MOSCOW (MRC) -- The overall imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) into the Russian market decreased by 12% over the first nine months of 2015 and totalled 141,800 tonnes. Lower imports were caused by both the growth of domestic production and weaker demand in certain processing sectors, according to MRC DataScope report.
September LLDPE imports to the Russian market dropped to 16,700 tonnes from 20,000 tonnes in the previous month on the back of weaker demand for polyethylene (PE) for rotational moulding of large items and films extrusion. The overall LLDPE imports into Russia totalled 141,800 tonnes from January to September 2015 versus 161,900 tonnes a year earlier. Lower imports of this PE grade was caused by both weaker demand from certain consumption sectors and the growth of domestic production, particularly, of that of Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Producers of large items accounted for the greatest fall in demand.
The structure of LLDPE imports by consumption sectors looks the following way over the stated period.
The last month's LLDPE imports dropped to 13,700 tonnes from 16,100 tonnes a month earlier. A few major manufacturers of stretch film accounted for the main decline in demand. The overall imports of film grade LLDPE totalled 118,900 tonnes from January to September 2015 versus 139,200 tonnes a year earlier.
September imports of PE for the production of large items by rotational moulding were reduced to 1,100 tonnes on the back of seasonal factors from 2,100 tonnes in August. In general, demand for this PE grade was significantly lower over the said period than the last year's figure: 7,800 tonnes versus 10,100 tonnes a year earlier. Asian producers are the main suppliers of this PE grade.
The last month's LLDPE imports to the other consumption sectors (cable extrusion, lamination of paper, moulding, etc.) were virtually maintained at the level of August and totalled 1,900 tonnes. The overall imports rose to 15,100 tonnes over the first nine months of 2015 from 12,600 tonnes a year earlier because of stronger demand from the local producers of laminated paper, cable products producers, injection moulding and pipes producers.
MRC