Russia Q1 output of main products from polymers up by 4.8% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–March output of the main products from polymers and rubber in Russia grew by 7.1% year on year and increased by 4.8% in the first quarter, according to MRC analysts.

The Russian Federal State Statistics Service said March production of plastic pipes, hoses and fittings rose to 38,100 tonnes, up by 24.6% from a month earlier. Overall output of these polymer products reached 94,200 tonnes in the first quarter of 2017, down by 5.6% year on year.

Last month’s production of unreinforced and non-combined films was 90,200 tonnes versus 77,300 in February. Output of film products grew by 7.4% year on year over the stated period, totalling 230,300 tonnes.

March production of boards, sheets and non-porous sheets rose to 28,000 tonnes, compared to 27,000 tonnes a month earlier. Overall output of these products grew to 76,800 tonnes in January-March 2017, up by 9.8% year on year.

Last month’s production of boards, sheets and porous polymer films was 20,000 tonnes, whereas this figure was 17,400 tonnes a month earlier. Total production of these polymer products dropped by 5.6% year on year in the first three months of 2017 to 52,500 tonnes.

March production of plastic windows and window sills remained at the level of February, totalling about 1.2m square metres. Output of these products was slightly less than 3.2m square metres in the first three months of 2017, down by 8% year on year.

March production of plastic door blocks and doorsteps rose to 67,300 square metres, compared to 62,100 square metres in February. Overall output of these polymer products fell by 7% year on year in January-March 2017 to 177,100 square metres.

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