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
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China’s Ethylene and Propylene Imports Hit New Highs
Both China’s imports of ethylene monomer and propylene monomer soared to new highs in December 2016.
Nearly 4 Million Tons of Polyethylene Bags/Sacks are Traded Globally
The volume of PE bags and sacks (plus cones) traded globally in 2015 was 3.7 million tons. Trade volume in 2016 is projected to be up about 4%, to just over 3.8 million tons. Western European countries and the United States are major import markets; China is the world’s top exporter, although shipments from other countries are rising. Continue reading
Cuba’s Polymer Imports
Cuba’s largest polymer imports are HDPE, LDPE and PET. Sizable volumes of polyethylene bags/sacks and polyethylene film/sheet are also imported. Volumes rose sharply in 2015 versus 2014.
Global Trade in Propylene Glycol up Slightly; Asia-Pacific Exports Rise to Several Markets
The volume of propylene glycol traded globally showed a 1% rise through August 2016, to over 600,000 tons, based on earliest available data.
DEG Global Trade Lower on China’s Imports
Global trade in DEG was down 9% through August, to 0.8 million tons based on earliest available data. Lower imports into China were a major factor.
Low MEG Imports Into China Impact Trade Flows Globally
Unusually low imports of monoethylene glycol into China early in 2016 were reflected in trade flows globally, especially exports out of the Middle East and from Asia-Pacific suppliers. Global volume of 8.1 million tons through August was down 11%, despite strong demand in several other markets.
Saudi Arabia – Butylene Imports
In 2015, several countries reported exports of butylene to Saudi Arabia totaling over 46,000 tons. Through April, 2016, over 44,000 tons have already been shipped to that market.
Recent Trends in Propylene Monomer Trade
Much higher propylene monomer exports from both North America and Western Europe to Latin America were among the trends visible in global propylene trade through March, 2016.
P-Xylene: Current Global Trade Trends
In 2014, global trade in para-xylene totaled 15.8 million tons, up 2% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was up 12% from the same period in 2014, based on reporting countries. Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.