China Paste PVC Trade Rebounds in March, Exports Lag YoY

China's trade in paste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin rose sharply in March from the previous month, though both imports and exports remained lower compared with a year earlier, according to customs data.

Imports of paste PVC resin totaled 10,600 tonnes in March, up 58.86% month-on-month, but down 9.62% year-on-year. Exports reached 14,600 tonnes, increasing 58.25% from February, while falling 11.54% compared with the same period last year.

For the first quarter of 2026, China imported a total of 27,700 tonnes, a slight increase of 0.35% year-on-year, indicating relatively stable inbound demand. Over the same period, exports stood at 34,000 tonnes, down 13.85% from a year earlier, pointing to continued softness in overseas shipments despite the March rebound.

Taiwan was the largest source of China's paste PVC resin imports between January and March, supplying 11,700 tonnes and accounting for 42.21% of total imports. It was followed by South Korea with 4,000 tonnes (14.40%), Thailand with 3,900 tonnes (14.10%), Germany with 3,600 tonnes (12.99%), and Malaysia with 3,300 tonnes (11.90%).

On the export side, Russia remained the leading destination, taking 16,300 tonnes, or 47.91% of total shipments in the first quarter. Vietnam imported 4,200 tonnes (12.20%), followed by Pakistan at 2,300 tonnes (6.77%), South Korea at 1,400 tonnes (4.18%), and Egypt at 1,100 tonnes (3.28%).

The data suggest a strong sequential recovery in March trade activity, while year-on-year declines highlight ongoing adjustments in global demand for paste PVC resin.