Iran is a major exporter of liquefied gases and chemicals and the country’s shipments of these products have risen dramatically over the last five years.
Continue readingChina’s Commodity Polymer Trade February 2023 YTD
China’s imports through February 2023 of polyethylene, China’s largest commodity polymer import, showed no change versus February 2022 YTD. Imports of polypropylene posted a moderate increase. On the export side, however, China shipped substantially more of each major commodity polymer than in the same period in 2022.
Continue readingThe United States Exceeds Iran in Exports of Polyethylene To China
From November 2022 through January 2023, the US shipped more polyethylene (all grades combined) to China than did Iran.
Continue readingUS Exports of Polyethylene and PVC Both Soared to New Highs in January 2023
US exports, very strong in the fourth quarter of 2022, set new records in January, 2023.
Continue readingMajor Expansion in US Exports of Polyethylene in 2022
The US exported 11. 4 million tons of ethylene polymers in 2022, up 24% from the prior year. Shipments increased to every world region and nearly every country.
Continue readingEU Debates Possible Ban on Imports of Synthetic Rubber from Russia
Although not definite, a ban on imports of synthetic rubber from Russia is being discussed by the EU. If enacted, this could impact EU imports of butadiene, isoprene and styrene-butadiene rubber.
Continue readingRussia’s Polymer Imports/Exports in 2022
Although Russia stopped publishing trade statistics soon after invading Ukraine, the country’s trade is visible in large part from the statistics of trading partners. These show lower imports and exports of several key polymers in 2022.
Continue readingTrends in Polypropylene Exports and Imports by Region from 2018 to 2022
Strong growth in exports of polypropylene out of the Middle East, and, in 2021 and 2022, also out of Asia-Pacific, were prominent trends in a comparison of regional exports from 2018 through 2022. Imports were mixed but generally increased into Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America over the period.
Continue readingTrends in Polyethylene Exports and Imports by Region from 2018 to 2022
Much higher exports out of North America and flat exports out of the Middle East were evident from a comparison of regional exports from 2018 through 2022. On the import side, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America saw steady growth in imports.
Continue readingTrends in China’s Trade in Commodity Polymers in 2022
For the second year in a row, imports of commodity polymers into China were down and exports of most commodity polymers were up, the result of weak demand due to Covid lockdowns. The year ended with commodity polymer imports totaling 25 million tons, down 9% from 2021. This followed a 19% drop in 2021 versus 2020. Commodity polymer exports were 10.8 million tons in 2022, up 22%. This followed a 74% jump in 2021 versus 2020.
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