Indicating growing demand, the volume of polyurethanes traded globally through September 2014, over 1 million tons, was up 4% versus the prior year based on preliminary data. Global trade volume increased 3% in 2013 versus 2012 and 5% in 2012 versus 2011. Continue reading
Update on US Polymer Exports – Mostly Down
Through September 2014, US exports of polyolefins, styrenics and PVC have either declined versus the prior year or been unchanged, despite the positive effects of increased US shale gas production on energy and feedstocks. Continue reading
Jordan’s Top Polymer Imports
Jordan is a significant importer of polyethylene, polypropylene, general purpose polystyrene, PVC and PET. Continue reading
Morocco’s Top Polymer Imports
Morocco imports significant volumes of polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, polystyrene, PVC and PET. Continue reading
Ivory Coast’s Top Polymer Imports
Ivory Coast imports significant volumes of L/LLDPE, HDPE, polypropylene and PVC.
Ghana’s Top Polymer Imports
Ghana imports significant volumes of polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC.
Propylene World Trade Survey of Major Trends August 2014 YTD
The volume of propylene monomer traded globally through August 2014 was down 2% from the prior year. The decline reflected, among other factors, reduced trade within Western Europe, further declines on exports from the Middle East to Asia-Pacific, and a sharp drop in North America’s exports to Latin America. Continue reading
Startup of RusVinyl’s PVC Plant Will Mainly Impact Exports from China, US and Germany
RusVinyl’s 330,000 ton per year plant, a joint venture between SolVin and Sibur, started up in September 2014. According to the company, production is not intended for the export market but as a replacement for imports. Continue reading
Global Isopropanol Trade Slows
The volume of isopropanol traded globally was down 6% through August 2014, based on available data. This compared with a 6% increase at the end of 2013. Continue reading
Iran’s Polyolefin Exports up Sharply
Iran shipped much higher volumes of HDPE, LDPE and polypropylene through August 2014 versus the prior year. Continue reading