PP imports to Kazakhstan up 16% in January-May 2017

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polypropylene (PP) into Kazakhstan rose in the first five months of 2017 by 16% year on year, exceeding 11,600 tonnes, according to MRC analysts.

May 2017 PP shipments to Kazakhstan grew to 3,900 tonnes from 2,200 tonnes a month earlier, local converters increased their purchasing of propylene homopolymer (homopolymer PP) in Russia and China.

Overall PP imports exceeded 11,600 tonnes in January-May 2017, compared to 10,000 tonnes a year earlier. Pressure pipe producers accounted for the greatest increase in demand.

May imports of homopolymer PP rose to 2,900 tonnes from 800 tonnes a month earlier, local companies increased their purchasing of homopolymer PP raffia from Chinese and Russian producers. Overall PP imports of this PP grade exceeded 7,800 tonnes in the first five months of 2017, compared to 7,100 tonnes a year earlier.

Shipments of propylene copolymers decreased to 1,000 tonnes in May from 1,400 tonnes, local pipes producers reduced their purchasing. Thus, imports of propylene copolymers reached 3,800 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 2,900 tonnes a year earlier.

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