PE production in Russia rises 4% in January-February

MOSCOW (MRC)–Production of polyethylene (PE) in Russia increased to 308,600 tonne in first two months of 2018, up 4% year on year compared to the same period of 2017, with the largest increase recorded in linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) sector, according to MRC ScanPlast.

February PE production in Russia decreased to 146,700 tonnes, whereas this figure was about 161,800 tonnes a month earlier. The low production figures was a result of solely to the calendar factor. Overall PE output reached 308,600 tonnes in January-February 2018, compared to 295,300 tonnes a year earlier. Output of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and LLDPE increased increased, whereas HDPE production remained at the level of 2017.

Russia’s February HDPE production decreased to 73,500 tonnes from 81,100 tonnes a month earlier. In general, total volume of HDPE output by Russian plants reached 154,600 tonnes in January-February, which almost the same as last year.

February imports of LDPE was 56,400 tonnes, compared with 62,100 tonnes in January. Overall LDPE production exceeded 118,500 tonnes over the stated period, up by 1% year on year.

The production of linear polyethylene at Nizhnekamskneftekhim reached 16,800 tonnes against 18,600 tonnes. Production of LLDPE in Russia exceeded 35,400 tonnes in the first two months of this year, while a year earlier this figure did not exceed 23,300 tonnes.

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