Preliminary data showed an increase in ethylene monomer global trade volume in 2011 from the prior year but decreased propylene monomer trade. Much higher exports of both monomers were evident from the Middle East; much higher exports of ethylene were seen from North America.

Global trade volume in 2011 was: 6.0 M tons of ethylene monomer, up 4% from 2010; 6.3 M tons of propylene monomer, down 3%, based on preliminary data. A few trends visible for each product are highlighted below.

Ethylene – Middle East exports of ethylene monomer increased 47% in 2011 on much higher shipments to Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe. North America’s smaller volume exports surged 91% on roughly equal volumes to Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Exports from Western Europe dropped 27% on lower trade with Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Propylene – Middle East exports of propylene monomer rose 46% in 2011 on higher Asia-Pacific trade. North America’s exports were off 11% on reduced shipments to Latin America. Western Europe’s exports increased 14%, lower shipments to Eastern Europe and Africa more than offset by large percentage gains on volumes to Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

[important]Final figures for 2011 will be published March 26th in ITP’s Ethylene and Propylene World Trade Annual Reviews.[/important]

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