MOSCOW: Overall imports of high density polyethylene (HDPE) into the Russian market fell in the first eight months of 2016 by almost a third year on year to 96,300 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report. Imports decreased in all consumption segments with the exception of blow moulding and film grade polyethylene (PE).
August HDPE imports to the Russian market grew to 17,100 tonnes from 14,100 tonnes a month earlier, with injection moulding PE accounting for the main increase in shipments. Overall HDPE imports fell to 96,300 tonnes in the first eight months of2016, compared to 140,800 tonnes a year earlier. A major reduction in imports was registered in the segments of pipe extrusion and extrusion coating of large diameter steel pipes.
Russia HDPE Jan-Aug 2016August imports of injection moulding PE rose to 3,600 tonnes from 2,200 tonnes a month earlier, with European producers accounting for the main increase in supplies. Nevertheless, Russian producers managed to reduce the dependence of the domestic market from imports. Imports of injection moulding HDPE totalled 24,400 tonnes in January-August 2016 versus 35,600 tonnes a year earlier.
Last month’s imports of HDPE for extrusion blow moulding (EBM) exceeded 4,500 tonnes, compared to 4,000 tonnes in July, shipments both from Europe and Uzbekistan increased. Overall imports of HDPE for EBM to Russia rose to 21,300 tonnes in January-August 2016, compared to 19,400 tonnes a year earlier.
August imports of film grade HDPE virtually remained at the level of July and were about 3,000 tonnes. Uz-Kor Gas Chemical, a new producer from Uzbekistan, occupied leading positions in this segment. In January-August 2016, overall imports of film grade HDPE grew to 15,400 tonnes from 10,800 tonnes a year earlier.
Last month’s imports of pipe grade HDPE dropped to 2,000 tonnes from 2,900 tonnes in July, Russian pipes producers reduced their PE purchasing in Europe and Asia. Imports of this PE grade decreased by 44% over the stated period to 14,500 tonnes. Higher domestic production and weaker demand for pipes were among the main reasons for the fall in imports.
August imports of HDPE for extrusion coating of large diameter steel pipes rose to 2,700 tonnes, whereas a month earlier, this figure did not exceed 200 tonnes. Overall imports of this PE grade slumped by 66% in the first eight months of 2016 to 13,600 tonnes, partially because of the growth of domestic production. HDPE imports into the other consumption sectors dropped to 7,300 tonnes over the stated period from 9,100 tonnes a year earlier.
