CommoPlast Opinion Article

Indonesia's polyolefin industry divided over import curbs and duty-free resin access

Indonesia's polyolefin industry faces a policy standoff as domestic producers push for import restrictions, while converters lobby for wider duty-free resin access. The producers' association is seeking safeguard and anti-dumping duties to curb low-priced foreign inflows and lift domestic operating rates, while converters want the government's 0% import duty facility extended to core PE and PP grades. The competing proposals expose the divide over how Jakarta should balance domestic producer protection against converters' raw material costs.

The outcome could reshape Indonesia's import dynamics, with wider duty exemptions potentially intensifying competition for local producers, while tighter import controls risk raising procurement costs for converters.

US container imports hold firm as tariff-driven frontloading extends peak season

US container imports hit near-record September levels as transpacific peak season defies seasonal slowdown. Arrivals reached nearly 2.37 million TEU, with full-year volumes now forecast to grow 2.2% from 2025, exceeding earlier expectations of flat growth. The prolonged import surge was initially fuelled by tariff-driven frontloading following the US Supreme Court's February IEEPA ruling and expectations of higher duties in July. However, broadly stable tariffs thereafter, IEEPA refunds and resilient consumer spending helped sustain cargo flows, although volumes are now showing signs of easing.

Transpacific freight rates have softened slightly as carrier rate hike attempts failed to gain traction, but remain elevated at around $8,200/FEU to the US West Coast and $9,700/FEU to the East Coast. Meanwhile, the Republican Party’s loss of control of both congressional chambers in the US midterm elections adds uncertainty to the trade outlook, with questions over whether the administration will pursue further trade measures or seek greater de-escalation with China.

Brent CRUDE · $/BBL		WTI CRUDE · $/BBL
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Morning Briefing - 11 November 2026