ITP projects global trade volume in 2018 of 62 million tons in all polymers of ethylene (LDPE/LLDPE, HDPE, EAOC, Copolymers and EVA), up 5% from 2017. This compares with an increase of 7% in 2017 versus 2016. The trend in global trade volume generally indicates the trend in world demand.

In both Western and Eastern Europe, a projected decline by 1-2% in imports from other regions, to 4.2 million tons per region,  plus flat, or lower, intra-regional trade indicates weaker demand for the year.

Latin America is projected to show the highest percentage growth in imports, up 17%, to 4 million tons, followed by Asia-Pacific, up 7%, to 17 million tons, and Africa, up 3%, to 2.5 million tons.

Reflecting new capacity, North America’s exports are projected to grow by 23%, to 6 million tons, on increased shipments to all regions, mainly Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Western Europe.

Exports from the Middle East are projected to rise 4%, to 18 million tons, lower volumes to Europe offset by gains to Asia-Pacific and Africa.

From International Trader Publications’: All Polymers of Ethylene World Trade Report