MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall imports of polypropylene (PP) into Belarus increased in the first half of 2016 by 15.4% year on year, totalling slightly over 44,900 tonnes. Propylene copolymers accounted for the greatest increase in shipments, according to MRC's DataScope report.
June PP imports to Belarus grew to 8,900 tonnes under the pressure of seasonal factors from 8,100 tonnes a month earlier, demand increased for PP copolymers, whereas purchasing of propylene homopolymer (homopolymer PP) was reduced. Overall imports of propylene polymers exceeded 44,900 tonnes in January-June 2016, compared to 38,900 tonnes a year earlier. Injection moulding propylene copolymers accounted for the largest increase in imports.
The supply structure by PP grades looked the following way over the stated period.
June imports of homopolymer PP to the Belarusian market dropped to 5,200 tonnes, whereas this figure was 5,700 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies reduced their purchasing of homopolymer PP of raffia grade in Russia. Overall imports of homopolymer PP rose to 30,400 tonnes in the first six months of the year, compared to 27,200 tonnes a year earlier. Russian producers were the main suppliers, their share was more than 92% in the total shipments.
June imports of propylene copolymers into Belarus grew to 3,700 tonnes from 2,400 tonnes a month earlier, local converters increased their purchasing of injection moulding grades of propylene copolymers in Russia. Thus, overall imports of propylene copolymers exceeded 14,500 tonnes in January-June 2016, whereas this figure was 11,700 tonnes a year earlier. Russian producers wiith a share of about 89% were also the main suppliers of propylene copolymers.
MRC