade Dominates

Between January and December 2025, China's ethylene imports were primarily conducted under general trade and processing trade with imported materials, accounting for 82.08% and 17.92% of total imports, respectively.

Major import sources included South Korea, Japan, and Oman:

• Imports from South Korea totaled 1.9288 million tonnes, representing 68.29% of China's total ethylene imports.

• Imports from Japan reached 534,000 tonnes, accounting for 18.91%.

• Imports from Oman amounted to 175,700 tonnes, making up 6.22%.

On the export side, general trade was also the dominant mode. China's ethylene exports were mainly shipped to Taiwan (China), Indonesia, and Pakistan:

• Exports to Taiwan (China) totaled 7,800 tonnes, accounting for 39.32% of total exports.

• Shipments to Indonesia reached 7,300 tonnes, representing 36.87%.

• Exports to Pakistan stood at 4,300 tonnes, or 21.57%.

Overall, the 2025 data underscore China's structural role as a net ethylene importer, with import growth concentrated in Northeast Asian suppliers and exports remaining limited and regionally focused.