December PE imports to Kazakhstan fell to 9,300 tonnes from 12,000 tonnes a month earlier, local companies significantly decreased their purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in Russia and Uzbekistan. Overall PE imports were 121,400 tonnes in 2017, compared to 97,800 tonnes a year earlier. Purchasing of all PE grades rose, with linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) accounting for the greatest increase.
The structure of PE imports by grades looked the following way over the stated period.
December HDPE imports to Kazakhstan dropped to 6,500 tonnes from 9,600 a month earlier. Local companies, particularly, pipes producers, reduced their purchasing of PE in Russian and Uzbekistan under the pressure of seasonal factors. Thus, last year's HDPE imports reached 92,700 tonnes, up by 26% year on year.
December purchases of LDPE in foreign markets by local companies increased to 1,900 tonnes from 1,700 tonnes in November, Russian producers raised their shipments slightly. Overall LDPE imports to Kazakhstan totalled 21,600 tonnes over the stated period, up by 15% year on year.
Purchasing of LLDPE by local companies was 7,200 tonnes in 2017 versus 5,600 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC