Ukraine Jan-Aug PE imports up by 10% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Ukraine rose to around 178,400 tonnes in the first eight months of 2019, up 10% year on year, with high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounting for the main increase, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

August PE imports fell to 21,800 tonnes from 25,500 tons in July, with local companies decreasing their purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

In January-August, import deliveries of HDPE and linear polyethylene increased, while imports of other types of ethylene polymers decreased.

The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period:

August HDPE imports to the country remained flat with July at around 7,500 tonnes. Overall HDPE imports reached 63,800 tonnes last year, compared to 50,000 tonnes a year earlier, with PE shipments to all consumption sectors increasing.

August imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) into Ukraine were about 6,900 tonnes against 8,000 tonnes a month earlier.

Local companies reduced their LDPE purchasing in Russia after the July surge in the purchasing.

Overall LDPE imports reached 52,300 tonnes over the stated period, almost flat with the 2018 figure.

August imports of LLDPE into the country decreased to 6,500 tonnes, compared with 8,600 tonnes in July, on weaker purchases from producers in Saudi Arabia.

In general, January-August LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 53,900 tonnes compared with 49,600 tonnes year on year.

Imports of other grades of polyethylene, including ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), for the period under review reached about 8,400 tonnes against 10,500 tonnes a year earlier.

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