Nikkei: Amid the Middle East crisis, Japan's imports of chemicals from China are sharply increasing. In light of concerns over shortages of domestically produced chemicals due to a shortage of naphtha (raw gasoline), the trend of sourcing plastic and tire raw materials from China is intensifying.

Imports of high-density polyethylene—used in food containers, detergent bottles, and plastic bags—rose 2.7 times year-on-year in March, also up 20% compared to the monthly average for 2025. Polystyrene, used for food trays and home appliance parts, saw a year-on-year increase of 76%. Overall imports of major plastic raw materials from China rose 27% year-on-year.

Butadiene, a basic chemical serving as a key raw material for tires and one of the most difficult-to-replace chemicals, had no recorded imports from China since 2021, but Japan imported 1.97 million kilograms in March this year.

In the case of xylene—the primary component of diluents, which are reportedly in short supply in Japan—China’s trade statistics confirmed exports of xylene mixtures to Japan for the first time in over six and a half years in March. Among small- and medium-sized Japanese enterprises operating in China, it has become common for xylene shipments to be blocked by Chinese customs brokers, citing that xylene falls under dual-use items (civilian and military applications).

Basic chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and butadiene are produced through thermal decomposition of naphtha. These basic chemicals undergo chemical reactions to become intermediate materials like polyethylene and vinyl chloride resins, which are widely used in products including food packaging materials, automobiles, and home appliances.

Basic chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and butadiene are produced through thermal decomposition of naphtha. These basic chemicals undergo chemical reactions to become intermediate materials like polyethylene and vinyl chloride resins, which are widely used in products including food packaging materials, automobiles, and home appliances.

China’s chemical supply system remains relatively ample. Unlike Japan, which relies heavily on the Middle East, China’s crude oil sources are diversified.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863798105637900/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.