China’s imports of methanol surged to new highs in the second quarter of 2016 and continued very strong through August. Year to date, imports were up 68%.
Mexico’s Polyethylene Trade
Mexico’s exports of HDPE rose sharply in the second quarter of 2016, while exports of L/LLDPE continued a gradual upward trend. Imports of both polymers also trended higher. Major shifts in imports and exports are expected as Braskem Idesa’s new plant ramps up. Continue reading
Middle East Imports of PMMA Polymer and Sheet
The Middle East imported 30,000 tons of PMMA polymer in 2015, and 25,000 tons of PMMA sheet.
Trends in Western Europe’s Propylene Monomer Trade
Highlights of Western Europe’s trade in propylene monomer through July 2016 were: lower intra-regional trade; higher imports; and, sharply higher exports.
Global Trends in VAM Trade
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. Continue reading
Global Trends in Acetic Acid Trade
A 3% increase in global trade volume, to nearly 2 million tons, indicated growth in global demand for acetic acid through July 2016. The increase mainly reflected expanded intra-regional trade within Western Europe and Asia-Pacific. Continue reading
China’s Trade June 2016 YTD: Generally Lower Imports; Big Gains on Some Exports
China’s imports of most polymers and chemical were lower in the first half of 2016 than in the same period in the prior year. Exceptions were imports of: ethylene, EVA, propylene oxide and, especially, methanol. China’s exports of PVC, polypropylene, PTA, VAM and non-expandable polystyene surged. Shipments of polyethylene also were up. Continue reading
Saudi Arabia – Butylene Imports
In 2015, several countries reported exports of butylene to Saudi Arabia totaling over 46,000 tons. Through April, 2016, over 44,000 tons have already been shipped to that market.
Recent Trends in Butadiene Trade
Substantially higher butadiene export from Western Europe and Latin America were prominent trade trends through May, 2016.
PP Exports from China at Record Levels
China exported 25,000 tons of polypropylene homopolymer in April, 2016, the highest monthly volume on record. Continue reading