MOSCOW (MRC) -- Imports of polyethylene (PE) into the Ukrainian market dropped in the first ten months of 2018 by 2% year on year to 200,200 tonnes. At the same time, only the high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) segments accounted for a reduction in imports, according to MRC's DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports to Ukraine rose to 21,100 tonnes from 16,500 tonnes in September, with HDPE accounting for the main increase in purchases. Overall PE imports reached 200,200 tonnes in January-October 2018, compared to 204,500 tonnes a year earlier. Imports of HDPE and EVA decreased, whereas demand for other ethylene polymers increased noticeably.
The structure of PE imports by grades looked the following way over the stated period.
Last month's HDPE imports grew to 8,200 tonnes from 4,900 in September, all PE grades accounted for the increase in shipments. Overall HDPE imports reached 63,100 tonnes in the first ten months of 2018, compared to 81,500 tonnes a year earlier. Film grade HDPE accounted for the greatest reduction in imports (about 56%), which was caused by the resumption of the local production.
October imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) rose to 5,600 tonnes from 4,500 tonnes a month earlier, local companies increased their LDPE purchases in Russia. Overall LDPE imports reached 62,600 tonnes over the stated period, up by 13% year on year.
Last month's imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were 6,200 tonnes versus 5,800 tonnes in September, local producers of film products raised their purchasing. Overall LLDPE imports grew to 61,600 tonnes in January-October 2018 versus 54,300 tonnes a year earlier. Local films producers accounted for the main increase in imports.
Imports of other PE grades, including EVA, totalled 12,700 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 13,200 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC