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Chinese polyolefins resin exports – opportunistic or fundamental?

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As China becomes self-sufficient and adds significant capacities, the country will actively participate in the international markets, particularly for polypropylene. The industry witnessed a glimpse of Chinese export capabilities in recent global supply constraints in Feb/Mar. For example, China exported 400 kt of polypropylene, which is an increase of 500% and 300% during the same period in 2019 and 2020.

Table of contents

  • Executive summary
  • Background: Why did Chinese exports of polyethylene and polypropylene increase in Q1-2020?
  • Will China become an exporter of polyolefins?
  • Will robust demand growth impede Chinese ability to export polypropylene resin over the next five years?
  • Learning from other self-sufficient polymers
  • What can Chinese producers do?
  • Where will Chinese exports go?

Tables and charts

This report includes 8 images and tables including:

  • Global HDPE prices spike in March, CFR China prices lower than CIF Middle East
  • Global polypropylene prices rise significantly in North America and Europe
  • Chinese polyolefins export in large volume to India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, and small volume to Africa and South Asia
  • Capacity addition in the next five years will increase Chinese polypropylene self-sufficiency to 130%
  • Chinese polypropylene overcapacity will be more severe than polyethylene overcapacity
  • China imports PVC and PS to meet domestic demand
  • Small assets occupied a large percentage of Chinese polypropylene capacity
  • Regional polypropylene deficit

What's included

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  • Document

    Chinese polyolefins resin exports – opportunistic or fundamental?

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