PP imports to Ukraine grow 3% in January-February

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polypropylene (PP) into Ukraine rose in the first two months of 2017 by 3% year on year, totalling 18,100 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

February PP imports to Ukraine grew to 9,800 tonnes, despite the “low season”, compared to 8,300 tonnes a month earlier. Overall imports of propylene polymers increased to 18,100 tonnes in January-February 2017, compared to 17,600 tonnes a year earlier.

PP block copolymer accounted for the greatest increase in imports, whereas demand for statistical copolymers of propylene (PP random copolymer) decreased.

Last month’s imports of homopolymer PP into the Ukrainian market grew to 7,800 tonnes, whereas this figure was 6,600 tonnes in January. Local companies increased shipments of homopolymer PP raffia grade and injection moulding homopolymer PP. Overall shipments of homopolymer PP exceeded 14,300 tonnes in the first two months of 2017 versus 13,600 tonnes a year earlier.

February imports of PP block copolymers were 900 tonnes, compared to 1,000 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies slightly decreased imports of pipe grade PP block copolymers. 1,900 tonnes of PP block copolymers were imported over the stated period, whereas last year’s figure was 1,600 tonnes. Local pipes producers accounted for the greatest increase in demand.

Last month’s imports of PP random copolymers into Ukraine rose to 923 tonnes from 637 tonnes in January; local companies significantly increased their shipments of pipe and film grades. Overall imports of PP random copolymers reached 1,600 tonnes in January-February, whereas this figure was slightly over 2,000 tonnes a year earlier.

Overall imports of other propylene copolymers were 376 tonnes over the stated period.

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