PVC imports to Russia slumped by 57% in January

MOSCOW (MRC)–January imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) into Russia fell to 2,000 tonnes from 4,800 tonnes in December, with exports decreasing by almost half, according to MRC DataScope report.

January’s SPVC imports slumped under the pressure of seasonal factors and the rouble devaluation against the dollar. At the same time, SPVC exports fell from 8,100 tonnes in December 2015 to 4,400 tonnes in January.

Chinese producers remained the key PVC importers. In January, China’s supply of acetylene resins into Russia was 1,100 tonnes versus 2,900 tonnes a month earlier.

US producers were the second largest suppliers – January imports of North American PVC totalled less than 900 tonnes versus 1,300 tonnes in December 2015.

The growth of domestic production amid weaker domestic demand forced Russian producers to substantially increase their PVC exports last year.

Over 46,000 tonnes of resin were shipped to foreign markets during the whole year of 2015. Exports were 4,400 tonnes in January 2016. Such low exports were partially caused by the long New Year holidays and weak demand from the key export markets.

MRC, a partner of ICIS, produces polymers news and pricing reports from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan