PVC imports to Russia increase 230% Jan-Nov 2019, exports up by 22%

MOSCOW (MRC)–Exports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) into Russia increased by 22% year on year from January to November, while imports rose by 230%, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

Exports (excluding shipments to the countries of the Customs Union) for November fell to 13,900 tonnes from 14,200 tonnes in October, as some producers shipped increased volumes due to weak domestic demand.

Indian buyers were the main importers of Russian material in 2019 up to November, accounting for 96,200 tonnes of sales, followed by Belarus and Poland who purchased 24,500 tonnes and 14,500 tonnes respectively for the same time period.

Imports jumped to 48,500 tonnes in the first eleven months of 2019 compared to 14,700 tonnes a year earlier, while exports climbed to 175,600 tonnes from 144,00 tonnes.

Peak season for resin imports was July, due to scheduled maintenance at SayanskKhimPlast and Bashkir Soda Company’ production capacities.

Seasonal factors have begun to put pressure on PVC imports since September.

November SPVC imports dipped to 2,600 tonnes compared to 2,900 tonnes the previous month, with American producers accounting for the main decrease in shipments.

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