PE Export Surge Signals U.S. Strength Amid Trade Flux

Despite global trade policy uncertainty, new analysis from PLASTICS highlights a strong first quarter for U.S. polyethylene exports—reinforcing the industry’s competitive edge and resilience.
May 20, 2025

Despite shifting global trade policies, U.S. polyethylene exports saw solid growth in the first quarter, according to a new economic snapshot from the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS).

According to the report, U.S. PE exports increased 11.6% over Q4 and rose 5.1% higher than the same period last year. China received the largest share at 16.4%. With exports going to five countries, all countries rose, led by a 31.7% jump in shipments to Brazil.

Imports, meanwhile, declined slightly with a 4.4% drop from the previous quarter and down 10.2% year-over-year. Canada remained the dominant source, accounting for nearly 87% of the exports. With exports far outpacing imports, the U.S. posted a first-quarter PE trade surplus of more than 3 billion kilograms.

» Read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog

About the Author

Laura Davis

Editor-in-Chief, New Equipment Digest

Laura Davis is the editor in chief of New Equipment Digest (NED), a brand part of the Manufacturing Group at EndeavorB2B. NED covers all products, equipment, solutions, and technology related to the broad scope of manufacturing, from mops and buckets to robots and automation. Laura has been a manufacturing product writer for eight years, knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the industry, along with what readers are looking for when wanting to learn about the latest products on the market.

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