Based on latest available statistics, ITP projects a volume of 3.2 million tons of recycle polyethylene traded globally in 2018. This is a decline of 31%, or 1.4 million tons, from 2017. Exports out of Western Europe and North America were particularly impacted, although shipments from all regions were down.
Tag Archives: China
China’s LNG Imports Soar to a New Record in November, as Prices Rise
China imported a record 6 million tons of LNG during November 2018, raising the year to date import volume to 47.6 million tons, an increase of 43% from the same period in 2017.
Phenol Global Trade Volume Projected Up 7% in 2018
Higher phenol exports from new capacity in Saudi Arabia was one factor in the 7% increase in global trade volume, to 3.0 million tons, projected for 2018.
US Exports of LNG up 54% Through October, 2018; Imports Continue Trending Lower
The United States exported 18.4 million tons of LNG through October 2018, up 54%, and imported 2 million tons, down 10%. Continue reading
China’s Imports of Polyethylene from US Slow in October
China imported 39,000 tons of ethylene polymers from the US in October 2018, down from a monthly high of 102,000 tons in August.
US Imports of Propylene Polymers Climb as Exports Drop
The US imported 577,000 tons of propylene polymers through October, 2018, up 39% from the same period in 2017. US exports of these polymers were down 13% through October, to 1.5 million tons.
Another Record for US Polyethylene Exports
US exports of ethylene polymers set a another record high in October, 2018, climbing to 706,300 tons. Volume in January was 494,000 tons.
China’s Imports of Most Polymers Up Through October, 2018
China’s imports October YTD showed particularly strong gains on imports of ethylene-alpha-olefins copolymers (LLDPE) and styrenic polymers, versus the same period in 2017. Only imports of PVC were down.
Little Change in MEG Global Trade Volume Projected for 2018
ITP projects MEG trade volume for 2018 of 15.1 million tons, up 1% from 2017. This compares with an increase of 10% from 2016 to 2017. The trend in global trade volume generally indicates the trend in world demand.
US Exports of Polyethylene Continue at Record Levels in September
US exports of ethylene polymers soared to an all-time high of 653,315 tons in September, 2018, despite tariffs of 25% imposed by China on HDPE, EAOC and EVA from the US.