India Ethylene Polymers Import Market -- HS 3901 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

India Ethylene Polymers Import (HS 3901) Key Takeaways

India’s ethylene polymers import under HS Code 3901 in Q1 2025 surged to $497 million in March after a mid-quarter dip, reflecting resilient demand. The market relies heavily on bulk, lower-value grades from the UAE and Singapore, while premium polymers come from Saudi Arabia and the U.S. A small group of high-volume suppliers, including ExxonMobil, dominates nearly 90% of trade, creating supply chain vulnerability. Specialized polymers like those under sub-code 39019000 command premium pricing at $7.16/kg, signaling opportunities in high-value segments. This analysis, covering Q1 2025, is based on processed customs data from the yTrade database.

India Ethylene Polymers Import (HS 3901) Background

What is HS Code 3901?

HS Code 3901 covers polymers of ethylene, in primary forms, including polyethylene variants like linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). These materials are critical for industries such as packaging, automotive, and construction 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

India’s 2025 import policy maintains existing compliance requirements for HS Code 3901, including mandatory Import Export Code (IEC) and documentation like the Bill of Entry [Prime Path Business]. With steady India ethylene polymers import volumes and no major duty changes reported for Q1 2025, the market remains active, particularly for shipments from Malaysia, Singapore, and China. India’s reliance on these imports underscores the need for vigilance in tracking HS Code 3901 trade data to navigate potential regulatory shifts or supply chain disruptions.

India Ethylene Polymers Import (HS 3901) Price Trend

Key Observations

The India Ethylene Polymers Import trend for Q1 2025 recorded a total value of approximately $1.33 billion, with March imports surging to $497.00 million after a minor decline in February. This performance indicates a resilient start to the year for hs code 3901 value trend, despite monthly fluctuations.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Sequential analysis reveals a dip in February to $412.27 million from January's $419.28 million, followed by a robust 20.6% month-over-month increase in March. This recovery aligns with typical industry cycles, where post-winter inventory restocking and heightened manufacturing demand often drive polymer imports higher in the first quarter, reflecting adaptive supply chain responses.

External Context and Outlook

The observed stability and recovery are underpinned by consistent import regulations, as highlighted by [Prime Path Business], which report no significant policy changes for HS code 3901 in 2025. With duties and compliance frameworks unchanged, trade flows remain predictable, supporting the India Ethylene Polymers Import trend amid steady global supply conditions.

India Ethylene Polymers Import (HS 3901) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q1 2025, India's import of ethylene polymers under HS Code 3901 is characterized by a focus on specialized, higher-value products, based on yTrade data. The sub-code 39019000, for other ethylene polymers not elsewhere classified, stands out with the highest unit price at 7.16 USD per kilogram, indicating a niche application or advanced formulation that commands a premium.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The imports are divided into two main groups: standard polyethylene grades, including high-density and low-density types with specific gravity variations, and specialty copolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate and ethylene-alpha-olefin. This variety in products and prices shows that India HS Code 3901 import involves differentiated manufactured goods, not uniform commodities, with unit prices ranging from 2.76 to 7.16 USD per kilogram.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Suppliers of specialized polymers like those in 39019000 likely hold stronger pricing power due to their unique properties, while importers of standard grades may compete more on cost. For businesses analyzing HS Code 3901 trade data, targeting high-value segments could improve profitability in India's market.

Check Detailed HS Code 3901 Breakdown

India Ethylene Polymers Import (HS 3901) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

The United Arab Emirates was India's top source for Ethylene Polymers imports in Q1 2025. Its 31.85% share of total import weight far exceeded its 17.52% share of total value. This large gap means India primarily sourced bulk, lower-value grades of these polymers from the UAE. Singapore held a similar profile as a major bulk supplier. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and the United States showed the opposite pattern; their value shares were higher than their weight shares, indicating they supplied more premium, higher-value polymer grades.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Suppliers form three clear clusters based on India's sourcing patterns for HS Code 3901. The UAE and Singapore form a Bulk Supply Cluster, functioning as key hubs for large-volume, cost-effective material. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. form a Premium Supply Cluster, catering to demand for specialized, higher-grade polymers. A third, Diverse Cluster includes partners like South Korea, Qatar, and Germany. They have moderate shares across weight, value, and frequency, suggesting they fulfill a mix of niche and steady contractual supply needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's heavy reliance on the UAE and Singapore for bulk Ethylene Polymers creates a supply chain risk if port logistics or regional tensions disrupt trade flows. The strategy should be to diversify bulk sourcing to other Gulf partners like Oman or Qatar to build resilience. For premium grades, maintaining strong ties with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is key. India's import regulations for 2025 require proper documentation and duty payments, but no major policy shifts specific to these polymers have been reported, meaning the current trade landscape is expected to remain stable [Prime Path Business].

