What is the key evidence showing China's rapidly growing market share in the European polycarbonate market?

Chinese polycarbonate imports into Europe grew 43% year-on-year in the first three months of 2026, even as total PC imports—and imports specifically from South Korea—shrank significantly; moreover, last year Chinese imports more than doubled, and at least one major Chinese PC producer has established warehouses in Europe to cut lead times and compete directly with local suppliers.

Why are European buyers increasingly accepting Chinese polycarbonate despite earlier skepticism?

Quality concerns have largely disappeared—European OEMs are now conducting homologations for Chinese-sourced material, and a European trader stated, 'At this moment there is not a quality issue anymore [with China], buyers were concerned but now it is not an issue'; combined with consistent cost-competitiveness and a resilient East Asia–Europe supply chain, these factors have led even high-spec buyers (e.g., in the automotive sector) to increase importation, citing China's 'more resilient' supply.

China Rapidly Expanding Presence in European Polycarbonate Market

Jul 3, 2026

Chinese polycarbonate imports into Europe surged 43% year-on-year, driven by cost competitiveness and improved quality perception. Meanwhile, Sabic's European extrusion-grade PC production faces uncertainty following its acquisition by Mutares amid falling demand.

icis

2026-07-03

China Rapidly Expanding Presence in European Polycarbonate Market

China Rapidly Expanding Presence in European Polycarbonate Market

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