U.S.: Market for Polyethylene in Primary Forms 2024

Market Size for Polyethylene in Primary Forms in the U.S.

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in the U.S. polyethylene in primary forms market, when its value increased by 23% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a pronounced slump. Polyethylene in primary forms consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Polyethylene in Primary Forms in the U.S.

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms production amounted to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 5.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Polyethylene in Primary Forms

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of polyethylene in primary forms, when their volume decreased by -18.4% to X tons. Overall, exports, however, enjoyed a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 38%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +67.2% against 2017 indices. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Canada (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main destinations of polyethylene in primary forms exports from the United States, with a combined 46% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Malaysia, Chile, Peru, Spain, Taiwan (Chinese), India and Singapore, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +50.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for polyethylene in primary forms exported from the United States were Mexico ($X), Canada ($X) and China ($X), with a combined 51% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Spain, Taiwan (Chinese), India, Malaysia and Singapore, which together accounted for a further 26%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Spain, with a CAGR of +44.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average polyethylene in primary forms export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 61% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Canada (+1.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Polyethylene in Primary Forms

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, approx. X tons of polyethylene in primary forms were imported into the United States; surging by 4.1% on the year before. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 9.4%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Canada (X tons) constituted the largest polyethylene in primary forms supplier to the United States, with a 82% share of total imports. Moreover, polyethylene in primary forms imports from Canada exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Mexico (X tons), more than tenfold. Sweden (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 1.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Canada totaled +2.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (+21.5% per year) and Sweden (+22.5% per year).

In value terms, Canada ($X) constituted the largest supplier of polyethylene in primary forms to the United States, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 7.8% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Canada totaled +5.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (+28.2% per year) and Germany (+2.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average polyethylene in primary forms import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 60% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.7%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Sweden ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+16.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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