Category Archives: Trade Trends

Polyolefin Imports into China – mixed trends

As China is the world’s largest importer of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, polypropylene and propylene copolymers, any decline in demand has major global impact. As of August, 2015, China’s imports of three polyolefins were up from the prior year, one was unchanged, and one showed a decline.  Continue reading

Focus on: Iran’s Polymer and Chemical Exports in the First Half of 2015

Iran’s exports of several large volume polymers and chemicals were up sharply in the first half of 2015 versus the prior year.  These products were shipped primarily to just three markets, China, India and Turkey, a situation which will change should sanctions be lifted. Continue reading

P-Xylene: Current Global Trade Trends

In 2014, global trade in para-xylene totaled 15.8 million tons, up 2% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was up 12% from the same period in 2014, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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Focus on: United States’ Chemical Trade in the First Half of 2015

United States’ exports of several chemicals surged in the first half of 2015:  shipments of acetone, benzene, ethylene glycol, methanol, phenol, propylene and VAM were up 16% to 142% from the same period in 2014.

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Polyethylene Sheets and Other Flat Products: Current Global Trade Trends

In 2014, global trade in polyethylene sheets and other flat products (film, foil and strip) totaled 4.4 million tons, up 2% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was up 3% from the same period in the prior year, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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Recycle Polyethylene: Current Global Trade Trends

In 2014, global trade in recycle polyethylene totaled 6.6 million tons, up 23%. Trade volume through June of 2015 was 2.6 million tons, down 13%, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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Polyethylene Bags, Sacks and Cones: Current Global Trade Trends

In 2014, global trade in fabricated products made from polyethylene into bags, sacks and cones totaled 3.7 million tons, up 1% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was also up 1% from last year, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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PVC Sheets and Other Flat Products: Current Global Trade Trends

Nearly 800,000 tons of sheet and other flat products (film, foil and strip) made from PVC were traded globally in 2014, up 3% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was down 3%, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.

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PVC Floor and Wall Coverings: Current Global Trade Trends

Nearly 3 million tons of flooring and wall coverings made from PVC were traded globally in 2014, up 11% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was flat with last year, based on reporting countries.  Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.    Continue reading