US exports of LDPE and LLDPE were up substantially in the first quarter of 2012 versus 1Qtr 2011, but HDPE shipments dropped. Higher volumes went to Mexico and Venezuela; exports to Brazil fell; China and other markets were mixed.
Tag Archives: Polyethylene
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
New Perspective on China’s Polymer Trade
In 2011, China will import approximately 18 million tons of virgin commodity polymers, plus 8 million tons of scrap and waste polymer. China will export 3 million tons of virgin commodity polymers and more than 3.5 million tons of specific fabricated plastics products identified by polymer, plus 2.5 million tons of fabricated product groups of mixed polymers. These important trade flows are covered in a new report. Continue reading
China’s Imports Surge in November 2011
After slowdowns in both September and October, China’s imports of most of the products followed by ITP surged in November. This followed a typical pattern of heavy trade in the last two months of each year in advance of the Chinese New Year in February. Continue reading
Mid-year Global Trade Highlights: Commodity Polymers
Highlights of global trade June 2011 YTD from ITP’s monthly newsletters for polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, EVA, PVC and polystyrene are summarized. 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
United States Exports High Volumes of Polyolefins and PVC
United States exported high volumes of polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene copolymers and PVC in March 2011, but shipments YTD varied widely from last year. 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
China Imports Large Volumes of Methanol, EDC and Polycarbonates
China’s imports of polycarbonates, EDC and methanol hit 15 month highs in March 2011. Imports of other polymers and chemicals also rebounded after the February holiday. First quarter YTD trends were mixed, most products monitored either showing gains or small declines. Continue reading