PE imports into Russia up 3% in January-February

MOSCOW (MRC)–Overall imports of polyethylene (PE) into the Russian market increased in the first two months of 2018 by 3% year on year, according to MRC’s DataScope Report.

PE imports into the country increased to 78,400 tonnes over the stated period versus 75,800 tonnes a year earlier. The high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) segments accounted for the increase in imports, whereas linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) grades accounted for the decrease in import shipments.

In February alone, PE imports into the Russian market increased to 40,400 tonnes, having stood at 38,000 tonnes a month earlier, local companies increased their purchases of LLDPE and EVA.

HDPE imports in February rose to 17,500 tonnes from 17,200 tons in January, as local companies slightly increased their HDPE purchasing in Uzbekistan. Overall HDPE imports reached 34,700 tonnes in the first two months of 2018 versus 24,700 tonnes a year earlier.

February LLDPE imports into Russia increased to about 10,600 tonnes against 7,900 tonnes a month earlier. Imports of LLDPE into Russia in January-February 2018 amounted to about 18,500 tonnes against 27,200 tonnes a year earlier. An increase in production volumes from Nizhnekamskneftekhim was the main reason for the fall in dependence on external supplies.

February low density polyethylene (LDPE) imports into Russia remained practically steady from the levels seen in January, totalling about 7,200 tonnes. Overall LDPE output totalled 14,400 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 13,000 tonnes a year earlier.

February imports of EVA were about 4,500 tonnes, up from 2,700 tonnes in January. Imports of this ethylene copolymer grade grew by 32% over the stated period to 7,200 tonnes. A high level of imports of EVA will remain in March-April due to the forced shutdown of Kazanorgsintez capacities.

Imports of other propylene polymers for the reported period increased to about 6,600 tonnes compared with 5,500 tonnes in the same time a year earlier.

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