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.
Record Exports of Polymers from China
An important trend since March 2016 has been record exports of polymers from China. Exports of PVC surged in March and continued high through August, as did exports of PET. Shipments of polyolefins were heavy from March through June/July, but slowed in August.
Massive Rise in China’s Imports of Methanol
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.