MOSCOW (MRC) -- Russian producers reduced their exports of polypropylene (PP) in April. However, sales of propylene polymers to foreign markets rose to 143,500 tonnes over the first four months of 2015, up by 142% year on year, according to MRC DataScope report.
23,900 tonnes of PP were shipped from Russia to foreign markets (excluding the countries of the Customs Union) last month versus 55,800 tonnes in March. The decline in exports was also caused by stronger demand from the domestic market. Overall, 143,500 tonnes of propylene polymers were exported to foreign markets from January to April 2015 versus 59,400 tonnes a year earlier. The increased domestic production (due to the start-up of two new plants in Omsk and Tobolsk) and high prices in foreign markets allowed local producers to significantly raise their exports.
China, Turkey and the EU were the key buyers of Russian PP. 40,900 tonnes and 32,700 tonnes of PP were shipped only to the Chinese and Turkish markets, respectively, over the stated period, whereas 32,300 tonnes were sold to the European Union.
Tobolsk-Polymer and Poliom were they key plants-exporters. These producers shipped 72,500 tonnes and 34,100 tonnes of propylene polymers, respectively, to foreign markets from January to April 2015. "Neftekhimia" with a share of 9,600 tonnes closes the top three suppliers.
MRC