Global trade volume in PVC is projected by ITP to be up in 2013 by 8% versus the prior year. Trade volume is an indicator of apparent demand for products that are widely traded.

PVC trade volume is projected to exceed 13 million tons in 2013, the 8% increase from 2012 reflecting a strong expansion of trade within the Asia-Pacific region and higher imports into Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America, each importing 13%-19% more polymer than last year. Shipments from Western Europe and Asia-Pacific are projected to be up 28% and 23%, respectively; exports from North America, up 2%. India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Russia, Nigeria and Brazil are among the high growth import markets.