Exports to Africa and Latin America also rose. Saudi Arabia’s exports hit a new high.

Polypropylene exports visible from the Middle East totaled close to 1 M tons in the first quarter of 2012, up 36% from last year. Shipments to the Asia-Pacific region accounted for well over half the total, up 32%, with nearly 200 K tons each shipped to Western Europe, up 96%, and Eastern Europe, up 15%. Small volumes were exported to Africa and Latin America, both with gains.

Saudi Arabia’s exports set a new record in March, China, Turkey, Belgium, Singapore and Italy among the top destinations for the month and YTD.