MOSCOW (MRC) -- After the March surge, imports of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to the Russian market began to decline. In April, the total import volumes decreased by 12% from March to 27,000 tonnes, according to MRC DataScope report.
Sufficient supply from Russian producers and low demand for finished products made Russian companies reduce HDPE imports in April.
HDPE for extrusion coating for steel pipes of large diameter and for products produced by blow moulding accounted for the largest decrease in supply. The reduction was 25% and 27%, respectively, which equalls 4,700 and 3,500 tonnes.
Last month, imports of HDPE for the production of pipes made 7,500 tonnes, down 15% from March. The decline in imports was due to low demand for finished products, sufficient supply of Russian polyethylene and large stocks from the previous months.
In April, import of injection moulding HDPE fell by 15% to 4,500 tonnes. Shipments of film HDPE were reduced by only 1% to 5,500 tonnes.
Overall, in January-April 2013, HDPE imports to Russia amounted to 107,000 tonnes, down 2% year-on-year. Over the first four months of the year, the reduction of imports were registered for HDPE for the production of films (45%) and cable insulation (12%). In other sectors of consumption, conversely, imports increased.
MRC