EU27 Polymer Imports Nearly Flat in H1 2026 as Supply Sources Shift

EU27 polymer imports declined by less than 1% year on year during the first half of 2026, but the broadly stable headline figure masks significant differences across individual polymers and supplying countries.

Imports increased for most major polymer categories, while PE was the only major product to record a substantial decline. Lower shipments from key Middle Eastern suppliers played an important role in the PE contraction and ultimately pulled the overall EU27 polymer import figure slightly lower.

The marginal decline in H1 2026 followed a nearly 13% year-on-year increase during the same period of 2025. The latest figures suggest that Europe’s reliance on imported polymers remains in place, although the sources supplying the market have undergone considerable changes.

PE Imports

Total PE Imports

H1 2026: -12%

Change: Imports declined 12% year on year

Saudi Arabia

H1 2026: -34%

Change: Shipments declined 34% year on year

Qatar

H1 2026: -49%

Change: Shipments declined 49% year on year

Canada

H1 2026: +96%

Change: Shipments increased 96% year on year

PE Decline Driven by Lower Middle Eastern Supply

PE was the clear outlier among the major polymers, with EU27 imports falling 12% from a year earlier.

The US remained the largest PE supplier during H1 2026 despite a 4% year-on-year decline in shipments. Saudi Arabia ranked second, but its volumes dropped by 34%, while South Korea, the third-largest supplier, increased shipments by 8%.

Qatar also recorded a major decline, with shipments falling by 49%. Canada recorded one of the strongest increases among alternative suppliers, with volumes nearly doubling. However, the additional Canadian supply was not enough to fully compensate for the reduction in Middle Eastern shipments.

As a result, PE became the main product weighing on the overall EU27 polymer import figure.

PP Imports

Total PP Imports

H1 2026: +9%

Change: Imports increased 9% year on year

Saudi Arabia

H1 2026: -26%

Change: Shipments declined 26% year on year

South Korea

H1 2026: +22%

Change: Shipments increased 22% year on year

Vietnam

H1 2026: +70%

Change: Shipments increased 70% year on year

Alternative Suppliers Support PP Imports

PP imports showed a different trend, increasing 9% year on year despite a 26% reduction in shipments from Saudi Arabia.

South Korea became the largest PP supplier after increasing shipments by 22%, moving ahead of Saudi Arabia. The UK ranked third, with shipments rising 20%.

Vietnam also recorded strong growth, with PP shipments increasing by 70% despite remaining below the three leading suppliers.

The figures indicate that European buyers were able to compensate for reduced Saudi PP availability through increased purchases from other origins.

PVC Imports

Total PVC Imports

H1 2026: +68%

Change: Imports increased 68% year on year

South Korea

H1 2026: +245%

Change: Shipments increased 245% year on year

Taiwan

H1 2026: +207%

Change: Shipments increased 207% year on year

China

H1 2026: +188%

Change: Shipments increased 188% year on year

Asian Supply Drives PVC Growth

PVC recorded the strongest increase among the major polymers covered, with EU27 imports surging 68% year on year.

South Korea became the largest supplier after its shipments jumped 245%. Mexico ranked second despite a 14% decline, while China moved into third position after recording an 188% increase.

Taiwan also saw shipments rise by more than 200%.

The significant increases from South Korea, China and Taiwan highlight the growing role of Asian suppliers in meeting European PVC requirements.

PS Imports

Total PS Imports

H1 2026: +16%

Change: Imports increased 16% year on year

Iran

H1 2026: -81%

Change: Shipments declined 81% year on year

South Korea

H1 2026: +92%

Change: Shipments increased 92% year on year

Egypt

H1 2026: +113%

Change: Shipments increased 113% year on year

PS Imports Rise Despite Lower Iranian Supply

EU27 PS imports increased 16% in H1 2026 even though shipments from Iran fell sharply by 81%.

Türkiye remained the largest PS supplier, increasing shipments by 23%. China moved into second place after volumes rose 65%, while South Korea ranked third following a 92% increase.

Iran, which had been the second-largest supplier a year earlier, dropped significantly in the rankings. Egypt also recorded strong growth, with shipments more than doubling.

The shift demonstrates that lower supply from one major origin did not result in an overall decline in European PS imports.

PET Imports

Total PET Imports

H1 2026: +3%

Change: Imports increased 3% year on year

Türkiye

H1 2026: +38%

Change: Shipments increased 38% year on year

Vietnam

H1 2026: -55%

Change: Shipments declined 55% year on year

Pakistan

H1 2026: +58%

Change: Shipments increased 58% year on year

Türkiye Strengthens Position in PET

PET imports increased 3% year on year during H1 2026, although supplier movements were considerably more pronounced than the overall growth rate suggests.

Türkiye strengthened its position as the leading PET supplier, with shipments increasing 38%. Egypt remained the second-largest supplier after recording a 6% increase.

Vietnam retained third place despite a 55% decline in shipments. Pakistan recorded a 58% increase, while China also expanded its shipments by 37%.

Overall Import Picture

The less-than-1% decline in total EU27 polymer imports during H1 2026 masks significant changes across individual polymer markets and supply origins.

PE was the main exception, with imports falling 12% as Saudi Arabian and Qatari shipments dropped sharply. Alternative sources, including Canada, increased supplies but could not completely offset the reduction from the Middle East.

PP imports rose as increased shipments from South Korea, Vietnam and other suppliers helped compensate for lower Saudi volumes. PVC recorded particularly strong growth, led by higher shipments from South Korea, China and Taiwan.

PS imports also increased despite a major decline in Iranian supply, while PET recorded moderate growth alongside significant shifts among individual suppliers.

Overall, the first half of 2026 shows that Europe’s polymer import structure continues to evolve. The ability to replace disrupted supply differed significantly between polymers, with PE showing greater exposure to reduced Middle Eastern availability, while other markets demonstrated stronger flexibility through alternative sourcing.

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