Latest import/export statistics from all available countries indicate slower growth in global trade volume in 2019 for LNG, liquefied propane gas and liquefied butane gas versus 2018. Because global trade is driven by global demand, the trend in world trade volume generally indicates the trend in world demand.
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Global Trade Projected up 6%-9% in 2019 for Polyethylene; Down Slightly for Polypropylene
Latest import/export statistics from all available countries indicate strong growth in global trade volume for polyethylene by year end 2019 but a contraction for polypropylene. Because global trade is driven by global demand, the trend in world trade volume generally indicates the trend in world demand.
Continue readingUnited States is Now the World’s Largest Importer of PET Film/Sheet, Surpassing China
The US imported 191,000 tons of PET film/sheet through June, 2019, up 23% from the first half of 2018. Volumes exceeded those into China, which was the world’s largest importer in 2018.
Continue readingUS LNG Exports Rise Steadily, and Shift to Western Europe
The United States exported 13.5 million tons of LNG through May, 2019, up 50% from the same period in 2018.
Continue readingGlobal Polypropylene Trade Volume Up 2% Through May, 2019
The volume of polypropylene homopolymer traded globally through May 2019, over 7 million tons, was up 2% versus the same period in 2018 based on ITP’s analysis of the latest available statistics.
Continue readingGlobal PE Trade Volume Up 12% Through May, 2019
The volume of ethylene polymer traded globally expanded by 12% through May 2019 versus the same period in the prior year, to over 26 million tons based on ITP’s analysis of most current available statistics for all polyethylene grades.
Continue readingChina’s PE Imports at Record Levels Despite the US/China Trade War
Duties of 25% on imports from the US of most polyethylene grades have had little effect on China’s total imports, which were at record levels from March through May, 2019.
Continue readingUS Exports of Polyethylene Continue Setting New Records, Despite the US/China Trade War
US exports of polyethylene reached successive new highs from March through May, 2019, with relatively little impact evident from reduced shipments to China.
Continue readingUS Exports of Ethylene Glycol Trending Higher
The United States exported 255,000 tons of monoethylene glycol through April 2019, up 25% from the same period in the prior year. Lower volumes to top destination, Mexico, and a sharp drop in shipments to China, were more than offset by gains to Europe, Brazil and elsewhere.
Continue readingPetrochemical Exports from Iran
Iran exports large volumes of polyethylene, LNG, liquefied propane and butane gases, methanol and ethylene glycol. As of April, 2019 shipments of all of these products were down versus the same period in 2018, except ethylene glycol.
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