China’s imports of recycle PET climbed through most of 2016, reaching a new high of 277,000 tons in December. The average price picked up slightly towards year end, to $456/ton.
Surprise Ending to 2016 for China’s Polyethylene Imports
China’s imports of LLDPE surged to an all time high of 330,000 tons in December, ending 2016 at 2.6 million tons, up 2% from the prior year.
Recent Changes in US Polyethylene Trade Flows
With construction continuing on massive new polyethylene capacity, US imports trended up to a new record high in the second half of the year, as US exports plummeted.
Nearly 4 Million Tons of Polyethylene Bags/Sacks are Traded Globally
The volume of PE bags and sacks (plus cones) traded globally in 2015 was 3.7 million tons. Trade volume in 2016 is projected to be up about 4%, to just over 3.8 million tons. Western European countries and the United States are major import markets; China is the world’s top exporter, although shipments from other countries are rising. Continue reading
Global Trade in Recycle Polyethylene Continues to Contract
The volume of recycle polyethylene traded globally in 2015 was 6 million tons, down 11% from the prior year. Through October 2016, global trade volume was down 18%.
Cuba’s Polymer Imports
Cuba’s largest polymer imports are HDPE, LDPE and PET. Sizable volumes of polyethylene bags/sacks and polyethylene film/sheet are also imported. Volumes rose sharply in 2015 versus 2014.
Global Trade in Propylene Glycol up Slightly; Asia-Pacific Exports Rise to Several Markets
The volume of propylene glycol traded globally showed a 1% rise through August 2016, to over 600,000 tons, based on earliest available data.
DEG Global Trade Lower on China’s Imports
Global trade in DEG was down 9% through August, to 0.8 million tons based on earliest available data. Lower imports into China were a major factor.
Low MEG Imports Into China Impact Trade Flows Globally
Unusually low imports of monoethylene glycol into China early in 2016 were reflected in trade flows globally, especially exports out of the Middle East and from Asia-Pacific suppliers. Global volume of 8.1 million tons through August was down 11%, despite strong demand in several other markets.
Butadiene Exports from Europe Up Sharply, United States and Mexico Top Destinations
Western Europe exported well over 200,000 tons of butadiene through June 2016, up 60% from the prior year. The United States, Mexico, South Korea and China were leading destinations, followed by Poland and Czech Republic.