PVC imports into Russia fell by 68% in Jan-Jul, exports up by 32%

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) into Russia were 12,700 tonnes in January-July 2018, down by 68% year on year, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

At the same time, Russian producers were forced to increase their exports almost by a third.

July SPVC imports slumped to 768 tonnes from 2,200 tonnes a month earlier, imports of acetylene PVC from China decreased significantly.

Thus, overall imports of resin to Russia totalled 12,700 tonnes in the first seven months of 2018, compared to 39,400 tonnes a year earlier.

At the same time, Russian producers began to ship resin for export more actively this year because of weaker demand from the domestic market, export sales rose almost by a third.

Chinese producers have been traditionally the key foreign PVC suppliers for the past several years. Imports of acetylene resin from China were virtually absent in July, whereas 2,100 tonnes were shipped a month earlier.

At the same time, it should be noted that June deliveries of Russian companies were agreed back in late March. Overall imports of resin from China were 10,900 tonnes in January-July 2018, compared to 37,100 tonnes a year earlier.

A slight surge in imports of acetylene PVC is expected in August.

Weaker domestic demand and the weakening of the rouble against the dollar allowed Russian producers to increase their export sales. July exports dropped to 3,900 tonnes (excluding deliveries to the countries of the Customs Union) from 11,800 tonnes a month earlier.

70,200 tonnes of SPVC were shipped for export in January-July 2018, compared to 53,400 tonnes a year earlier.

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