Imports of PET into Russia grew 28% in Jan-Apr

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into Russia increased to 32,300 tonnes in the first four months of the year, up by 28% year on year, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

Imports of injection moulding PET chips accounted for 82% of the total deliveries into the country over the reported period. Total imports of injection moulding PET chips in to Russia were 26,700 tonnes in January-April 2016, which is up 18% year on year.

It should be noted that imports of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) chips have significantly grown in the first four months of the year. Russia’s imports of APET chips increased to 2,500 tonnes in Jan-April 2016, trebling compared with last year’s figure.

Imports of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) flakes into the country also grew noticeably. External deliveries increased to 3,000 tonnes, up by 67% year on year. The growth of APET and RPET purchases was a result of stronger demand from producers of polyester fibres and tire cords.

The only importer of APET in to Russia continued to be Sibur-Volzhsky.

It’s worth noting that Sinopec increased deliveries of bottle grade PET in April. Russia’s imports of bottle grade PET from Sinopec production were 1,600 tonnes in April compared with 900 tonnes in March.

At the same time, imports PET from Jiangsu Sanfangxiang fell substantially. April imports of PET from Jiangsu Sanfangxiang production were 500 tonnes compared with about 4,000 tonnes in March.

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