China PVC Powder Imports Drop 43% While Exports Soar in 2026

According to the latest Chinese customs data, imports of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder into China fell sharply in the first two months of 2026. January imports totaled 14,000 tonnes, down 39.6% from the same month last year, while February shipments declined 39.5% month-on-month to 8,000 tonnes, representing a 47.2% drop compared with February 2025. Cumulative imports for January and February reached 22,000 tonnes, a 42.7% decline year-on-year.

In contrast, exports of PVC powder from China showed strong growth. January shipments rose 1.8% year-on-year to 285,000 tonnes. February exports jumped 56.8% from the previous month to 448,000 tonnes, up 35.8% compared with February 2025. Total exports for the first two months amounted to 733,000 tonnes, marking a 20.2% increase over the same period last year.

During January and February, China's PVC powder imports were primarily sourced from the United States (50.8%), Japan (26.4%), Taiwan (17.0%), Germany (4.0%), and South Korea (0.6%). Exports were mainly directed to India (37.8%), Vietnam (5.7%), Uzbekistan (5.6%), Indonesia (4.9%), and Kazakhstan (3.6%).

The contrasting trends highlight China's shifting trade dynamics in the PVC market, reflecting both domestic demand fluctuations and growing overseas market opportunities.