EPS imports to Russia up by 29% in 2019

MOSCOW (MRC)–Overall imports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) to the Russian market rose in 2019 by 29% year on year to 21,300 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

This figure was 16,600 tonnes in January-December 2018.

Finnish producer Styrochem’s material accounted for 36% of total EPS imports, while Chinese company Loyal had the second largest market share at 20%.

Styrochem’s imports grew over the stated period 31% year on year, from 5,900 tonnes to 7,700 tonnes.

Shipments of Chinese Loyal increased by 45% year on year, from 2,900 tonnes to 4,300 tonnes.

For December, Russian EPS imports rose 10% to 1,500 tonnes from 1,300 tonnes the previous year, but slid from 2,100 tonnes in November 2019.

December EPS imports to Russia rose by 10% year on year to 1,500 tonnes from 1,300 tonnes a year earlier, imports of material into the country were 2,100 tonnes in November 2019.

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