Import

China’s imports of other polyether polyols in primary forms (including polyether polyols) totaled 27,763 tonnes in August 2024, a decrease of 4,900 tonnes from the previous month, a month-on-month decrease of 15%, and a year-on-year decrease of 22.75%, according to China customs. The decreasing import volume of polyether polyols indicates China’s declining reliance on imports.

In January-August 2024, the top three import sources of polyether polyols were Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand, with the cumulative import volume from Saudi Arabia to China reaching 64,848 tonnes.

In August alone, the top three import sources were Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. China imported 7,271 tonnes of polyether polyols from Singapore. The high import volume is attributed to Shell’s efforts to expand its presence in China, leading to an increase in polyether polyols demand.

Export

China’s exports of other polyether polyols in primary forms (including polyether polyols) in August 2024 were 169,213 tonnes, an increase of 17,516 tonnes from the previous month, a month-on-month increase of 11.55%, and a year-on-year increase of 27.38%.

In January-August 2024, the top three export destinations for China’s polyether polyols were Turkey, India, and Vietnam. The cumulative export volume to Turkey reached 154,746 tonnes.

In August alone, the top three export destinations were Vietnam, India and Russia. 16,981 tonnes of polyether polyols were exported from China to Vietnam.