Several major trade flows contributed to the 11% increase in the volume of LNG traded globally August 2017 YTD versus the same period last year. Continue reading
Recent Trends in Polyethylene Film and Sheet Global Trade
Global trade in PE film/sheet was nearly 5 million tons in 2016, up 7% from the prior year. Trade volume through July 2017 was up 6%. Trade within the regions of Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, and also shipments between Western and Eastern Europe, are prominent trade patterns for PE film and sheet.
Sharply Lower US Exports of Recycle Polymers in July
United States exports of recycle polyethylene, polypropylene, PET and PVC all plummeted in July 2017.
LNG Global Trade up 11% Through July
The volume of liquefied natural gas traded globally through July 2017 exceeded 150 million tons, up 11% from last year, based on latest available trade statistics.
US Cyclohexane Exports up 52% Through June, Mainly on Western European Shipments
The United States exported 118,500 tons of cyclohexane through June 2017, up 52% from the same period in 2016. Shipments hit a new monthly high of 35,000 tons in May, but slowed to 8300 tons in June.
China’s Imports of Recycle PET Plummet
China’s imports of recycle PET fell sharply in July, 2017, to 167,000 tons. This compared with monthly volumes as high as 275,000 tons within the last year. The average price picked up slightly, to $508/ton. Continue reading
Global Butadiene Trade Volume Up 8% Through June 2017
Butadiene trade totaled over 1.3 million tons in the first half of 2017, up 8% from the same period in 2016. Prominent trends included increased imports into Asia-Pacific and expanded trade within the region, a strong increase in exports from Latin America, and lower exports from Western Europe.
US Propylene Exports Set New Record
United States exports of propylene hit 61,000 tons in June, 2017, at an average price of $813/ton. Shipments YTD were up 31% from the same period in 2016.
Ethylene Imports into China Back to Record Levels
China’s imports of ethylene jumped back up to nearly 200,000 tons in June 2017, at an average price of $1077/ton, after two months around 160,000 tons per month. Volume in the first half of the year was up 48% from the same period in 2016.
Global Trade in LPG up 4% June 2017 YTD: Higher Imports into Asia-Pacific and Western Europe
The volume of liquefied propane gas traded globally as imports and exports was up 4% through June 2017, to over 34 million tons. Increased imports into Asia-Pacific and Western Europe and higher exports from North America, Africa and Middle East were prominent trends.