China to drive global ethylene capacity additions through 2030

China is set to drive the global ethylene capacity additions, occupying a share of more than 36% by 2030, as both demand and supply of ethylene are expected to grow in the country, according to GlobalData, the data and analytics company.  

GlobalData’s latest report Ethylene Market Analysis and Forecast by Products, Capacity Additions, Top Countries and Active and Upcoming Projects to 2030, shows that the total ethylene capacity of under-construction and pre-construction projects in China is expected to be around 33.30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030.

Nivedita Roy, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The high-capacity addition of ethylene in China can be attributed to several factors, including the significant investments in petrochemical infrastructure and robust economic growth. The country’s expanding middle class and industrial development are major demand drivers of ethylene-based products that range from consumer goods to construction materials.”

To meet the growing demand for ethylene, China is planning to expand its production capacity. As a result, the ethylene supply in the country is projected to rise from 36.66mtpa in 2024 to 51.80mtpa in 2030.

In China, the major ethylene capacity addition is expected from the Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Longkou Ethylene Plant 3, boasting a capacity of 5.2mtpa. Located in Longkou city, the plant is expected to become operational by 2030. Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Ltd is the operator of this project with 100% equity stake.

The SABIC Fujian Petrochemical Zhangzhou Ethylene Plant and Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Panjin Ethylene Plant represent other significant capacity additions in the country with 1.80mtpa, and 1.6 mtpa, respectively. Both projects are anticipated to commence operations in 2026.