Russia’s EPS imports decrease 5% in January-September

MOSCOW (MRC)–Russia’s January-September imports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) decreased by 5% to 15,070 tonnes, down from 16,500 tonnes a year earlier, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

September EPS imports dropped to 1,700 tonnes from 2,300 tonnes a month earlier.

Producer Styrochem’s EPS imports stood at 570 tonnes last month, versus 680 tonnes in August.

Loyal’s shipments decreased to 330 tonnes from 600 tonnes a month earlier, whereas Styrolution’s imports were 340 tonnes versus 310 tonnes.

Shipments from China fell to 630 tonnes in September, down from 990 tonnes a month earlier and accounted for 37% of the total EPS imports for the month versus a 42% stake in August.

In the total imports structure by producers, Styrochem’s shipments rose to 5,400 tonnes from 4,400 tonnes a year earlier, which accounted for 34% of the total imports versus a 27% stake in January-September 2016.

Loyal’s share dropped to 21% (3,400 tonnes) from 25% (4,100 tonnes) during the nine-month period.

During the same period, Styrolution accounted for 14% (2,200 tonnes) versus 13% (2,100 tonnes), LC Chem for 8% (1,200 tonnes) versus 6% (1,000 tonnes) in the first nine months of last year.

Imports of Chinese EPS dropped by 12% year on year in the first nine months of 2017 to 5,200 tonnes, down from 5,900 tonnes a year earlier.

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