PE imports into Belarus decreased by 4.8% in 2017

MOSCOW (MRC)–Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Belarus dropped by 4.8% year on year in 2017, as per the National Bureau of Statistics of Belarus.

Overall PE imports into the country reached 123,600 tonnes over the stated period versus 129,800 tonnes a year earlier. Demand for low density polyethylene (LDPE) and HDPE increased, whereas linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports decreased.

In December alone, PE imports to Belarus grew to 11,200 tonnes from 9,100 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies increased their purchasing of PE in Russia and Ukraine.

December total LDPE imports decreased to 3,300 tonnes from 3,600 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies reduced slightly their PE purchasing in Azerbaijan.

Overall imports of LDPE into Belarus, therefore, came to about 36,800 tonnes in 2017, compared to 23,200 tonnes a year earlier.

LLDPE imports were 1,700 tonnes in December versus 1,400 tonnes a month earlier, as local companies significantly raised their purchasing of Middle Eastern butene PE.

Thus, overall LLDPE imports exceeded 34,800 tonnes in 2017, whereas this figure was about 52,700 tonnes a year earlier.

December HDPE imports rose to 6,200 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies increased their purchasing of PE in Russia and Ukraine.

Overall HDPE imports into the country were about 52,000 tonnes in January-December 2017, up by 16% year on year.

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