MOSCOW (MRC) -- In November, imports of linear polyethylene (LLDPE) to Russia grew to 14.6 thousand tonnes. In general, over the 11 months, the total import volume of LLDPE to Russia increased by 30% and made 131.4 thousand tonnes, according to MRC DataScope.
In November, Russian companies, despite resumed LLDPE production at Nizhnekamskneftechem, increased volumes of linear polyethylene imports to 14.6 thousand tonnes, which was by 10% more than in October. About 46% of the total volume fell at polyethylene from Middle East.
Recently, a significant share in the Russian market has been won by Sabic, a producer from Saudi Arabia, on the back of cooperation with the largest Russian producers of stretch films.
The demand for linear polyethylene keeps growing quite dynamically. Following the 11 months results, the total import volume of LLDPE to the Russian market grew by 30% year on year and made 131.4 thousand tonnes. Over the 10 years, the demand for linear polyethylene grew by 40 times.
Unfortunately, capacities available in Russia are unable to reduce the dependence on imports. Nizhnekamskneftechem is the only Russian producer of LLDPE. At 2011 year end, the total production amounted to slightly more than 55 thousand tonnes, which is comparable to the 2010 index.