US EPS imports decline 13.8% in September

09 November 2007 22:00  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US imports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) resins declined substantially in September from August, according to statistics released on Friday.

The US imported 14,578 tonnes of EPS beads in September, down 13.8% compared with 16,914 tonnes imported in August, according to the US Department of Commerce (DoC) and the US International Trade Commission (USITC).

For the period of January through September, EPS imports declined by 21% compared with the same period in 2006.

Bahamas, the largest supplier to the US in September, supplied 4,405 tonnes, up 9.7% from August.

Imports from Mexico took second place, with 3,303 tonnes in September compared with 4,931 tonnes in August, a 33% decline.

Korea imports came in third place at 3,101 tonnes in September, a 1.2% increase relative to August.

Imports from China diminished 26.6% in September to 1,449 tonnes from 1,972 tonnes in August.

Canada imports took fifth place with 887 tonnes, but this volume was 30% lower than August imports.

September imports from Taiwan were also down at 759 tonnes, down 17.5% compared with 919 tonnes in August.

Imports from Indonesia slid 42.5% at 287 tonnes, compared with 499 tonnes in August.

Similarly, Japan imports declined in September over August figures with 124 tonnes, down from 165 in August.

The only remaining significant contribution in September came from Germany with 120 tonnes.

All imports from Asia amounted to 5,863 tonnes in September, compared with 6,677 tonnes in August, for a combined 12.2% drop.

Percentage wise, the most significant contributors to the September decline in EPS imports were Indonesia, Mexico and Canada.

By: George Martin
+1 713 525 2653

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