In 2014, global trade in polyethylene sheets and other flat products (film, foil and strip) totaled 4.4 million tons, up 2% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was up 3% from the same period in the prior year, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.
Tag Archives: Africa
PVC Floor and Wall Coverings: Current Global Trade Trends
Nearly 3 million tons of flooring and wall coverings made from PVC were traded globally in 2014, up 11% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was flat with last year, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand. Continue reading
Africa’s Polyethylene Import Trends
Africa, in addition to Latin America, is an increasingly important market for polyethylene exporters, particularly those in the Middle East, as demand in Europe and Asia eases. Continue reading
Propylene Copolymers: Current Global Trade Trends
The volume of propylene copolymers traded globally, 3.2 million tons, was up 8% through May, 2015 from the prior year, based on reporting countries. (This compares with a 3% increase in exports of polypropylene homopolymer for the period.) Shipments increased from each of the top four exporting regions: Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America. Exports from the Middle East had the highest percentage increase.
Polypropylene: Current Global Trade Trends
The volume of polypropylene homopolymer traded globally, 6.1 million tons, was up 3% through May 2015 versus the prior year. Shipments from the Middle East and Western Europe were up; North America’s contracted slightly; exports from Eastern Europe jumped by over 50%.
HDPE: Current Global Trade Trends
The volume of HDPE polymer traded globally, 7.3 million tons, was up 5% through May, 2015, based on reporting countries. Among the top exporting regions, shipments from the Middle East, Western Europe and Asia-Pacific increased; North America’s were down; markets shifted between exporters. Continue reading
Propylene Copolymers – Major Trade Trends in 2014
ITP’s analysis of global trade in propylene copolymers – olefin polymers in which propylene is the predominant comonomer by weight, excluding homopolymer – indicates a 4% increase in the volume of polymer traded in 2014 versus 2013, to 7.9 million tons. Trends in global trade volume generally indicate trends in global demand.
SAN – Major Trade Trends in 2014
ITP’s analysis of global trade projects a 3% increase in the volume of SAN polymer traded in 2014 versus 2013, to over 500,000 tons. Higher global trade volume generally indicates higher global demand.
PET – Major Trade Trends in 2014
ITP’s analysis of global trade projects an 8% increase in the volume of PET polymer traded in 2014 versus 2013, to over 9 million tons. Higher global trade volume generally indicates higher global demand.
Western Europe’s PET Imports from Asia-Pacific Up Over 40% YTD; More Polymer Also From Africa
Western Europe imported nearly 340,000 tons of PET polymer from Asia-Pacific through September, up 43%, based on reporting countries. This volume exceeded imports from Eastern Europe of 330,000 ton through that date, up 2%. Also of note were large percentage gains on smaller volume imports into Western Europe from Africa.