Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: Commodity Polymers

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters for polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, EVA, PVC and polystyrene are summarized.  Continue reading

Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: ABS, SAN, Polyacetals, Polycarbonates, PET

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters on  ABS, SAN, Polyacetals, Polycarbonates PET are summarized.   Continue reading

Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: Glycols, Monomers and Feedstocks

Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters on benzene, styrene, MEG, DEG, EDC/VCM, methanol, ethylene and propylene are summarized.

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Japan’s Imports Slow; Exports Climb

After the tsunami in March 2011, Japan’s imports of many polymers and chemicals surged and exports dropped. A slowdown in imports was apparent in July, and also higher exports.  YTD, imports generally posted gains; exports, declines. Continue reading

Strong Demand for Polymers in Eastern Europe

Strong demand in Eastern Europe, particularly Turkey and Russia, was a positive factor in global trade in commodity and engineering polymers through the first half of 2011. Continue reading

China’s Polymer Imports Slow on Lower Demand

China’s imports of most polymers showed moderate declines through July 2011, ranging from down 2% to down 11%. Imports of EVA and propylene copolymers increased. Imports of methanol and ethylene were up sharply. Continue reading

Japan’s Exports Up After Two Months of Declines

Japan’s exports of numerous polymers and chemicals picked up in June 2011 after two months of declines. Higher imports of many products also were evident, excluding benzene, MEG and PVC, with sharp declines. Continue reading

China’s Polyethylene Imports Slow; Polyacetals Imports Set Record

China’s polyethylene imports continued slow through June 2011; polypropylene and PVC imports picked up slightly; polyacetals imports hit new highs; imports of many basic organic chemicals rose, some for the second month in a row; YTD import volumes were generally down moderately versus the first half of 2010. Continue reading