China received more polyethylene (PE) cargoes in September 2020. China’s PE imports from Iran reached 257,000 tons last month, soaring by 160% from August, after decreasing in five straight months since April. Imports of HDPE from Iran recorded the most significant increase in September at 158,000 tons, up by 180% from August and 6% from September last year. Imports of Iranian LDPE increased from 32,000 tons in August to 85,000 tons last month, while purchases of Iranian LLDPE rose 60% to 13,500 tons over the same period.
The increase came amid higher-than-expected domestic requirements during the peak season last month. Imports of Iranian PE fell during June-August as Iranian vessels cannot enter Chinese ports for customs clearance due to US sanctions.
In comparison, China’s HDPE imports from the US decreased by 29% from August to 81,000 tons in September. Imports of US LLDPE also fell by 12% to 58,000 tons over the same period. Meanwhile, purchases of US LDPE surged by 43% to 22,000 tons, thanks to robust domestic demand.
China’s total PE imports reached 1.82 million tons in September, increasing by 17% from a month earlier and 36% from a year earlier. Over the same period, its HDPE imports rose 16% to 938,000 tons, LLDPE purchases rose by 10% to 550,000 tons, while LDPE imports increased by 33% to 330,000 tons.
