Unusually low imports of monoethylene glycol into China early in 2016 were reflected in trade flows globally, especially exports out of the Middle East and from Asia-Pacific suppliers. Global volume of 8.1 million tons through August was down 11%, despite strong demand in several other markets.
Tag Archives: China
Butadiene Exports from Europe Up Sharply, United States and Mexico Top Destinations
Western Europe exported well over 200,000 tons of butadiene through June 2016, up 60% from the prior year. The United States, Mexico, South Korea and China were leading destinations, followed by Poland and Czech Republic.
Record Exports of Polymers from China
An important trend since March 2016 has been record exports of polymers from China. Exports of PVC surged in March and continued high through August, as did exports of PET. Shipments of polyolefins were heavy from March through June/July, but slowed in August.
Massive Rise in China’s Imports of Methanol
China’s imports of methanol surged to new highs in the second quarter of 2016 and continued very strong through August. Year to date, imports were up 68%.
PP Exports from China at Record Levels
China exported 25,000 tons of polypropylene homopolymer in April, 2016, the highest monthly volume on record. Continue reading
China’s Commodity Polymer Trade Rebounds
March 2016 statistics show a rebound in China’s imports of both virgin and recycle commodity polymers. China’s exports of commodity polymers hit a record high.
Polypropylene Global Trade Trends
The volume of polypropylene homopolymer traded globally in 2015 was 17.3 million tons, up 3% from 2014. Imports into Asia-Pacific were unchanged from the prior year. Western Europe’s imports rose 21%; North America’s, 42%, but on small volumes. Data available to date for 2016 indicates a continuation of these trends.
Propylene Copolymers Global Trade Trends
Large volumes of both propylene copolymers and polypropylene homopolymer are traded globally. In 2015, propylene copolymer trade totaled 8.4 million tons, up 5%. This compared with 17.3 million tons of polypropylene homopolymer trade, up 3%.
US Methanol Exports Set New Record Early in 2016
There has been an upward trend in United States exports of methanol for several months with shipments in both January and February 2016 at new record levels. Continue reading
Major Trends in EVA Global Trade in 2015
The volume of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer traded globally in 2015 was up 10% from 2014, indicating a significant increase in global demand. Much higher imports into Asia-Pacific, sourced mainly from North America, Western Europe, and, with the largest percentage gain, the Middle East, plus expanded trade within the Asia-Pacific region, were the leading factor in the increase.