PE imports to Kazakhstan rose by 25% in January-October

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Kazakhstan grew by 25% year on year in the first ten months of 2017, according to MRC analysis on Friday.

Overall PE imports amounted to approximately 100,000 tonnes in the first ten months of the year, compared to 79,900 tonnes a year earlier. Purchasing of all PE grades rose, with linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) accounting for the greatest increase.

In October alone, PE imports to Kazakhstan rose to 8,500 tonnes from 7,900 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies significantly increased their purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in Russia during the month.

October HDPE imports into Kazakhstan grew to 6,600 tonnes from 6,200 tonnes a month earlier, with local companies increasing PE purchasing in Russia after several months of severe restrictions from local producers because of shutdowns for maintenance.  Thus, overall HDPE imports reached 76,400 tonnes in the first ten months of 2017, up by 28% year on year.

October purchases of LDPE by local companies increased to 1,500 tonnes from 1,300 tonnes in September, Russian producers raised their shipments. Overall LDPE imports into Kazakhstan totalled about 18,000 tonnes from January to October, up by 13% year on year.

Purchasing of LLDPE by local companies was 5,600 tonnes in January-October 2017 versus 4,300 tonnes a year earlier.

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