China's Ethylene Trade Shifts in 2025 as Imports Surge, Exports Drop

According to customs statistics, in November 2025, China imported 235,200 tonnes of ethylene, representing a marginal increase of 0.03% month-on-month and a significant rise of 19.57% year-on-year. China exported 74.89 tonnes of ethylene, reflecting a substantial increase of 190.05% month-on-month but a sharp decline of 99.13% year-on-year. From January to November 2025, China's cumulative ethylene imports reached 2.5867 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 32.08%. Cumulative ethylene exports totalled 15,400 tonnes, a year-on-year decrease of 79.04%.

From January to November 2025, China's ethylene imports were primarily conducted through general trade and processing trade arrangements, accounting for 82.9% and 17.1% respectively. Supplies mainly originated from South Korea, Japan, and Oman, with imports from South Korea totalling 1.7954 million tonnes (69.41% share); imports from Japan amounted to 483,100 tonnes, accounting for 18.68%; and imports from Oman reached 154,800 tonnes, representing 5.98%. From January to November 2025, China's ethylene exports were predominantly conducted through general trade, primarily destined for Indonesia, Pakistan, and Taiwan, China. Exports to Indonesia totalled 7,300 tonnes, accounting for 47.14%; exports to Pakistan reached 4,300 tonnes, representing 27.73%; and exports to Taiwan, China amounted to 3,500 tonnes, constituting 22.75%.