Global trade volume in 2013, that is, the volume of imports and exports between all countries, is projected to be up by 7% versus 2012 for polyacetals and by 8% for PET. Polycarbonates trade is projected to contract by 5%. Global trade volume is an indicator of apparent demand for widely traded products.

For polyacetals, a moderate expansion of trade within the Asia-Pacific region, substantially higher imports into Asia-Pacific and also moderately higher imports into Western and Eastern Europe and Latin America were positive growth factors.  Exports from North America and Western Europe are projected to rise by 13% and 22%, respectively.

The 8% increase in global trade volume for PET also reflected increased trade within the Asia-Pacific region. Other factors contributing to the gain were substantially higher imports into Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America. Of particular note on the export side were higher shipments from Asia-Pacific.

For polycarbonates, lower intra-regional trade in both Asia-Pacific and Western Europe and lower imports into all world regions except Latin America negatively impacted global volume.