The US is the world’s largest PVC exporter and shipments of uncompounded PVC increased each year from 2009 through 2012. But, in 2013, exports were down from the prior year. Continue reading
Category Archives: Trade Trends
US Imports and Exports of PET in 2013
The US imports large volumes of PET, but exports have been declining for several years. Continue reading
US Exports of Polypropylene and Propylene Copolymers in 2013
United States exports of polypropylene homopolymer have been on a downward trend since 2009. Part of that that decline, however, has been offset by increased shipments of propylene copolymers. Continue reading
US Exports of Polyethylene in 2013
Although the many facilities being built to use feedstocks from shale gas have yet to start up, US exports of polyethylene increased in both 2013 and 2012. Continue reading
Changes in PVC Trade Flows in 2013
Much higher exports from Asia-Pacific, higher shipments from Western Europe and nearly flat export volumes from North America are projected features of global trade in 2013. Continue reading
Western Europe’s PET Imports in 2013 to Exceed 1 Million Tons
A 17% increase over the prior year, to more than 1 million tons, is projected for the region’s PET imports in 2013, higher volumes from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East major factors in the gain. Continue reading
PVC Exports from China up More than Double; Imports Drop
China exported nearly 600,000 tons of PVC through August 2013, up 104% from the prior year. Imports of PVC into China were down 15% for the period, to 740,000 tons. Continue reading
New Polypropylene Capacity Reflected in Russia’s Exports and Imports
Polypropylene exports were up sharply through June 2013; imports were down. Continue reading
China Imported 380,000 Fewer Tons of Recycle PE Through August, 2013
This was a decline of 16% from the prior year and a sharp break in the upward trend in imports of recycle polymer that was evident over the last several years. By comparison, China’s imports of virgin polymers of ethylene were up 8% through August, an increase of about 460,000 tons. Continue reading
Lackluster PMMA Polymer and Sheet Trade in the First Half of 2013
Versus the prior year, global trade volume through June 2013 was down 10% for PMMA polymer, and down 1% for sheet. Lower imports into China of both materials were factors. Continue reading