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.

Global trade volume, which reflects apparent demand, is projected to be up 7% from the prior year for HDPE. Some of the  trade flows underlying this expansion are: 20% higher Middle East exports to Asia-Pacific and large percentage increases also on shipments to Eastern Europe and Africa; moderately higher exports from Western Europe to Eastern Europe and sharply higher volumes to Africa; slightly lower exports from North America to Latin America.

A 3% increase is projected in LDPE global trade volume for 2012. Key trade flows: gains of 5%-13% on Middle East exports to Western and Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific; moderately higher exports from Western Europe to Eastern Europe and Africa.

LLDPE trade volume is projected to contract 2% for the year. Key trade flow: 20% higher Middle East exports to Western Europe, an 11% increase to Eastern Europe but only a 5% gain to Asia-Pacific; slightly lower exports from Western Europe to Eastern Europe; lower exports also from North America to Asia-Pacific.