China Polyethylene Market - Databook 2025 to 2034

The China polyethylene market size accounted for USD 35.2 billion in 2024 and is predicted to touch around USD 77.2 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.17% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the China Polyethylene Market

• By type, the HDPE segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
• By type, the LLDPE segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034.
• By application, the packaging segment accounted for a considerable share of the market in 2024.
• By application, the construction segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the market between 2025 and 2034.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

Polyethylene, also known as polythene, is one of the most used plastics in the world for packaging and various other applications such as making plastic bags, bottles, plastic films, containers, and geomembranes. It is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be reshaped through heating and cooling processes. Globally, a total of over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene is produced on an annual basis for commercial and industrial purposes, while China comes out as one of the leading producers and exporters of polyethylene.

The polythene market in China is dominant in the Asia-Pacific region due to the growing population, strong manufacturing infrastructure, construction growth, and growing exports. Furthermore, the development and use of eco-friendly polythene has increased the adoption of polythene products.

Market Trends

• Big population: A large population is equal to large usage in polythene products in packaging more products and construction.
• Strong Manufacturing: China is one of the leading producers of polyethylene due to its strong industrial infrastructure and manufacturing plants.
• Construction growth: The growth in the construction industry demands more polythene equipment as the country builds more roads, buildings, hospitals, and schools.
• Big exports: China is a massive producer and exporter of polyethylene products due to its strong manufacturing infrastructure and excess supply.

Restraints

• Pollution control rules: China has imposed strict regulations on pollution to stop it, which hinders the production of plastic
• High production costs: The rise in energy prices in the country increased the market cost for polythene and decreased its market demand.
• Excess supply: China has many manufacturing units producing polyethylene, which sometimes results in excess supply, thus reducing the costs, which negative result for the businesses.

Opportunity

• Green plastic research: China is making an effort to invest in the innovation of plastic that is produced from plants or recycled waste.
• Smart recycling systems: Big cities in China are adopting smart recycling systems to create an environmentally friendly city by eliminating plastic pollution.
• High-tech machines: China is inventing high-tech and advanced robots and machines to produce plastic faster and cleaner.

Recent Developments in China Polyethylene Market:

• In November 2024, ExxonMobil announced the expansion of its advanced recycling capacity to 1 billion pounds per year by 2027. This US$ 200 million investment aids in adding new units to the Beaumont and Baytown sites. The proven technology has almost processed 70 million pounds of plastic waste in Baytown to date. Additionally, more advanced units are planned for North America, Europe, and Asia.