North America is a relatively small exporter and importer of PE film and sheet, compared with Western Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Tag Archives: Eastern Europe
The Eastern European Import Market for Polyethylene
In 2016, Eastern Europe, including Turkey, imported 4 million tons of ethylene polymers from other regions, primarily Western Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Import volume in 2016 was up 5% from 2015. Continue reading
The Asia-Pacific Import Market for Polyethylene
In 2016 the Asia-Pacific region imported over 12 million tons of ethylene polymers from sources outside the region. This was an increase of roughly 9% from 2015. Continue reading
Iran’s Exports and Imports of Polyethylene and Polypropylene
Iran exported 2.7 million tons of ethylene polymers in 2016, up 19%, and 190,000 tons of propylene polymers, down 10%. Continue reading
Global Trends in Ethylene Monomer Trade in 2016
The volume of ethylene monomer traded as imports and exports in 2016 was 7.1 million tons, up 4% from 2015. Much higher imports into Asia-Pacific from sources outside the region, and also into Western Europe, were key factors on the demand side. (Based on latest available trade statistics.) Continue reading
Nearly 5 million tons of PE Film and Sheet is Traded Globally
Preliminary figures for 2016 indicate a 6% increase in global trade volume in polyethylene film and sheet, to just under 5 million tons.
Trends in Western Europe’s Propylene Monomer Trade
Highlights of Western Europe’s trade in propylene monomer through July 2016 were: lower intra-regional trade; higher imports; and, sharply higher exports.
US Exports of Ethylene
After more than a year of inactivity, the United States began exporting ethylene in May, 2015, and shipments since then have averaged roughly 15,000 tons per month.
Impact on Western Europe of Reduced PVC Supplies from Mexico
The April 20, 2016 blast at the Petroquimica Mexicana de Vinilo plant at Coatzacoalcos, Mexico is expected to reduce Mexico’s exports of PVC, which go mainly to Western Europe.
Benzene Global Trade Trends
Over 9 million tons of benzene were traded globally in 2015, up 16% from 2014. Prominent regional trends during the year included: higher Asia-Pacific exports and also expanded trade within that region; increased imports into North America; increased imports into Western Europe; and, in the Middle East sharply higher trade, both imports and exports, with imports exceeding exports. Early data for 2016 indicates a continuation of these trends.