LDPE & LLDPE Trade Analysis 2015-2024 (Full Report)
This report offers clients a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional trade of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). LDPE and LLDPE are primarily used in the packaging sector for applications such as films, bags, and containers, agricultural films, liners, wire and cable insulation, and various injection-molded products. The analysis in this report is based exclusively on statistical data and covers the period from 2015 to 2024.
The raw statistical data has been systematically transformed into clear and reliable insights, encompassing the net trade balance, trade flows, transaction prices, means of transportation, and transportation cost analyses. Furthermore, key transit hubs have been identified and highlighted under the trade flow analysis section. Given the consistency of data across years, trade flow and transportation analyses are limited to 2024 to best represent current conditions and reduce analytical complexity. However, the transportation cost analysis may incorporate up to five years of data if a single year does not provide adequate information.
The transformed trade data is provided separately in accompanying MS Excel file.
SUMMARY
DELIVERABLES
DATA IN EXCEL FILE
METHODOLOGY
From 2015 to 2024 the Middle East was the unwavering global LDPE and LLDPE export powerhouse, while Northeast Asia served as the primary destination for imports. North America’s export growth, and the persistent import dependency of other regions such as South America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent, marked key trends in the decade’s trade flows.
2024 saw the Middle East and North America as the dominant suppliers of LDPE and LLDPE, channeling large volumes toward Asia, Africa, and Europe, while intra-regional trade remained a defining feature in Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. These patterns underscored the continued significance of established export hubs and the strong demand centers in Asia.
In 2024, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and the United States served as principal origins, channeling high volumes of LDPE and LLDPE into the global market. From these origins, the trade network was shaped by the actions of transit hubs such as Belgium, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, and the Netherlands, which facilitated the redirection of flows toward ultimate destinations including China, Italy, France, Germany, Vietnam, Poland, and Indonesia.
LDPE and LLDPE prices globally experienced a fluctuating pattern from 2015 to 2024, with the overall price range moving between 884 and 1,833 USD per metric ton. Prices generally trended downward from 2015 to 2020, before reversing course and increasing in 2021, peaking in some regions during 2021 to 2022. This resurgence was followed by a retreat in 2023, with a slight recovery or stabilization observed in 2024.
Across all regions, sea transport dominated the global movement of LDPE and LLDPE, while the use of railway and road varied by region and air transport remained at low levels throughout the trade network.
The global transportation cost analysis for LDPE and LLDPE during 2020-2024 indicated that the overall weighted average transportation cost was 74 USD per metric ton. The average cost was based on weighted average CIF-FOB price differences, which reflects the costs of freight, insurance, port handling, and other ancillary fees associated with bilateral trades between exporting and importing countries.