China’s PP Exports Race Toward Record High as Imports Continue to Shrink

China's polypropylene trade maintained strong momentum in the first half of 2026, with exports climbing rapidly while imports continued to decline. The latest trade figures highlight the country's growing role as a global PP supplier and its increasing reliance on domestic production to meet local demand.

During January-June 2026, China exported more than 2.5 million tons of polypropylene, including both homo-PP and copolymer grades. This six-month volume has already exceeded 80% of the country's total PP exports for 2025, putting China on track for another record-breaking year.

Meanwhile, PP imports fell to around 1.3 million tons, reflecting the country's continued shift toward greater self-sufficiency.

Exports on track to exceed 5 million tons

China's PP exports increased 63% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. If shipments continue at the current pace, annual exports could surpass 5 million tons for the first time, a significant jump from approximately 3.1 million tons recorded in 2025.

Homo-PP remained the key growth driver, with exports approaching 2.2 million tons in just six months—already close to last year's full-year total. The rapid expansion highlights the growing importance of overseas markets for Chinese producers.

June shipments ease after record highs

Monthly export volumes moderated in June after exceptionally strong performances during April and May.

Exports reached an all-time high of nearly 640,000 tons in April before easing to just over 550,000 tons in May. June shipments declined further to around 420,000 tons as supply conditions improved in the Middle East and export opportunities became less favorable.

Despite the monthly slowdown, June exports remained 78% higher than the same month last year, indicating that overseas demand for Chinese PP remained historically strong.

With crude oil, feedstock, and PP prices strengthening again in July amid renewed geopolitical tensions, exporters could see fresh opportunities in the coming months if international buying activity improves.

Vietnam remains the top destination

Vietnam continued to be the largest buyer of Chinese polypropylene during the first half of the year, accounting for 15% of total exports.

Top Export Destinations

Vietnam
Share of Exports: 15%

Indonesia
Share of Exports: 11%

India
Share of Exports: 10%

Thailand
Share of Exports: 6%

Bangladesh
Share of Exports: 5%

Compared with last year, Indonesia and India significantly increased their share of Chinese exports, while Bangladesh's contribution declined. The shift reflects China's ability to supply markets where traditional exporters faced tighter availability earlier this year.

Imports continue to decline

China imported approximately 1.3 million tons of PP during the first half of 2026, representing a 21% decline compared with the same period last year.

If the current trend continues, total imports could fall to around 2.6 million tons for the full year, well below 2025's 3.4 million tons. The decline continues a long-term trend as expanding domestic production steadily replaces imported material.

South Korea remains the largest supplier

South Korea continued to be China's biggest PP supplier despite the shrinking import market.

Major PP Suppliers to China

South Korea
Share of Imports: 21%

Singapore
Share of Imports: 13%

Japan
Share of Imports: 12%

United Arab Emirates
Share of Imports: 10%

Taiwan
Share of Imports: 10%

Although supplier rankings remained largely unchanged, exporters are increasingly diversifying into alternative markets as China's import demand continues to decline. The latest figures reinforce China's transition from a major PP importer to one of the world's fastest-growing polypropylene exporters.

Stay ahead of market trends with the Credco app. For any queries, please reach out via WhatsApp at +91 8448083211.