MOSCOW: Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Russia decreased to around 324,700 tonnes in the first eight months of 2016, down 12% compared to the same period of 2015. The most significant decrease in PE imports into the country was in the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) sectors, according to MRC’s DataScope report. August imports of PE into Russia were about 48,400 tonnes, compared with 45,400 tonnes a month earlier, with the main increase in purchases for HDPE.
Total PE imports into Russia decreased to 324,700 tonnes in the first eight months of the year, compared with 369,200 tonnes in the same time a year earlier. A significant decrease in external supply was seen in HDPE and LLDPE sectors, while imports of LDPE and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) grew.
The structure of PE production over the reported period looked as follows: August imports of LLDPE into Russia dropped to 17,400 tonnes, compared with 18,300 tonnes in July 2016.
The reduction in external supplies was a result of export quota restrictions from Middle Eastern producers and offers of polyethylene from Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Total LLDPE imports into the country decreased to about 117,700 tonnes, compared with 144,200 tonnes year on year. August HDPE imports increased to 17,100 tonnes, compared with 14,100 tonnes in July. The main increase in the deliveries accounted for the sector of injection moulding and extrusion coating of steel pipes of large diameter. Total HDPE imports into the country decreased to 96,300 tonnes in January – August 2016, compared to 123,600 tonnes year on year.
August imports of LDPE rose to 6,400 tonnes against 5,800 tonnes, with the main deliveries for European film PE. Total LDPE imports into the country increased to 65,000 tonnes in January-August 2016, compared to 63,200 tonnes a year earlier. August imports of EVA grew to 2,700 tonnes, compared with 2,300 tonnes in July. Total EVA imports into the country grew to 16,400 tonnes against 11,700 tonnes year on year. The import of other polymers of ethylene in the first eight months of the year exceeded 28,500 tonnes against 25,900 tonnes a year earlier.
