Weak economic activity over the last several months was evident from the drop by over 3 million tons, 21%, in China’s imports of LNG through May, to 26.6 million tons.
Continue readingTag Archives: China
China Commodity Polymer Trade April 2022 Reflected Continued Weak Economic Activity From Covid Lockdowns
Polymer imports in April were almost as low as during Chinese New Year; exports of PVC hit a new high and shipments of PET also remained high; exports of fabricated plastic products continued slow.
Continue readingImpressive Surge in US Exports of Polyethylene in March, 2022
The United States exported 966,000 tons of ethylene polymers in March, 2022, an increase of 160,000 tons over February. Shipments of every PE grade were up in March. Further increases are likely with startup of new capacity.
Continue readingChina’s Trade in Commodity Polymers March 2022 YTD
After nearly a year of low volumes, China’s imports of virgin commodity polymers posted a small increase in March. Exports of PVC and PET exports surged. Shipments of fabricated plastic products rebounded modestly after the Chinese New Year slowdown. These flows were likely impacted by Covid-related lockdowns, the effects of which on demand and production are expected to continue for some months to come.
Continue readingChina’s Imports and Exports of Commodity Polymers Dropped With the Start of Chinese New Year on February 1st, but Trends Differed From Prior Periods.
Reflecting both new domestic capacity and weaker domestic demand, imports in February 2022 continued depressed and, unlike prior years, did not show the surge typically seen in the month prior to the national holiday. Exports surged in December, then slowed in January and February.
Continue readingTrends in China’s Trade in Commodity Polymers in 2021
Unlike prior years, imports of commodity polymers did not surge into China toward yearend 2021 in advance of the Chinese Year slowdown. Also unusual was the sharp rise in exports out of China in December. The year ended with commodity polymer imports down 19%, to 27.5 million tons, and exports up 74%, to 8.9 million tons.
Continue readingTrends in Russia’s Exports of Polyolefins
Much lower exports to Asia-Pacific in 2021 versus 2020, due to a steep drop in shipments to China, shifted Russian exports toward Eastern Europe, Western Europe and, with smaller volumes, Latin America and Africa.
Continue readingThe Volume of Recyclable Polymers Traded Globally Increased in 2021 After Years of Declines
The increase in 2021 was unusual and may have related to virgin polymer shortages.
Continue readingDespite US Sanctions, Iran Exported 1.96 million Tons of Ethylene Polymers Through August 2021, up 29%
China and Turkey were shipped 95% of the total volume, with 5% to many other countries, including several that attempt to comply with the sanctions.
Continue readingMEG Global Trade Volume Projected Down 9% in 2021, to 15.3 Million tons
The decline in the global total is primarily attributable to substantially lower imports into China, which is not expected to be offset by higher imports into Turkey, India, Mexico and Pakistan, among others.
Continue reading