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

Get Complete Origin Countries Profile

India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

In Q1 2025, the India Ethylene Polymers import market shows strong supplier concentration. According to yTrade data, a small group of high-value, high-frequency suppliers handles nearly 90% of the import value and over 85% of shipment volume. This makes high-volume, regular deliveries the typical trade pattern for India Ethylene Polymers import suppliers, with median transactions involving large quantities and consistent frequency.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining supplier clusters contribute smaller shares, with low-value groups handling infrequent or smaller shipments. The dominant high-value, high-frequency group includes major manufacturers like ExxonMobil, indicating a direct-to-factory trade role rather than intermediated deals. The profile of HS code 3901 suppliers points to a market where bulk producers supply directly, reducing layers in the supply chain.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

India's import strategy for ethylene polymers relies heavily on a few key suppliers, creating vulnerability to supply disruptions or price shifts. Diversifying sources could mitigate risks, but the stable import regulations for 2025, as noted in [primepathbusiness.com], support continued focus on compliance and existing partnerships. This structure favors long-term contracts with major producers for cost efficiency.

Table: India Ethylene Polymers (HS 3901) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Ethylene Polymers Supplier lists

Action Plan for Ethylene Polymers Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Ethylene Polymers import market is defined by product specialization and concentrated sourcing. The core price driver is product grade. High-value specialty polymers, like those under sub-code 39019000, command premiums due to unique properties. Standard grades compete more on cost.

The Ethylene Polymers supply chain relies heavily on a few key partners. The UAE and Singapore are bulk suppliers for cost-effective material. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. provide premium, high-value grades. This geographic concentration creates vulnerability. Any disruption in the Gulf region could impact bulk supply flows.

hs code 3901 trade data shows strong supplier concentration. A small group of high-frequency manufacturers, like ExxonMobil, dominates. They ship large volumes directly to factories. This reduces intermediation but increases reliance on a few partners. India's import strategy must balance this efficiency with risk mitigation.

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

• Use hs code 3901 trade data to identify and target premium polymer suppliers. Focus on partners like Saudi Arabia and the U.S. with high value-to-weight ratios. This directly targets higher-margin product segments to improve profitability.
• Analyze supplier shipment frequency data to forecast inventory needs. The dominant suppliers are high-frequency. Aligning your procurement cycle with their shipping patterns prevents stock-outs and minimizes holding costs for bulk grades.
• Diversify your bulk sourcing portfolio using origin analysis. Reduce over-reliance on the UAE and Singapore by qualifying suppliers from other Gulf nations like Qatar or Oman. This builds supply chain resilience against regional logistical or political disruptions.
• Monitor India's import regulations portal for any policy changes. While 2025 rules are stable, compliance is mandatory. Proactive checks ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid delays for your Ethylene Polymers supply chain.

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 Q1?

India's ethylene polymer imports surged 20.6% in March 2025 after a February dip, reflecting post-winter restocking and manufacturing demand. The market is resilient due to stable import regulations and predictable trade flows.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of India Ethylene Polymers (HS Code 3901) 2025 Q1?

The UAE (31.85% by weight) and Singapore dominate bulk supply, while Saudi Arabia and the U.S. provide premium-grade polymers. These four countries form the core sourcing clusters.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of India Ethylene Polymers Import?

Prices vary due to product specialization—sub-code 39019000 (7.16 USD/kg) commands premiums for niche applications, while standard grades (2.76–7.16 USD/kg) are cost-driven.

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

Importers should diversify bulk sourcing beyond the UAE/Singapore to mitigate supply risks and prioritize long-term contracts with high-value suppliers like ExxonMobil for stability.

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

Suppliers of premium grades (e.g., U.S., Saudi Arabia) retain pricing power, while bulk exporters (UAE, Singapore) must compete on volume efficiency to maintain market share.

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

These polymers serve differentiated manufacturing needs, from standard polyethylene for packaging to specialty copolymers for high-performance industrial applications.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS3901 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

India HS3901 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

India HS3901 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR