Category Archives: Trade Trends

China’s Polymer Imports Slow on Lower Demand

China’s imports of most polymers showed moderate declines through July 2011, ranging from down 2% to down 11%. Imports of EVA and propylene copolymers increased. Imports of methanol and ethylene were up sharply. Continue reading

Japan’s Exports Up After Two Months of Declines

Japan’s exports of numerous polymers and chemicals picked up in June 2011 after two months of declines. Higher imports of many products also were evident, excluding benzene, MEG and PVC, with sharp declines. Continue reading

China’s Polyethylene Imports Slow; Polyacetals Imports Set Record

China’s polyethylene imports continued slow through June 2011; polypropylene and PVC imports picked up slightly; polyacetals imports hit new highs; imports of many basic organic chemicals rose, some for the second month in a row; YTD import volumes were generally down moderately versus the first half of 2010. Continue reading

China’s PVC and PET Exports Surge; Numerous Imports Drop

China’s exports of PVC and PET surged in April 2011. Imports of numerous products fell sharply during the month.  Despite the declines, import totals YTD for many products remained close to last year’s  high levels.

Continue reading

South Korea Exports High Volumes of ABS, Polystyrene and Polypropylene

South Korea exported relatively high volumes of ABS, polystyrene and polypropylene in March 2011, China, Iran and Russia key markets.  Continue reading

Japan’s PVC Exports Drop; Exports of Other Polymers Vary

Japan’s exports of PVC in March 2011 were a low for the last 15 months. Relatively high volumes of polypropylene, polycarbonates and ethylene copolymers were shipped during the month; export volumes of most other products were at typical levels. Trends YTD varied by product. Continue reading

China Imports Large Volumes of Methanol, EDC and Polycarbonates

China’s imports of polycarbonates, EDC and methanol hit 15 month highs in March 2011. Imports of other polymers and chemicals also rebounded after the February holiday. First quarter YTD trends were mixed, most products monitored either showing gains or small declines. Continue reading