MOSCOW (MRC) -- In January, the imports of PET to the Russian market fell more than by twice and made about 6,000 tons against 13,000 tons in December 2011, according to MRC Datascope.
The import in January was traditionally less than in December. At the same time, the decrease in the supply year on year made about 60% in the relative value and made 9,000 tons.
The decline in shipments was observed in almost all countries of the suppliers. However, the structure of importers remained the same. South Korea was the leader in sales of the Asian feedstock to Russia. In January, the Korean PET imports made about 3,000 tons (the grades: PapetCool, TexPet, Skypet BL 8050).
The first month of the year traditionally showed the lowest demand for chips. In this regard, the converters did not plan main deliveries for this time. The stock residuals of PET also had its negative influence. According to converters, another reason for holding back from the Korean and Chinese PET chips was a competitive price from the Russian producers.
With switching to the domestic material, the logistic distribution will be shortened, and currency risks will also be excluded. One of the largest producers of PET preforms completely stopped the purchases of imported chips in January. As per the market participants, it resulted from a contract with the Russian plant - Polief.
The imports deliveries are not expected to soar in February as well. According to the Russian converters, the preference in February advanced procurement was also given to the Russian chips, and the purchases of feedstock in Asia were at minimum.
MRC