PP imports into Kazakhstan up 14% in January-May

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polypropylene (PP) into Kazakhstan increased in the first five months of 2016 by 14% year on year, totalling 8,200 tonnes, according to MRC analysts.

May 2016 imports of PP to Kazakhstan fell to 1,400 tonnes from 2,500 tonnes in March, however.

Local production PP bags accounted for the main decrease in PP imports. Overall PP imports were 8,200 tonnes in January-May 2016, compared to 7,200 tonnes a year earlier.

May imports of propylene homopolymer (homopolymer PP) to Kazakhstan were less than 700 tonnes versus 1,800 tonnes a month earlier. Local PP bags producers reduced their purchasing of PP because of sufficient stocks, made in the previous months of the year.

Overall imports of homopolymer PP exceeded 5,100 tonnes in January-May 2016, compared to 6,400 tonnes a year earlier.

Purchasing of propylene copolymers by local companies rose to 700 tonnes in May from 440 tonnes a month earlier, with local producers of pressure PP pipes increasing their purchases.

Imports of propylene copolymers to Kazakhstan totalled less than 3,100 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 1,200 tonnes a year earlier.

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