The volume of uncompounded PVC traded globally has stayed remarkably constant over the last several years, but there have been profound changes in imports and exports on a regional level.
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Trends in EDC and VCM Global Trade
Global trade volume for both EDC and VCM trended upward from 2018 through 2020 but then diverged, with profound changes in regional, and country, imports and exports over the period.
Continue readingTrends in US Exports of Liquified Gases
US exports of LNG and liquified propane and butane gases through April 2023 are all higher than in the same period in 2022.
Continue readingChina’s Commodity Polymer Trade February 2023 YTD
China’s imports through February 2023 of polyethylene, China’s largest commodity polymer import, showed no change versus February 2022 YTD. Imports of polypropylene posted a moderate increase. On the export side, however, China shipped substantially more of each major commodity polymer than in the same period in 2022.
Continue readingThe United States Exceeds Iran in Exports of Polyethylene To China
From November 2022 through January 2023, the US shipped more polyethylene (all grades combined) to China than did Iran.
Continue readingUS Exports of Polyethylene and PVC Both Soared to New Highs in January 2023
US exports, very strong in the fourth quarter of 2022, set new records in January, 2023.
Continue readingEU Debates Possible Ban on Imports of Synthetic Rubber from Russia
Although not definite, a ban on imports of synthetic rubber from Russia is being discussed by the EU. If enacted, this could impact EU imports of butadiene, isoprene and styrene-butadiene rubber.
Continue readingTrends in China’s Trade in Commodity Polymers in 2022
For the second year in a row, imports of commodity polymers into China were down and exports of most commodity polymers were up, the result of weak demand due to Covid lockdowns. The year ended with commodity polymer imports totaling 25 million tons, down 9% from 2021. This followed a 19% drop in 2021 versus 2020. Commodity polymer exports were 10.8 million tons in 2022, up 22%. This followed a 74% jump in 2021 versus 2020.
Continue readingUnderstanding Global Trade in Recyclable PE, Styrenics and PVC
Between 2017 and 2022 the volume of global trade for these materials fell. The two main components of global trade, intra-regional trade plus exports to other regions also dropped, although with important differences by region.
Continue readingGlobal Trends in Recyclable Polyethylene
The volume of recyclable polyethylene traded globally declined from 2016-2019 but then gradually climbed and is projected to reach 3.2 million tons for 2022. Expanded trade within the Western European region plus rising imports into Eastern Europe from other regions were among the key factors.
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