MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of unblended polycarbonate (PC) to the Russian market decreased to 19,400 tonnes in January-October 2015, down 35% compared to the same period last year, according to a MRC DataScope report.
Imports of extrusion PC into Russia decreased to 14,100 tonnes in January-October 2014, down 36% year on year. At the same time, the share of Sabic innovative Plastics imports of PC fort extrusion was 80% from the total. However, the company's sales in Russia in this segment decreased by about 35% compared to last year.
The main reason for this was a weakening of consumer activity of the population and unwillingness of the market to accept price increase on the finished products. Converters said sales of PC sheets fell at least by 10% compared to last year.
By the end of the reporting year, the market will continue to decline because of the unfavourable economic factors. Imports of bottle grade PC into Russia in January-October dropped by 60% and amounted to about 1,000 tonnes. Over the last few months the deliveries were made only for contract customers, there were no free volumes in the market. Previously the Asian material dominated in this segment, now the largest share of sales occurred for Sabic innovative Plastics - 53%.
Imports of injection moulding PC decreased to 2,800 tonnes over the reported period, down 9% year on year. One of the main suppliers to the Russian market - Sabic Innovative Plastics, in the reporting period decreased shipments by 6% over the previous year - to the level of 1,200 tonnes.
At the beginning of November, the Russian PC market has a surplus of raw materials, despite the end of the fall season. Additional residues were left because of the weak effective demand. Therefore, until the end of this year, imports will remain at a low level.
MRC