China Propylene Oxide Imports Surge 400% in April 2026

China's imports of propylene oxide soared 400.0% year-on-year to 9,800 tonnes in April 2026, while exports surged 799.1% over the same period to 1,700 tonnes, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

Thailand was the top supplier in April, shipping 3,000 tonnes and accounting for 30.6% of total imports, followed by Saudi Arabia at 2,500 tonnes (25.4%) and Singapore at 2,300 tonnes (23.5%).

On the export side, Japan dominated as the primary destination, receiving 1,500 tonnes, or 86.3% of China's total propylene oxide exports for the month.

For the January–April 2026 period, China imported 45,400 tonnes of propylene oxide, up 10.6% year-on-year. Thailand remained the leading source with 21,100 tonnes, representing 46.5% of the total, followed by Saudi Arabia with 15,200 tonnes (33.4%) and Singapore with 7,100 tonnes (15.6%).

Cumulative exports for the first four months of 2026 reached 1,800 tonnes, a 111.1% increase from the same period a year earlier. Japan again accounted for the bulk of outbound shipments at 1,500 tonnes, or 82.8% of the total.