Jan-Nov imports of PE into Kazakhstan up by 10% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Kazakhstan increased by 10% in the first 11 eleven months of 2020 year on year, with the greatest rise in demand for high density polyethylene (HDPE), according to MRC analytics.

Overall PE imports totalled around 162,400 tonnes in January-November, compared to 143,300 tonnes a year earlier.

Purchases of HDPE increased significantly while imports of other types decreased.

In November PE imports reached 8,400 tonnes, down from 14,700 tonnes a month earlier.

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

November imports of high-density polyethylene decreased to 6,900 tonnes against 12,100 tonnes in the previous month. Russian producers decreased their export sales to the local market.

Overall HDPE imports totalled 134,200 tonnes in January-November, up by 17% year on year.

November LDPE imports decreased to 800 tonnes from 1,800 tonnes in October, with several Russian producers decreasing their shipments to the local market. Overall LDPE imports reached 16,700 tonnes over the 11-month period, down by 21% year on year.

November linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports reached 600 tonnes versus 800 tonnes a month earlier. Overall output of these products exceeded 11,400 tonnes in January-November, up by 1% year on year.

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