Imports of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and PET all hit new highs during the fourth quarter of 2020, as did imports of film and sheet made from PP, PVC and PET, and even imports of recyclable PVC and PET polymer. Exports during the period, particularly of polyethylene and polypropylene, were at their lowest levels in over five years.
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Polypropylene and Propylene Copolymers Global Trade Grew by over 3.5% per Year from 2016 to 2020
Polypropylene homopolymer global trade volume increased by 3.7% CAGR from 2016 through 2020 (projected). Propylene copolymers trade grew by 3.6% CAGR. For products that are widely traded, such as these polymers, growth in global trade volume generally reflects growth in global demand.
Continue readingChina Imported Record Volumes of PE, PP, PS and PVC in June 2020
Economic recovery was apparent in the stunning surge in China’s imports of virtually every major grade of commodity polymer in June. Import volume for the month, 3.6 million tons, was unprecedented and raised China’s YTD import total to 15.9 million tons, up 8% from the first half of 2019.
Continue readingImports of Film and Sheet from PE, PP and PET Surge into the US in April.
During the worst month of the pandemic, the United States sharply increased imports of film and sheet made from polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, volumes of each in April at or near record levels. These polymers, among others, are used for personal protective equipment.
Continue readingThailand’s PE and PP Exports Surge in April, 2020, Indicating a Rebound in China’s Imports
Thailand’s exports of polyethylene rose sharply in March and April. Polypropylene exports shot to a new record high after two slow months. Average prices sank.
Continue readingChina’s Imports of Polymers, and, Exports of Fabricated Plastic Products Showed Relatively Small Declines in Q1 of 2020. Exports of PE and PP set new records in March.
Imports of commodity polymers totaled 6.8 million tons in the first quarter, down 5% from the same period, pre-Covid-19, in 2019. Exports of a basket of fabricated plastic products were down 3%, to 2.6 million tons.
Continue reading2019 – the Baseline Year Before Covid-19
2019 was a particularly important year as a baseline because it showed trends that were evolving globally before massive dislocations from Covid-19.
Continue readingChina’s Imports of Ethylene Polymers were up 19% in 2019; Imports of Propylene Polymers were up 9%.
Reduced Supplies from Saudi Arabia Adds Pressure on China in the Trade War with US
Saudi Arabia is China’s top supplier of HDPE, LLDPE, MEG, DEG and styrene and also ships large volumes of polypropylene, liquefied butane gas and liquefied propane gas, among others. The recent attack on Saudi oil facilities will reduce exports of polymers and chemicals, at the same time as imports from the US are curtailed by punitive duties.
Continue readingGlobal Trade Projected up 6%-9% in 2019 for Polyethylene; Down Slightly for Polypropylene
Latest import/export statistics from all available countries indicate strong growth in global trade volume for polyethylene by year end 2019 but a contraction for polypropylene. Because global trade is driven by global demand, the trend in world trade volume generally indicates the trend in world demand.
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