EPS imports to Russia dropped by 10% over three quarters of 2014

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Imports of expandable polystyrene (EPS) to Russia decreased over the first three quarters of 2014 by 10% year on year and totalled 48,400 tonnes, according to MRC ScanPlast report.

Chinese grades accounted for the strongest demand from consumers. The largest EPS supplier was Loyal (China). Loyal shipped to Russia 22,200 tonnes over the first nine months of 2014. Purchasing quantities of Loyal"s EPS rose from January to September 21%, despite the overall fall in imports.

Being among the top suppliers, BASF, Styrochem and LG Chem, have been losing their position in the Russian market. At the same time, purchasing quantities of Chinese EPS of Wuxi and Jiangsu Litian New Material almost doubled.

Higher July imports were caused by the peak demand in the Russian domestic market. Quantities of Russian EPS have not been enough so far to fully cover the needs of the domestic market.

The EPS market remained Russia"s largest import market among all styrene plastics grades. EPS accounted for 36% in the total imports of styrene plastics into Russia.

mrcplast.com