MOSCOW (MRC) -- Production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by Russian plants grew from January to May 2015 by 12% year on year and totalled 208,000 tonnes, according to MRC ScanPlast report.
The output of PET chips also increased in May from April (10%). The overall production of PET producers in May totalled 45,500 tonnes. Alco-Nafta's output was 10,600 tonnes, Senezh produced 9,300 tonnes, whereas Polief produced 18,800 tonnes and SIBUR-PETF - 6,800 tonnes of PET chips in May.
Buyers were not experiencing shortages of material in the market. The increased supply of Russian PET chips further contributed to the imports displacement. Quantities imported by traders and converters slumped by 68% over the same period. The overall imports totalled 34,000 tonnes (including amorphous PET and recycled flex).
High PET production was managed to be maintained in the sector, despite the overall decrease in consumption in Russia. The estimated PET consumption fell by 20% from January to May 2015 and totalled about 230,000 tonnes. Market players reported weaker demand from beer producers. This sector accounted for a decrease in the consumption of finished products. At the same time, water producers showed strong demand, converters said.
MRC