PE imports to Ukraine increased by 12% in January-October 2019

MOSCOW (MRC)–Polyethylene (PE) imports from January-October into Ukraine increased by 12% year-on-year driven by stronger demand for high density polyethylene (HDPE), according to MRC DataScope.

In October imports rose from 22,500 tonnes to 23,300 tonnes as buyers increased purchases of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

Overall PE imports for January-October reached 224,200 tonnes from 200,200 tonnes in 2018.

Throughout the year, imports of ethylene copolymers declined, with supply largely supported by HDPE, although HDPE demand eased off in October.

HDPE imports for the month decreased to 6,900 tonnes from 8,700 tonnes as demand for blow moulding and pipe-grade material eased off. Imports were still up on the previous year at 79,400 tonnes from 63,000 tonnes.

LDPE imports increased to 8,000 tonnes from 6,000 tonnes the previous month some as companies reduced purchases of LDPE in Russia. Imports increased by 6% year-on-year to 66,200 tonnes.

October imports of LLDPE into the country increased to 7,300 tonnes, compared with 6,800 tonnes in September, on a stronger purchases from producers in Saudi Arabia. In general, January – October LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 68,000 tonnes compared with 61,700 tonnes year on year.

Imports of other PE grades, including ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), totalled 10,500 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 12,900 tonnes a year earlier.

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