China’s imports of recycle polymer plummeted in March 2013 and fell still lower in April, operation “Green Fence” apparently having an impact, especially on imports of recycle polyolefins.
Surprises in China’s Polymer Trade in 2012
China surprised many again in 2012, importing significantly higher volumes of virgin polyolefins than in 2011, supplementing virgin polymer imports with record high amounts of scrap and waste polymers, and, expanding exports of fabricated plastic products for the fourth year in a row. Continue reading
PVC Global Trade Volume Projected to be up 3% in 2012
PVC imports into Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East are projected to be up by 6%-12% in 2012; exports from Western Europe, up 9%; exports from Latin America, up 24%; exports from North America, up 2%. There have been significant shifts in trade flows between regions. Continue reading
MEG and DEG Global Trade Volume Likely to End the Year Up Slightly
Global trade volume is projected to be up 2% for both MEG and DEG in 2012 versus 2011. Robust import demand in Asia-Pacific was offset by declines in Europe and the Americas. For widely traded products, global trade is an indicator of apparent demand. Continue reading
China’s Polymer Imports Climb at Yearend
China’s imports of virgin polyolefins picked up in November, with further gains likely in December. Continue reading
Polycarbonates, SAN and EVA are Projected by ITP to Show Highest Gains in Global Trade Volume in 2012
Global trade in polycarbonates, which reflects global demand, is projected by ITP to be up 13% in 2012 from 2011. SAN trade volume is projected to be up 10%; EVA trade volume, up 8%. Continue reading
ITP’s Yearend 2012 Projections Show Large Percentage Increases on Polyolefin Imports into Western and Eastern Europe
Western Europe’s imports of LLDPE from the Middle East are projected by ITP to show an 18% increase by yearend 2012 versus 2011. Imports of polypropylene are projected to be up 30%. Continue reading
China’s Polymer Trade Shows Moderate Gains YTD
Despite typical declines in October, China’s imports of virgin and scrap commodity polymers and exports of fabricated plastic products are up 5-6% year to date. Continue reading
Projected Yearend Trade: Polypropylene and Propylene Copolymers
Polypropylene yearend 2012 trade volume is projected to be up 2%; propylene copolymers trade volume, up 5%. Middle East exports surge. Continue reading
Projected Yearend Trade: Polyethylene
Global trade volume for the full year 2012 is projected to be up 7% for HDPE and 3% for LDPE, but down 2% for LLDPE. Higher Middle East exports play a key role.
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