MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall imports of polyethylene (PE) into Russia totalled 495,000 tonnes over the first eleven months of 2015, down by 21% year on year. High density polyethylene (HDPE) accounted for the greatest fall in imports, according to MRC's DataScope report.
November PE imports to Russia fell to 47,900 tonnes from 50,000 tonnes a month earlier. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) accounted for lower shipments. Overall PE imports totalled 495,000 tonnes from January to November 2015 versus 629,700 tonnes a year earlier. Such a major reduction in imports was caused by stable operations at all Russian plants, the rouble devaluation and weaker demand in certain consumption sectors. HDPE accounted for the greatest decrease in imports.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
November HDPE imports were 18,100 tonnes versus 17,900 tonnes a month earlier, PE for extrusion blow moulding (EBM) showed an increase in shipments because of a major fall in the output of Russian producers. Overall HDPE imports to Russia slumped by 36% over the first eleven months of the year to 176,400 tonnes, with PE for EBM and pipe extrusion accounting for the greatest drop in imports.
Last month's LLDPE imports decreased to 15,000 tonnes from 17,900 tonnes in October. Lower November imports of this PE grade were caused by limited export quotas of Middle Eastern producers and plans to resume LLDPE production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Overall LLDPE imports to Russia dropped by 11% over the first eleven months of 2015 to 174,700 tonnes partially because of the increased domestic production.
November imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) rose to 8,700 tonnes from 7,800 tonnes in October, local producers of laminated paper, cables and wires showed a slight increase in shipments. Overall LDPE imports fell to 85,400 tonnes from January to November 2015, down by 17% year on year.
Last month's imports of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) dropped to 1,600 tonnes from 2,000 tonnes in October partially because of seasonal factors. Overall EVA imports decreased by 6% over the first eleven months of the year to 17,800 tonnes partially due to the increase in production by Kazanorgsintez.
Total imports of other ethylene copolymers were 40,800 tonnes over the stated period versus 36,200 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC