Mexico Polyethylene Resin HS3901 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

Mexico's Polyethylene Resin (HS Code 3901) exports in August 2025 reveal a bulk commodity trade dominated by the US, which accounts for 62.58% of volume but only 44.71% of value, reflecting lower unit prices for standard-grade resin. Switzerland and the Netherlands emerge as high-value re-export hubs, while regional partners like Peru and Guatemala show steady but smaller flows. Exporters must prioritize USMCA compliance to avoid tariffs and explore diversification into premium European markets. This analysis, covering August 2025, is based on verified Customs data from the yTrade database.

Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export Background

Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS Code 3901: polymers of ethylene in primary forms) is a key material for packaging, construction, and consumer goods, driving steady global demand. As of August 2025, Mexico’s exports face new challenges, including a 25% U.S. tariff on plastics unless they meet USMCA origin rules [KoalaGains], while avoiding the automatic export notice requirement for other HS codes [HKLaw]. Mexico remains a strategic supplier due to its competitive production and proximity to North American markets.

Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In August 2025, Mexico's Polyethylene Resin exports under HS Code 3901 hit a yearly low with unit prices plunging to 0.18 USD/kg, down 18% month-over-month from July, while volume surged by 12% to 474.22 million kg, indicating intensified export activity amid price pressure.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The 2025 trend for Mexico Polyethylene Resin HS Code 3901 Export shows persistent volatility, with unit prices declining from 0.33 USD/kg in January to 0.18 USD/kg in August, a 45% drop overall. Volume peaked in March at 667.26 million kg, coinciding with the lowest price that month, suggesting a rush to move inventory ahead of or in response to external shocks. This pattern aligns with typical industrial cycles where polymer producers might increase output or exporters accelerate shipments to mitigate cost impacts, leading to price erosion despite high volumes. The August data reinforces this, with elevated volume and depressed prices pointing to potential oversupply or competitive discounting.

External Context and Outlook

The sharp price declines and volume spikes in 2025, particularly in March and August, are largely driven by the 25% additional U.S. tariff on Mexican plastics imposed in March [KoalaGains], which disrupted trade flows and incentivized pre-emptive or cost-absorbing exports. While Mexico's automatic export notice requirement excludes HS 3901 (HK Law), the U.S. tariff policy continues to shape market dynamics, likely sustaining volatility as exporters navigate origin rules to avoid duties. Looking ahead, Mexico Polyethylene Resin exports may face ongoing price pressure unless demand rebounds or trade policies stabilize.

Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, Mexico's Polyethylene Resin exports under HS Code 3901 are dominated by high-density polyethylene, specifically sub-code 39012001 for polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more, which accounts for the largest value share at 24.73 million USD and a weight of 88.61 million kg. Its unit price of 0.28 USD per kg aligns with the average range, indicating it is a standard, bulk-grade product central to Mexico's export mix. Two extreme price anomalies are isolated from the main analysis: sub-code 39014001 with a very low unit price of 0.04 USD per kg, suggesting potential undervaluation or unique processing, and sub-code 3901400100 with a high unit price of 1.65 USD per kg, likely representing a specialized copolymer variant.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes fall into three clear categories based on density and composition: high-density polyethylene (specific gravity ≥0.94, including 39012001, 3901200100, and 390120), low-density polyethylene (specific gravity <0.94, including 39011003, 3901100301, 390110, and 3901100302), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (39013001). Unit prices for these groups cluster between 0.15 and 0.48 USD per kg, with low-density variants showing slightly higher value in some cases (e.g., 390110 at 0.48 USD per kg). This structure confirms a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are largely undifferentiated and price-driven by global resin indices rather than brand or finished goods value.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Mexico Polyethylene Resin face limited pricing power due to the commodity nature of HS Code 3901 goods, necessitating a focus on cost efficiency and supply chain optimization to compete. Strategic attention must be on compliance with trade rules, as [US tariff policies] exempt USMCA-originating polymers with at least 50% content by weight, avoiding a 25% additional U.S. tariff. Ensuring accurate origin certification is critical for maintaining market access and minimizing cost impacts in the 2025 trade environment.

