Global polyethylene capacity is poised to see considerable growth over the next five years, potentially increasing from 110 mta in 2018 to 157 mta in 2023, registering a total growth of 43%, led by Asia and North America. Polyethylene capacity in Asia is expected to increase from 40 mta in 2018 to 57 mta in 2023, at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.2%. Among the countries in the region, China will add a capacity of 7.6 mta by 2023. China will account for more than 40% of Asia’s polyethylene capacity additions. North America is the second highest in terms of polyethylene capacity additions in the global polyethylene industry. It is expected to increase from 23 mta in 2018 to 34 mta in 2023, at an AAGR of 7.6%. Most polyethylene capacity additions are from the US, with capacity of around 9 mta by 2023. Major capacity addition will be from the plants, Exxon Mobil Corp. Beaumont High Performance Polyethylene Plant and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Pasadena Polyethylene Plant, with capacities of 1.30 mta and 990 kta, respectively. Within the Middle East, polyethylene capacity is expected to increase from 20.8 mta in 2018 to 28.5 mta in 2023, at an AAGR of 6.3%. Among countries, Iran’s capacity will add around 5.5 mta by 2023. Major capacity additions will be from the plants, Total NPC Hormozgan Polyethylene Plant 1 and Total NPC Hormozgan Polyethylene Plant 2, each with the capacity of 500 kta by 2023. For North America and Middle East, the low-cost abundant supply of natural gas is the primary reason for the rush in polyethylene capacity additions. In addition to feedstock advantage, target exports to other American countries are also the reason for large capacity additions in the US. Iran, on account of cheaper feedstock and proximity to booming Asian markets, is set to add large capacity in the upcoming period.