Versus the prior year, global trade volume through June 2013 was down 10% for PMMA polymer, and down 1% for sheet. Lower imports into China of both materials were factors. Continue reading
Tag Archives: China
Robust Expansion in Global Benzene Trade
Benzene trade volume was up 19% through June 2013 versus the prior year. Several key countries reported much higher imports; exports from Thailand, Germany, Japan and others were up sharply. Continue reading
PET Exports from China Soar to a New High
China’s exports of PET polymer, most of which is bottle-grade, reached a new record in July, 2013 of 217,000 tons. Shipments to all world regions increased, with the heaviest volumes exported to Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. Continue reading
Polyacetals Global Trade Volume Rises
The amount of polyacetals polymer traded globally as imports and exports was particularly heavy from March through June of 2013. Expanded trade within the Asia-Pacific region and substantially higher imports into that region from Western Europe contributed to the rise in volume. Continue reading
Heavy PVC Imports into Russia Continue
Russia imported high volumes of uncompounded PVC through most of the first half of 2013, excluding the harsh winter months of January and February. Continue reading
United States PE Exports Rise
US exports through June 2013 of LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE each were up 8% to 12% versus the prior year. Continue reading
Profound Changes in China’s Commodity Polymer Trade
Historically low imports of recycle polymers, heavy imports of virgin HDPE, record high exports of PET, and, a strong upward trend in exports of fabricated plastic products were features of China’s trade in the first half of 2013. Continue reading
Sharp Decline in China’s Imports of Recycle Polymer
China’s imports of recycle polymer plummeted in March 2013 and fell still lower in April, operation “Green Fence” apparently having an impact, especially on imports of recycle polyolefins.
China’s Polymer Imports Climb at Yearend
China’s imports of virgin polyolefins picked up in November, with further gains likely in December. Continue reading
New Global Trade Coverage of PMMA
Because of the importance of PMMA in numerous end use applications, ITP has launched a new publication that provides comprehensive monthly coverage of PMMA polymer and sheet trade flows between countries and regions. The publication is based on detailed trade statistics from over 50 countries and captures nearly all of the world’s trade.
The first issue was published in September and covers trade through June 2012. Some of the trends visible in the first issue were:
1. The volume of PMMA polymer traded worldwide through June was 282,000 tons, down 2% from the same period last year. The volume of PMMA sheet traded was 258,000 tons, down 14%.
2. Eastern Europe was the world’s highest volume importing region for PMMA; North America, Western Europe and Eastern Europe were the leading importers of sheet.
3. China was the world’s top importing country for polymer, 112,746 tons, up 2%, and also for sheet, 48,800 tons, down 40%.
4. Asia-Pacific exports of PMMA polymer to Western Europe have nearly doubled year to date.
5. Asia-Pacific exports of PMMA sheet year to date have increased to Eastern Europe, North America, and, with the highest percentage gains, Latin America and the Middle East.