PVC imports to Ukraine fall 28% in January-July

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) into Ukraine decreased by 28% in the first seven months of this year driven by the growth of domestic production volumes, according to MRC DataScope.

Last month’s SPVC imports to the Ukrainian market dropped to 4,900 tonnes from 5,900 tonnes in June, with US resin accounting for the main decrease. Overall SPVC imports totalled 43,700 tonnes in January-July 2018, compared to 60,700 tonnes a year earlier, while the supply of PVC from the US, contrary to the general trend, has grown. The main reason for the drop in imports was the increase in production at Karpatneftekhim.

Last month’s imports of US SPVC shrank to 2,500 tonnes from 3,500 tonnes in June. Thus, imports of US resin totalled 28,600 tonnes in the first seven months of 2018, compared to 25,100 tonnes a year earlier. February-March accounted for the peak of imports.

July imports of European PVC into Ukraine were 2,400 tonnes, which equalled the June figure. Total imports of European PVC into Ukraine were about 13,800 tonnes in the first seven months of the year, compared with 24,100 tonnes year on year.

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