According to the latest customs data, China’s trade dynamics for dichloromethane (DCM) and trichloromethane (TCM) in February 2025 and the first two months of the year revealed contrasting trends, reflecting shifting global demand and domestic production capacities.
Dichloromethane: Exports Drive Growth
In February 2025, China imported 9.3 tons of dichloromethane, marking a staggering 194.2% year-on-year increase. However, cumulative imports for January-February 2025 totaled 24.0 tons, down 64.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
Exports told a different story. February saw 16,793.1 tons of DCM exported, a 74.9% surge year-on-year, while cumulative exports for the first two months reached 31,716.3 tons, up 34.0%. South Korea emerged as the top destination in February, importing 3,131.9 tons (18.6% of total exports), followed by Turkey (1,675.9 tons, 10.0%) and Indonesia (1,658.3 tons, 9.9%). For January-February, South Korea retained its lead with 3,191.9 tons (10.1%), while Nigeria (2,672.7 tons, 8.4%) and Indonesia (2,642.3 tons, 8.3%) climbed the rankings.
The sharp rise in DCM exports underscores China’s expanding production capabilities and competitive pricing in the global market, particularly for industrial solvents and pharmaceutical applications. Analysts attribute the growth to increased demand from emerging economies and supply chain adjustments in key Asian markets.
Trichloromethane: Export Declines Highlight Market Challenges
Trichloromethane trade painted a weaker picture. In February 2025, China imported a negligible 0.004 tons of TCM, while exports plummeted 62.3% year-on-year to 40.0 tons. Cumulative January-February imports mirrored this trend, dropping 100.0% to 0.004 tons, with exports falling 33.8% to 340.9 tons.
South Korea dominated TCM exports, absorbing 100.0% of shipments in February (40.0 tons) and 81.0% (276.1 tons) in the first two months. Argentina and Brazil each accounted for 7.0% (24.0 tons) of the total during January-February.
The decline in TCM exports signals reduced global demand, potentially linked to environmental regulations phasing out its use in refrigerants and stricter controls on chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-related applications. Industry observers note that China’s focus on greener alternatives may further constrain TCM production and trade in the medium term.
Market Implications
The diverging trajectories of DCM and TCM highlight broader trends in the chemicals sector. While DCM benefits from its versatility in manufacturing and solvents, TCM faces headwinds due to sustainability pressures. China’s role as a major exporter of DCM is likely to strengthen, but TCM’s niche applications could see continued contraction unless new industrial uses emerge.
Global buyers, particularly in Asia and Africa, are expected to rely increasingly on Chinese DCM supplies, whereas TCM markets may shift toward specialty chemical producers or regions with less stringent environmental policies.
Data Source: China Customs, February 2025
Post time: Apr-17-2025