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.
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Trends 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 readingChina’s Commodity Polymer Imports Were Down 17% Through September, 2021; Exports Were Up 77%
China’s imports of all the major commodity polymer groups – PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET – continued depressed from last year’s levels; smaller volume exports, especially of PP, PVC and PET posted strong gains.
Continue readingP-Xylene Global Trade Volume has More Than Doubled Since 2010.
Expansion of Asia-Pacific intra-regional trade, mainly on demand in China, accounted for most of the growth in the global total.
Continue readingThe Volume of LNG Traded Globally Expanded by Over 100 million tons from 2012-2020
Volume went from 233 million tons in 2012 to 338 million tons in 2020, with further gains projected for 2021.
Continue readingUS Exports of PVC Were Down 17% Through July; Further Declines Expected
The shutdown of several PVC facilities by Shintech, Westlake and Formosa Plastics due to Hurricane Ida will impact US exports, which were already down substantially from last year as of July.
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