China’s exports of PVC soared from January through July 2014. Several new highs were set, including the July record of 154,000 tons. Year to date exports totaled 770,000 tons, up 42%.  Two markets accounted for just over half the total: India, with 283,000 tons, up 79%; and Russia, with 114,000 tons, up 4%. Smaller volume growth export destinations included Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Kenya and Bangladesh.

There were similar, although smaller, surges in China’s PVC exports in the first half of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Volumes generally slowed in the second half of each year.