Iran's internet shutdown strengthens China's PE market

Iran's internet shutdown supports China's PE market in the short run by lessening supply and boosting market sentiment, and in the long run, China's PE imports from Iran may be replaced by other trading partners if the internet shutdown persists.

Since the evening of January 8, 2026, Iran has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown. This creates supply disruptions and price increases in China's polyethylene (PE) market in the short term. In the long run, if the internet shutdown persists, coupled with the U.S. President's statement on social media about