Category Archives: Trade Trends

China’s Imports Surge in November 2011

After slowdowns in both September and October, China’s imports of most of the products followed by ITP surged in November. This followed a typical pattern of heavy trade in the last two months of each year in advance of the Chinese New Year in February. Continue reading

Typical Declines in China’s Trade in October 2011

China’s national holiday early in October was evident in both lower imports and exports of nearly all the products followed. Volume declines were generally typical for this period. Imports of a few basic chemicals increased: EDC, ethylene, methanol and propylene. Continue reading

Highlights of Russia’s Exports

Highlights of Russia’s exports through September, 2011: much lower exports of HDPE, LDPE and polypropylene but higher imports of each of these polymers, and also of PET, polystyrene and PVC; increased exports of methanol; lower shipments of styrene. Continue reading

Highlights of U.S. Exports

Highlights of U.S. exports through September 2011: most polyolefins exports, excluding LLDPE, down slightly or unchanged; PVC exports up 10%; increased shipments also of polyacetals, polycarbonates, ethylene, EDC, VCM and MEG; lower exports of propylene, PET and styrene. Continue reading

MEG Imports into China Set New Record; Other Imports Slow

Imports into China of most products eased in September 2011 after advancing strongly in August, but declines were generally modest. Exceptions, with gains, were MEG – setting a new record, DEG, polystyrene and PVC. Continue reading

Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: Commodity Polymers

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters for polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, EVA, PVC and polystyrene are summarized.  Continue reading

Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: ABS, SAN, Polyacetals, Polycarbonates, PET

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters on  ABS, SAN, Polyacetals, Polycarbonates PET are summarized.   Continue reading

Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: Glycols, Monomers and Feedstocks

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters on benzene, styrene, MEG, DEG, EDC/VCM, methanol, ethylene and propylene are summarized.

Continue reading

Japan’s Imports Slow; Exports Climb

After the tsunami in March 2011, Japan’s imports of many polymers and chemicals surged and exports dropped. A slowdown in imports was apparent in July, and also higher exports.  YTD, imports generally posted gains; exports, declines. Continue reading

Strong Demand for Polymers in Eastern Europe

Strong demand in Eastern Europe, particularly Turkey and Russia, was a positive factor in global trade in commodity and engineering polymers through the first half of 2011. Continue reading