Ethylene

China's ethylene imports increased 9.18% year-on-year in January–February 2026 despite a sharp February decline, while exports fell over 98%, highlighting strong import reliance and weak outbound trade activity.

China imported 2.82 million tonnes of ethylene in 2025, up 26.67% year-on-year, while exports fell 75.64%, according to customs data, highlighting strong import dependence and weak outbound flows.

From January to November 2025, China's ethylene imports jumped 32.08% while exports fell 79.04%, with South Korea, Japan, and Oman remaining the main supply sources.

China's Guangxi Petrochemical launches 1.2 MTA ethylene plant, a key national project enhancing the Western Land-Sea Corridor and boosting RCEP competitiveness.

In May 2025, China imported 224,700 metric tons of ethylene, marking a month-on-month increase of 8.56% and a year-on-year rise of 12.55%.

According to China Customs data, China imported 207,000 tonnes of ethylene in April 2025, down 4.47% from the previous month but up 48.48% year-on-year.