Indicating growing demand, the volume of polyurethanes traded globally through September 2014, over 1 million tons, was up 4% versus the prior year based on preliminary data.  Global trade volume increased 3% in 2013 versus 2012 and 5% in 2012 versus 2011. 

The 4% increase September 2014 YTD partly reflected a 15% increase in shipments from the US to Latin America  (Mexico, Brazil and Guatemala growth export destinations) and also a 7% rise in shipments to Western Europe, although on smaller volumes. US exports to Asia-Pacific were down 2%. The US exported a total of 138,000 tons of polyurethanes through September, up 21%. Shipments expanded strongly in the first half of the year but slowed in the third quarter.

Others factors in the gain in global trade volume through September included expanded trade within Western Europe and higher shipments from that region to Eastern Europe and Asia-Pacific.