China VCM Trade in 2025: Imports Dip, Exports Mixed in December

According to the latest customs data, China imported 90,200 tonnes of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in December 2025, marking a year-on-year decline of 10.27% but a sharp month-on-month increase of 137.92%. Over the same period, VCM exports totaled 8,700 tonnes, up 43.92% year on year but down 4.46% from November.

For the full year of 2025, China's cumulative VCM imports reached 759,500 tonnes, representing a year-on-year decrease of 1.55%. Cumulative exports over the January–December period stood at 145,900 tonnes, down 5.9% compared with the previous year.

In terms of sourcing, China's VCM imports in December 2025 mainly came from Japan, Taiwan (China) and South Korea. Under general trade and processing trade with supplied materials, imports from Japan amounted to 44,400 tonnes, while shipments from Taiwan (China) and South Korea totaled 25,000 tonnes and 20,800 tonnes, respectively.

On the export side, China's VCM shipments in December were primarily destined for India and Vietnam. Exports under general trade reached 5,600 tonnes to India and 3,000 tonnes to Vietnam.

Looking at the full-year breakdown, Japan remained China's largest VCM import source in 2025, supplying 394,500 tonnes and accounting for 51.93% of total imports. Taiwan (China) followed with 205,200 tonnes, or 27.02%, while South Korea contributed 159,900 tonnes, representing 21.05%.

India and Vietnam were also the leading destinations for China's VCM exports over the January–December period. Exports to India totaled 62,000 tonnes, accounting for 42.49% of the annual total, while shipments to Vietnam reached 56,900 tonnes, or 38.99%.

Overall, the data indicate subdued annual trade performance for China's VCM market in 2025, despite notable month-on-month volatility in December and a divergent trend between imports and exports at the year-end.