US PET exports rise 23% year-on-year for first three quarters

10 November 2010 23:15  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) exports totaled 332,250 tonnes through the first three quarters of 2010, up by 23% from 270,648 tonnes during the same period last year, the International Trade Commission (USITC) said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, US PET imports, including bottle grade and other grades, fell 21% to 408,847 tonnes during the first nine months of the year from 515,521 tonnes for the same period last year.

The US PET trade gap narrowed during the first three quarters of 2010 as the industry added 432,000 tonnes/year of capacity.

September export volume at 34,591 tonnes was down 17% from 41,829 tonnes in August.

Through September, US PET makers refocused on exports outside of North America, as shipments to Canada and Mexico fell by 12% and 59%, respectively, compared with 2009.

The decrease in intra-North American trade has been offset by year-over-year volume increases to Latin American destinations like Peru (up 177% year to date at 37,009 tonnes), Chile (up 50% at 17,226 tonnes), Uruguay, Guatemala and El Salvador.

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By: David Barry
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