Category Archives: Trade Trends

Western Europe’s PET Imports from Asia-Pacific Up Over 40% YTD; More Polymer Also From Africa

Western Europe imported nearly 340,000 tons of PET polymer from Asia-Pacific through September, up 43%, based on reporting countries. This volume exceeded imports from Eastern Europe of 330,000 ton through that date, up 2%. Also of note were large percentage gains on smaller volume imports into Western Europe from Africa.

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Polyurethanes Global Trade Volume Continues to Expand

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.  Continue reading

Update on US Polymer Exports – Mostly Down

Through September 2014, US exports of polyolefins, styrenics and PVC have either declined versus the prior year or been unchanged, despite the positive effects of increased US shale gas production on energy and feedstocks. Continue reading