Overview

• The Commerce Department has ordered exporters to obtain new licenses for ethane shipments to China and revoked some existing permits.
• Kpler data show at least two very large gas carriers waiting to load ethane at US ports and 13 more tankers bound for June deliveries.
• US ethane exports to China reached a record 492,000 barrels per day in 2024, underpinning China’s reliance on cheaper US feedstock.
• Enterprise Products Partners is reviewing its export controls and Ineos is weighing rerouting cargoes to Europe if licenses are delayed.
• Analysts warn that prolonged licensing delays could trigger critical feedstock shortfalls and stall Chinese petrochemical projects.