Russia’s imports of HIPS, GPPS rise 7% in January-September

MOSCOW (MRC)–Russia’s imports of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) reached 37,000 tonnes in the first nine months, up 7% year on year, according to a report by MRC DateScope.

The 7% overall increase came on the back of an increase in imports of HIPS, while imports of GPPS decreased slightly.

September GPPS imports were 1,700 tonnes versus 3,200 tonnes a month earlier.

The imports from producer Styrolution decreased to 420 tonnes against 680 tonnes a month earlier.

Imports from China were 540 tonnes, compared to 780 tonnes in August.

Imports of GPPS in January-September reached 19,300 tonnes, down 2% year on year.   

Styrolution accounted for 10,100 tonnes or 52% from the total GPPS imports in January-September 2017.

September HIPS imports were 2,000 tonnes, compared to 2,400 tonnes a month earlier.

Supply of Styrolution’s material decreased to 620 tonnes against 890 tonnes in August and Iranian material imports in the amount of 200 tonnes against 20 tonnes for the entire period since the beginning of the year.

Overall HIPS imports rose by 19% year on year in the first nine months of 2017 to 17,700 tonnes from 14,900 tonnes a year earlier.

As a result of the three quarters, the volume of imports from all major suppliers of HIPS increased to Russia.

Styrolution’s shipments grew by 19% to 6,900 tonnes, compared to 5,800 tonnes a year earlier.

Polimeri Europa’s shipments increased by 22% to 4,800 tonnes versus 4,000 tonnes, LG Chem’s imports by 6% to 2,500 tonnes versus 2,400 tonnes.

Converters directly purchased 14,700 tonnes or 83% of the total GPPS imports in January-September 2017.

Demand for Russian HIPS and GPPS was strong in September.

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