India Ethylene Polymers HS3901 Import Data 2025 February Overview

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import: Key Takeaways

India's Ethylene Polymers (HS Code 3901) imports in February 2025 reveal a market split between high-grade and bulk supply, with Singapore leading as the premium source (29.77% value share) and the UAE dominating volume. Buyers face moderate concentration risk but benefit from stable trade flows and clear regional clusters—Gulf states for cost efficiency, Singapore/South Korea for specialized grades. This analysis covers February 2025 and is based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import Background

What is HS Code 3901?

HS Code 3901 covers Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms, including variants like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). These materials are critical for packaging, construction, and automotive industries due to their durability and versatility. Global demand remains stable, driven by their widespread use in manufacturing and infrastructure development.

Current Context and Strategic Position

As of February 2025, India’s imports of Ethylene Polymers under HS Code 3901 face a standard Basic Customs Duty (BCD) of 7.5%, plus an 18% IGST and a 10% Social Welfare Surcharge [CusBuzz]. Key suppliers include the UK, Netherlands, and China, reflecting steady trade flows. India’s reliance on these imports highlights its industrial demand, necessitating close monitoring of policy shifts or tariff adjustments to maintain supply chain efficiency. Vigilance is essential for stakeholders in the India Ethylene Polymers HS Code 3901 Import 2025 February trade landscape.

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import: Trend Summary

Key Observations

India Ethylene Polymers HS Code 3901 Import value for 2025 February totaled $412.27 million, with an estimated volume of 150.38 million kilograms. This represents a noticeable sequential decline from January’s $419.28 million.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month softening in import value aligns with typical seasonal patterns in polymer demand, where post-holiday lulls and inventory adjustments often lead to temporary import pullbacks. While full-year comparisons are not yet available, the February figures suggest a cautious start to the year, possibly reflecting buyer hesitancy amid global price fluctuations or domestic stock management strategies.

External Context and Outlook

Import conditions remain stable under India’s current tariff structure, with a 7.5% basic customs duty and standard ancillary taxes still in effect [CusBuzz]. No recent policy shifts have been reported (CusBuzz), supporting consistent trade flows. Demand from packaging, agriculture, and construction sectors is expected to underpin import volumes through 2025, though currency movements and feedstock pricing may influence short-term trends.

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, the dominant sub-code for India Ethylene Polymers HS Code 3901 Import in February 2025 is 39012000, which covers polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. This product holds a 30% value share and over half the weight share, with a low unit price of 1.50 USD per kilogram, indicating a focus on high-volume, lower-cost materials. The unit price disparity, where other sub-codes range up to 5.84 USD per kilogram, shows this is a specialized bulk segment.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes fall into two main groups: low-density polyethylene variants with specific gravity below 0.94, such as 39014090 and 39011020, and copolymer types like ethylene-vinyl acetate in 39013000. These categories have higher unit prices, from 3.19 to 5.84 USD per kilogram, suggesting a trade in differentiated grades rather than fungible commodities. This structure points to varied applications, with pricing likely tied to specific performance properties rather than index-based bulk trading.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For India Ethylene Polymers HS Code 3901 Import in February 2025, the market's heavy reliance on lower-priced, high-volume products implies limited pricing power for importers, who may face cost pressures. Suppliers of higher-grade materials could leverage differentiation for better margins, but overall, the focus should be on securing stable volumes for bulk items while exploring niche demand for specialized grades to optimize strategy.

Check Detailed HS 3901 Breakdown

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

India's Ethylene Polymers HS Code 3901 Import for 2025 February is led by Singapore, which accounts for 29.77% of the total import value. The United Arab Emirates follows as the second largest source. Singapore's value share is higher than its weight share, indicating it supplies higher-value polymer grades. In contrast, the UAE's value share is lower than its weight share, pointing to larger volumes of standard, lower-cost material.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The import partners form three clear groups. The first includes Singapore and South Korea, where value ratios exceed weight ratios, suggesting a focus on specialized, higher-grade polymers. The second cluster contains the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, where high volume and lower value ratios signal bulk commodity shipments, likely linked to their oil and gas production. The third group, with the US, Germany, and China, shows moderate volumes but strong value contributions, indicating a mix of technical grades and reliable supply chains.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Buyers should split sourcing to manage cost and risk. For bulk needs, the Gulf states offer high-volume, lower-cost supply. For specialized grades, Singapore and South Korea are key partners. The consistent import patterns and lack of major policy shifts suggest stable trade flows, but importers must still secure the necessary Import Export Code and comply with standard customs duties. Diversifying across these clusters will ensure both cost efficiency and access to technical polymer varieties.

Table: India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) Top Partner Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) 2025 February Import: Action Plan for Ethylene Polymers Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The India Ethylene Polymers Import 2025 February market under HS Code 3901 is commodity-driven. Price is set by material grade and global supply hubs. Bulk, low-cost polyethylene dominates volume. Specialized grades command higher prices. High buyer concentration creates reliance on a few large-volume importers. Supply chain implications focus on secure, cost-effective sourcing. Processing hubs like Singapore provide high-grade material. Gulf states offer bulk volumes. Diversification across regions manages cost and risk.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Ethylene Polymers Market Execution

• Segment buyers by purchase frequency and value using trade data. Focus retention efforts on high-value, high-frequency clients. This protects 90% of revenue.
• Diversify sourcing across Singapore, UAE, and South Korea. Balance bulk supply from the Gulf with premium grades from Asia. This reduces cost volatility and ensures grade availability.
• Analyze HS Code 3901 sub-codes for pricing trends. Target orders of higher-margin specialized polymers like copolymers. This improves profit margins beyond bulk commodities.
• Monitor import policy and duty changes for HS Code 3901. Adjust pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness against the standard 7.5% duty. This avoids unexpected cost increases.
• Use geographic trade flow data to anticipate supply disruptions. Pre-qualify alternative suppliers in stable regions. This ensures uninterrupted production inputs.

Take Action Now —— Explore India Ethylene Polymers Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in India Ethylene Polymers Import 2025 February?

The import value declined to $412.27 million in February 2025, reflecting seasonal demand softening and potential buyer hesitancy amid global price fluctuations. Bulk purchases of lower-cost polyethylene (HS 39012000) dominate, while specialized grades show higher unit prices.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this India Ethylene Polymers Import 2025 February?

Singapore leads with 29.77% of import value, supplying higher-grade polymers, followed by the UAE, which focuses on bulk, lower-cost shipments. South Korea and Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Qatar) form secondary clusters.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across India Ethylene Polymers Import 2025 February partner countries?

Prices range from 1.50 USD/kg for bulk polyethylene (HS 39012000) to 5.84 USD/kg for specialized grades like copolymers. Singapore and South Korea supply higher-value variants, while Gulf states prioritize volume over unit value.

Q4. What should importers in India focus on when buying Ethylene Polymers?

Secure stable bulk supply from the UAE/Saudi Arabia for cost efficiency, while targeting Singapore/South Korea for technical grades. Prioritize relationships with high-value, high-frequency buyers (90.68% of trade value).

Q5. What does this India Ethylene Polymers import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Suppliers of bulk commodities (e.g., UAE) must compete on volume, while Singapore/South Korea can leverage premium pricing for specialized grades. Demand stability hinges on India’s dominant buyer segment.

Q6. How is Ethylene Polymers typically used in this trade flow?

Bulk grades (e.g., HS 39012000) likely serve packaging or construction, while specialized variants (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate) cater to niche industrial or agricultural applications.