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Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Mexico Polyethylene Resin HS Code 3901 Export 2025 August is heavily concentrated, with the UNITED STATES dominating at 62.58% of weight and 44.71% of value, showing a lower unit price around 0.13 USD/kg, which fits a bulk commodity product. This disparity between value and weight ratios confirms the export of standard-grade resin in large volumes to the US.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two main clusters emerge: first, Switzerland and the Netherlands, with high value shares (8.37% and 7.96%) despite lower weight, likely acting as hubs for higher-value or specialized resin re-exports in Europe. Second, regional partners like Peru, El Salvador, and Guatemala show steady but smaller trade flows, driven by geographic proximity and existing trade agreements that ease logistics for bulk shipments.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Given the US dominance, exporters must prioritize USMCA origin certification to avoid the 25% tariff [HKLaw], as non-compliant goods face higher costs. Diversifying to higher-value markets like Switzerland could offset risks, while monitoring Mexico's automatic notice requirements (HKLaw) ensures compliance without direct impact on this product.

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Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export market for HS Code 3901 in August 2025 is heavily concentrated, with one segment of buyers dominating the trade. Buyers who purchase large volumes frequently account for over 98% of the total export value, handling 77.79 million dollars in sales with 1.69 thousand transactions. This shows a market where a few high-volume, regular clients drive almost all revenue, indicating a bulk commodity trade pattern typical for raw materials like polyethylene resin. The analysis covers four segments of buyers, but this group is overwhelmingly central to the export flow.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other buyer segments play minor but distinct roles. Buyers with high value but infrequent purchases represent less than 1% of value, likely involving large one-off orders for specific projects or stockpiling. Buyers with low value but high frequency contribute a tiny share, suggesting small-scale, routine purchases by local manufacturers or distributors. Finally, buyers with low value and low frequency are negligible, possibly consisting of occasional or trial orders from new or niche markets. Together, these groups add diversity but do not challenge the dominant bulk-buyer structure.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For exporters in Mexico, the strategy should focus on maintaining relationships with the dominant bulk buyers, as they are the primary revenue source. The risk lies in over-reliance on this segment, making the business vulnerable to demand shifts or client losses. The sales model must prioritize efficiency and reliability for high-volume orders. [HK Law] notes new export notice requirements, but HS 3901 is exempt, reducing immediate regulatory burden. However, US tariffs on plastics [KoalaGains] emphasize the need for USMCA compliance to avoid added costs, reinforcing the importance of secure, compliant bulk trade.

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Mexico Polyethylene Resin (HS 3901) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Polyethylene Resin Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export 2025 August under HS Code 3901 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by global resin indices and product density grades, not branding or technology. The United States dominates as a bulk buyer, creating reliance on cost-efficient, high-volume shipments. Supply chains must prioritize origin certification under USMCA to avoid tariffs. Europe and regional partners offer niche diversification for higher-value grades.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Polyethylene Resin Market Execution

• Use transaction frequency data to predict bulk buyer demand cycles and align production schedules. This prevents inventory overstock and ensures timely fulfillment for key clients.
• Verify USMCA origin compliance for every U.S.-bound shipment using supplier content documentation. This avoids the 25% tariff penalty and protects profit margins on bulk sales.
• Analyze destination data to identify European markets like Switzerland for higher-value copolymer variants. This diversifies revenue streams and reduces over-reliance on U.S. bulk buyers.
• Monitor Mexican export notice requirements monthly for any changes affecting HS Code 3901. This ensures ongoing regulatory compliance without operational delays.

Take Action Now —— Explore Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export 2025 August?

The August 2025 export surge (12% volume increase) and price drop (18% month-over-month) reflect competitive discounting and oversupply, exacerbated by U.S. tariff pressures and bulk commodity dynamics.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export 2025 August?

The U.S. dominates (44.71% of value), followed by Switzerland (8.37%) and the Netherlands (7.96%), with the latter two likely acting as European re-export hubs.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Mexico Polyethylene Resin Export 2025 August partner countries?

Price differences stem from product grades: bulk high-density polyethylene (0.28 USD/kg) is primary, while specialized copolymers (e.g., 3901400100 at 1.65 USD/kg) command premiums in niche markets.

Q4. What should exporters in Mexico focus on in the current Polyethylene Resin export market?

Exporters must prioritize USMCA compliance for tariff avoidance, maintain relationships with dominant bulk buyers (98% of revenue), and explore higher-value markets like Switzerland to mitigate over-reliance on the U.S.

Q5. What does this Mexico Polyethylene Resin export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

U.S. buyers benefit from stable bulk supply at low prices, while European buyers access specialized grades via hubs. Regional buyers (e.g., Peru, Guatemala) rely on proximity-driven cost efficiency.

Q6. How is Polyethylene Resin typically used in this trade flow?

It serves as a raw material for undifferentiated, price-sensitive industrial applications like packaging, pipes, and films, traded as a fungible bulk commodity.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

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Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

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