Although the many facilities being built to use feedstocks from shale gas have yet to start up, US exports of polyethylene increased in both 2013 and 2012. Continue reading
Changes in PVC Trade Flows in 2013
Much higher exports from Asia-Pacific, higher shipments from Western Europe and nearly flat export volumes from North America are projected features of global trade in 2013. Continue reading
Western Europe’s PET Imports in 2013 to Exceed 1 Million Tons
A 17% increase over the prior year, to more than 1 million tons, is projected for the region’s PET imports in 2013, higher volumes from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East major factors in the gain. Continue reading
PVC Exports from China up More than Double; Imports Drop
China exported nearly 600,000 tons of PVC through August 2013, up 104% from the prior year. Imports of PVC into China were down 15% for the period, to 740,000 tons. Continue reading
New Polypropylene Capacity Reflected in Russia’s Exports and Imports
Polypropylene exports were up sharply through June 2013; imports were down. Continue reading
China Imported 380,000 Fewer Tons of Recycle PE Through August, 2013
This was a decline of 16% from the prior year and a sharp break in the upward trend in imports of recycle polymer that was evident over the last several years. By comparison, China’s imports of virgin polymers of ethylene were up 8% through August, an increase of about 460,000 tons. Continue reading
Lackluster PMMA Polymer and Sheet Trade in the First Half of 2013
Versus the prior year, global trade volume through June 2013 was down 10% for PMMA polymer, and down 1% for sheet. Lower imports into China of both materials were factors. Continue reading
Global Trade Volume Projected to Expand for Polyacetals and PET; Decline for Polycarbonates
Global trade volume in 2013, that is, the volume of imports and exports between all countries, is projected to be up by 7% versus 2012 for polyacetals and by 8% for PET. Polycarbonates trade is projected to contract by 5%. Global trade volume is an indicator of apparent demand for widely traded products. Continue reading
PVC Global Trade Volume Projected to End the Year Up Substantially
Global trade volume in PVC is projected by ITP to be up in 2013 by 8% versus the prior year. Trade volume is an indicator of apparent demand for products that are widely traded. Continue reading
Reduced Polypropylene Exports from the Middle East Shift Global Trade Flows
Middle East exports of polypropylene homopolymer have been down since February 2013, with lower shipments to Asia-Pacific, Western and Eastern Europe and Africa. Other trends evident in the first half of the year were expanded trade within the Asia-Pacific region and substantially higher imports into Eastern Europe from other regions. Continue reading