Exports of PS and styrene plastics from Russia surged by 43%

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Exports of polystyrene (PS) and styrene plastics from Russia grew in 2013 by 43% compared with 2012 and reached 71,000 tonnes, according to MRC Annual report.

Local plants not only fulfilled the program of import displacement last year amid increased PS production in Russia, but were also  strengthening its presence in foreign markets. The high impact polystyrene (HIPS) market accounted for the largest export shipments. HIPS exports from Russia rose by 28% in 2013 or more than 25,000 tonnes. Nizhnekamskneftekhim"s 825ES grade remained the most popular Russian HIPS grade in foreign markets.

Exports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) grew by 32% and totalled 23,800 tonnes. Increased production at SIBUR-Khimprom accounted for the growth in exports. The key export market for Russian EPS of SIBUR remained Ukraine. At the same time, SIBUR managed to lift sales in the region, because of effective export pricing and displacement of European suppliers, as well as reduced EPS production at Stirol, despite the overall fall in EPS consumption in Ukraine last year.

Exports in the general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) market surged by 53%. GPPS exports from Russia totalled in 2013 17,500 tonnes. Nizhnekamskneftekhim (the most popular were 585 and 525 grades) and PGProf"s grades were exported last year.