PE imports to Belarus up by 29% in Q1

MOSCOW (MRC)–Overall imports of polyethylene (PE) into Belarus rose in the first three months of 2017 by 29.3% year on year, exceeding 31,500 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

According to the National Statistics Committee of Belarus, March PE imports to Belarus virtually remained at the level of February at around 11,500 tonnes.

Local companies offset lower shipments of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with higher purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in Russia. Overall PE imports reached 31,500 tonnes in January-March 2017, compared to 24,400 tonnes a year earlier.

Imports of all PE grades rose, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) accounting for the greatest increase.

March total LDPE imports decreased to 3,400 tonnes from 3,600 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies reduced their PE purchasing in Russia.

Overall imports of this PE grade into Belarus totalled 8,500 tonnes in the first three months of 2017, compared to 4,100 tonnes a year earlier. An accident at the local producer’s ethylene unit and, as a result, a major fall in capacity utilisation for LDPE production, was the main reason for such a great increase in imports.

March LLDPE imports were 3,800 tonnes versus 3,500 tonnes a month earlier. Thus, overall LLDPE imports to Belarus exceeded 12,400 tonnes in January-March 2017, whereas this figure was 11,500 tonnes a year earlier.

March HDPE imports grew to 4,200 tonnes from 3,500 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies increased their purchasing of film grade PE from Russian producers. Thus, HDPE imports totalled 10,600 tonnes in January-March 2017, up by 20% year on year.

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