MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) in Russia decreased to 42,500 tonnes in the first three months of this year, down 6% year on year. The decrease in LLDPE imports resulted from the rouble devaluation and export quota restrictions at the majority of suppliers, according to MRC DataScope report.
March LLDPE imports into Russia decreased to 15,400 tonnes, compared with 16,800 tonnes in February. The main reason for the decline in the supply were reduced export opportunities of European and Middle Eastern producers. Total LLDPE imports in Russia were 42,500 tonnes in January - March 2015, compared with 45,300 tonnes year on year. Weak rouble affected LLDPE imports in the first three months of the year; some companies had to decrease imports because of high prices in line with limited crediting.
Structure of LLDPE supply over the reported period looked as follows. March imports of film LLDPE in the country grew to 13,700 tonnes, compared with 15,600 tonnes in February. The main reduction in supply occurred for Middle Eastern LLDPE for the production of stretch films.
Total imports of film LLDPE in Russia in the first three months of the year were 38,800 tonnes, compared with 41,000 tonnes year on year.
March imports of LLDPE for overall products by rotational moulding increased to about 600 tonnes, compared with 479 tonnes in February.
Total imports of LLDPE for overall products by rotational moulding in January-March decreased to 1,100 tonnes, compared with 1,900 tonnes year on year.
Russia's LLDPE imports in other sectors of consumption in March also increased on a seasonal factor to about 1,200 tonnes. Total LLDPE imports in January-March grew to 2,700 tonnes, compared with 2,500 tonnes year on year because of the stronger demand from the producers of laminated paper.
MRC