Global trade volume is projected to be up 2% for both MEG and DEG in 2012 versus 2011. Robust import demand in Asia-Pacific was offset by declines in Europe and the Americas. For widely traded products, global trade is an indicator of apparent demand.

Asia-Pacific imports of MEG are projected to be up 6% in 2012 from 2011 on slightly higher imports from the Middle East and a sharp increase on sizable volumes from North America.

DEG imports into Asia-Pacific are projected to be up 11%, on moderately higher imports from the Middle East and substantially increased, although still small volumes, from North America.

Final figures for 2012 will be in ITP’s MEG and DEG World Trade Annual Reviews,  to be published March 2013.