Global trade in VAM was up 3% through July, 2016, to 1.1 million tons, indicating a small rise in global demand. Key trends contributing to the increased volume were higher imports into Western Europe and expanded trade within the Asia-Pacific region.

Imports into Western Europe were up 15% through July, to 310,000 tons, VAM sourced mainly from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Trade within the Asia-Pacific region increased by 20%, to 355,000 tons. Also of note were much higher exports from Asia-Pacific to Western Europe, totaling 124,000 tons, up 48%.

Exports from North America were down 24%, to 170,000 tons.

From International Trader Publications’: VAM World Trade Report. For more information contact: ITP@ITPweb.com