MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Ukraine increased to 41,900 tonnes in the first two months of 2019, up 2% compared to the same period of 2018. At the same time, only the linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) segments accounted for a increase in imports, according to MRC's DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports to Ukraine decreased to 20,800 tonnes from 21,100 tonnes in January, with high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounting for a decrease in imports. Overall PE imports reached 41,900 tonnes in January-February 2019, compared to 41,200 tonnes a year earlier. Imports of LLDPE and EVA increased, while demand for other ethylene polymers decreased.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
February imports of HDPE decreased to 6,500 tonnes against 7,100 tonnes in January, the reduction in supplies accounted on injection moulding and blow moulding polyethylene, while imports of film HDPE increased. Overall HDPE production reached 13,600 tonnes in the first two months of 2019, compared to 14,400 tonnes a year earlier. The main reduction in imports accounted for injection moulding and pipe HDPE, while external purchases of film and blow moulding polyethylene increased.
February imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) rose to 6,700 tonnes from 6,100 tonnes a month earlier, local companies increased their LDPE purchases in Russia. Overall LDPE imports reached 12,800 tonnes over the stated period, down by 1% year on year.
February imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) into the country were about 6,600 tonnes, which was close to the previous month level. In general, January - February LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 13,100 tonnes compared with 11,600 tonnes year on year.
Local films producers accounted for the main increase in imports.
Imports of other grades of polyethylene, including EVA for the period under review reached about 2,300 tonnes against 2,200 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC