Russia’s EPS imports down by 4% in January-November

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) dropped in the first eleven months of 2017 by 4% year on year to 19,300 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

About a half of the total shipments were imported by traders.

In November, EPS imports were 1,900 tonnes, compared to 1,700 tonnes a month earlier.

In the total imports structure by producers during the first 11 months of the year, Styrochem’s shipments rose by 18% to 6,800 tonnes from 5,700 tonnes a year earlier, which accounted for 35% of the total imports versus a 28% stake in January-November 2016.

Loyal’s share decreased in the first eleven months of 2017 to 22% (4,300 tonnes) year on year versus 24% (4,900 tonnes) a year earlier, BASF accounted for 14% (2,800 tonnes) versus 13% (2,600 tonnes), LG Chem for 8% (1,500 tonnes) versus 6% (1,300 tonnes).

Overall imports of Chinese EPS dropped by 10% year on year in the first eleven months of 2017 to 6,300 tonnes from 7,000 tonnes a year earlier.

During November, Styrochem’s imports rose to 770 tonnes in November, compared to 580 tonnes in October, while Loyal’s shipments stood at 490 tonnes versus 480 tonnes a month earlier, whereas BASF”s imports were 250 tonnes versus 310 tonnes.

Shipments from China reached 590 tonnes in November versus 560 tonnes a month earlier, accounting for 31% of the total EPS imports for the month versus a 33% stake in September.

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