Over 835,000 tons of benzene were imported into the US through May 2014, up 20% from the same period last year. As US crackers continue the trend to lighter feedstocks, lower US benzene production and increased benzene imports are likely. Continue reading
Tag Archives: US
US Exports of PVC in 2013
The US is the world’s largest PVC exporter and shipments of uncompounded PVC increased each year from 2009 through 2012. But, in 2013, exports were down from the prior year. Continue reading
US Imports and Exports of PET in 2013
The US imports large volumes of PET, but exports have been declining for several years. Continue reading
US Exports of Polypropylene and Propylene Copolymers in 2013
United States exports of polypropylene homopolymer have been on a downward trend since 2009. Part of that that decline, however, has been offset by increased shipments of propylene copolymers. Continue reading
US Exports of Polyethylene in 2013
Although the many facilities being built to use feedstocks from shale gas have yet to start up, US exports of polyethylene increased in both 2013 and 2012. Continue reading
PVC Exports from China up More than Double; Imports Drop
China exported nearly 600,000 tons of PVC through August 2013, up 104% from the prior year. Imports of PVC into China were down 15% for the period, to 740,000 tons. Continue reading
PET Exports from China Soar to a New High
China’s exports of PET polymer, most of which is bottle-grade, reached a new record in July, 2013 of 217,000 tons. Shipments to all world regions increased, with the heaviest volumes exported to Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. Continue reading
United States PE Exports Rise
US exports through June 2013 of LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE each were up 8% to 12% versus the prior year. Continue reading
US Benzene Imports Up 31%, Japan the Second Largest Supplier
US benzene imports trended higher in both April and May of 2013 and totaled 873,000 tons May YTD, up 31%.
There were relatively modest increases in volumes from three of the US’s top four suppliers: South Korea, up 7%, Canada, up 2%, and Brazil, up 14%.
Imports from Japan of 145,000 tons through May, however, were up 490% from small volumes early last year, moving that country into second place among US suppliers, behind South Korea.