Moderate gains on US exports of LDPE, LLDPE, propylene copolymers, EDC, MEG and PET June 2012 YTD.
Trade Figures Reflect Weak Demand in Western Europe
The slowdown in Western Europe’s demand was evident from the region’s intra-regional trade plus net imports. Imports of some products from the Middle East, however, surged. Continue reading
China’s Imports Continue to Surprise
Despite worries to the contrary, China’s imports in the first half of 2012 were up sharply versus the prior year for a number of chemicals and polymers. Continue reading
Much Higher PP Exports from the Middle East to Asia and Europe
Exports to Africa and Latin America also rose. Saudi Arabia’s exports hit a new high.
Middle East Expands LLDPE and HDPE Exports to Asia, Europe and Latin America
Exports of LDPE to Asia and Africa rise.
Russia Exports More LDPE; Imports More LLDPE and HDPE
Russia exported over 50,000 tons of LDPE through March, 2012, up 29%; imports were minor. Russia’s imports of HDPE and LLDPE, however, were up substantially.
US Exports of Scrap PVC up 33% in 2011
Exports of scrap polyethylene and PET also increased.
Mixed Trends for Japan’s Monomer Exports
Japan exported much higher volumes of benzene and ethylene through April, 2012, but shipments of styrene and propylene dropped.
Japan’s Engineering Polymer Exports Slow
Japan’s April YTD shipments of ABS, polyacetals and SAN were down; polycarbonates exports increased slightly.
More Ethylene, Benzene and Methanol Traded in 2011; Less Propylene
World trade volume was up 3%-9% for ethylene, benzene and methanol; down 3% for propylene.
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