The volume of propylene copolymers traded globally, 3.2 million tons, was up 8% through May, 2015 from the prior year, based on reporting countries. (This compares with a 3% increase in exports of polypropylene homopolymer for the period.) Shipments increased from each of the top four exporting regions: Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America. Exports from the Middle East had the highest percentage increase.

Western Europe exported 367,000 tons of propylene copolymers, up 8%, mainly on increased shipments to Eastern Europe.

Exports from the Middle East jumped 21%, to 258,000 tons, with two-thirds of the total going to Asia-Pacific, smaller volumes to Europe and Africa and Latin America. Saudi Arabia, followed by UAE were leading exporters. Imports into China set a new record in March.

Asia-Pacific exported 201,000 tons, up 17% on gains to Western Europe, Africa, North America and Latin America.

Nearly of the propylene copolymers shipped from North America went to Latin America, the total YTD of 149,000 tons up 3%.

From ITP’s: Propylene Copolymers World Trade Report