MOSCOW (MRC) -- Russia became the fourth largest market player in terms of LDPE net exports after Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia - according to just published MRC "Polyethylene in Russia - 2010" Annual report. Overall Russian LDPE exports totalled at 273 kt last year, which exceeded the 2008 volumes more than two times.
LDPE domestic demand went down by 166 kt in 2009 and moved at the level of 2004 (416 kt). The LDPE market has been the biggest net exporter for the last decade. In 2009, net exports exceeded a half of all LDPE consumtion for the first time over the last ten years. Utilization of LDPE capacities was 109% in 2009, which was also a maximum over the last decade.
Russian producers, especially in Q4 2009, were trying to export LDPE into foreign markets. Firstly, it referred to Tomsk PE supply to China. According to the results of 2009 results, overall LDPE exports from Tomskneftechim exceeded 189 kt.
In H1 2010, LDPE exports have been decreasing on average 20% a month. By July 1, overall Russian LDPE exports moved at 90 kt, which is 40% less than in 2009.
MRC
More detailed analysis of processing capacities and polyethylene consumption by sectors, markets, types of finished goods and converters is available in MRC "Polyethylene in Russia - 2010" Annual report.