Tag Archives: ethylene copolymers

Trade Figures Reflect Weak Demand in Western Europe

The slowdown in Western Europe’s demand was evident from the region’s intra-regional trade plus net imports. Imports of some products from the Middle East, however, surged. Continue reading

China’s Imports Continue to Surprise

Despite worries to the contrary, China’s imports in the first half of 2012 were up sharply versus the prior year for a number of chemicals and polymers.  Continue reading

Mixed Trends for Polyolefins Trade in 2011

Trends in global polyolefins trade volume in 2011 were mixed: up 3%-5% for LDPE, HDPE, polypropylene and propylene copolymers; up 14% for ethylene copolymers; and down 1% for LLDPE and 3% for EVA. Continue reading

China’s Scrap Polymer Imports are Large and Growing

Imports into China of scrap and waste commodity polymers are large, growing, and should be considered along with imports of virgin polymer in analyzing China’s demand. Continue reading

Trends in Polyolefins Trade in 2011 – Preliminary

Preliminary overview of polyolefins trade in 2011: increased global trade volume in all polyolefins, except LLDPE and EVA; higher Middle East exports of PE and PP, and, especially, copolymers; generally lower exports from Western Europe and North America. Continue reading

Highlights of U.S. Exports

Highlights of U.S. exports through September 2011: most polyolefins exports, excluding LLDPE, down slightly or unchanged; PVC exports up 10%; increased shipments also of polyacetals, polycarbonates, ethylene, EDC, VCM and MEG; lower exports of propylene, PET and styrene. Continue reading

Japan’s Imports Slow; Exports Climb

After the tsunami in March 2011, Japan’s imports of many polymers and chemicals surged and exports dropped. A slowdown in imports was apparent in July, and also higher exports.  YTD, imports generally posted gains; exports, declines. Continue reading

Japan’s Exports Up After Two Months of Declines

Japan’s exports of numerous polymers and chemicals picked up in June 2011 after two months of declines. Higher imports of many products also were evident, excluding benzene, MEG and PVC, with sharp declines. Continue reading

Japan’s PVC Exports Drop; Exports of Other Polymers Vary

Japan’s exports of PVC in March 2011 were a low for the last 15 months. Relatively high volumes of polypropylene, polycarbonates and ethylene copolymers were shipped during the month; export volumes of most other products were at typical levels. Trends YTD varied by product. Continue reading