China’s polyethylene production continued to maintain a steady growth trend in 2019. With the new production capacity increased in the second half of 2018 and March of 2019, the monthly output of polyethylene (PE) in the first half of 2019 is higher the same period of 2018.

In January-May 2019, polyethylene imports increased by about 4% compared with that of 2018. According to China Customs, Middle East is still the largest supplier of polyethylene to China. Northeast Asia is a huge consumer and producer of polyethylene while Southeast Asia has become China's second import market based on the geographical advantage. Though North America has its advanced technology, the long distance and trade environment may damper the buying interests.

Imports of LLDPE in January-May 2019 have a 91% year-on-year growth from the same period of 2017 and a 28.5% growth from 2018. The imports of LDPE in January-May 2019 have increased by 48% compared to 2017 while decreased by 5%  from 2018; and HDPE imports increased by 22% from the same period of 2017, while decreased by 3% from 2018. Therefore, LLDPE has the most stable growth trend in 2017-2019.

The domestic consumption of polyethylene in the first half of 2019 increased by 14.6% compared with that in 2018 and the polyethylene market maintained a volatile decline due to the imbalance between supply and demand. It is expected that the PE market in the second half may show a rising trend with the new production capacity and increasing demand.