US exports through August 2020 of a number of polymers, liquefied gases and organic chemicals showed huge percentage increases versus the same period in 2019.
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Trends in PET Global Trade – Bottle Grade and Other
Polyethylene terephthalate polymer is traded under two forms: bottle grade PET, and, other than bottle grade. There are substantial differences between them in terms of end uses, trade volume, and trade trends.
Continue readingChina’s PE and PP Imports Slow in July and August 2020
China’s imports of ethylene polymers dropped from a record high of 2.1 million tons in June to 1.8 million tons in August. Imports of propylene polymers fell from 840,000 tons in June, another record, to 580,000 tons. Despite the declines, imports YTD are up substantially for both polymer groups.
Continue readingMajor Trends in Recyclable PS World Trade
The volume of recyclable polystyrene traded globally has fallen steeply from a peak of 460,000 tons in 2017 to 224,000 tons projected for 2020.
Continue readingMajor Trends in Recyclable Polyethylene World Trade
The volume of recyclable polyethylene traded globally has fallen by more 50% from 2015, resulting in profound changes in regional trade flows.
Continue readingUS Polyethylene Exports Soar to China in May and June 2020
China has been the top US export destination for polyethylene since May, 2020.
Continue readingChina Imported Record Volumes of PE, PP, PS and PVC in June 2020
Economic recovery was apparent in the stunning surge in China’s imports of virtually every major grade of commodity polymer in June. Import volume for the month, 3.6 million tons, was unprecedented and raised China’s YTD import total to 15.9 million tons, up 8% from the first half of 2019.
Continue readingNew Record High on China’s Exports of PVC Floor and Wall Coverings in June 2020, US the top Destination
Although China’s exports remain depressed of many fabricated plastic products that can be identified by specific polymer, shipments of PVC floor and wall coverings set a new record in June 2020, mainly on volumes to the United States.
Continue readingNew Capacity in North America Impacts Middle East Polyethylene Exports
North America exported higher volumes of polyethylene to every world region through May 2020, while Middle East exports to every region were down.
Continue readingSharp Drop in Global Isocyanates Trade Through May 2020 and Projected for Year End
The volume of isocyanates (combined MDI, TDI and other) traded through May 2020 was down 10% from the same period last year, based on latest available statistics. Asia-Pacific and Western Europe, accounting for more than half of global trade volume, each saw trade contract within their regions, with lower imports.
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