Insight
Chinese port congestion interrupts global plastic supply chain
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
Operations at a terminal at Ningbo Zhoushan, China’s second-largest container port, have been suspended after a worker tested positive for Covid-19, worsening the port congestion along China’s east coast and ultimately disrupting the global plastic supply chain. The Ningbo Zhoushan suspension will impact Chinese polyethylene imports of HDPE resin and exports of plastic end products (finished goods) to the international market. What will be the impact of this disruption to Chinese markets and international markets?
Table of contents
- Executive summary
- Background
- Ningbo Zhoushan is China’s second largest port by containers handled and the largest by total volume handled
- Port suspension will impact HDPE resin imports, but likely to be offset by ramping domestic capacities and other East China ports
- The impact on plastic end product exports is the major issue
- Chinese trade partners repatriating the converting operations due to supply chain issues
- Major Conclusions
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
-
Ningbo Zhoushan port polyethylene imports consist of more HDPE than other gradesProduction of Chinese plastic end products increased by 18.2% in H1 2021, stable from AprilChinese major export partners of film, profile and pipeUS downstream operation rate has picked up since April
What's included
This report contains:
Other reports you may be interested in
Insight
Thermal coal: 5 things to look for in 2026
A mix of familiar challenges and emerging shifts merging for global seaborne thermal coal markets
$1,100
Insight
Lithium: 5 things to look for in 2026
This insight explores five key themes that is expected to shape the lithium industry in 2026.
$1,050
Insight
Asia Pacific Gas & LNG: 5 things to look for in 2026
What does 2026 hold for the Asia Pacific gas and LNG industry?
$950
