MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall imports of polyethylene (PE) to the Ukrainian market grew in the first three months of 2019 by 10% year on year to 65,100 tonnes. Almost all grades of ethylene polymers accounted for the increase in imports, according to a MRC's DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports to Ukraine rose to 23,200 tonnes from 20,800 tonnes in February, with high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounting for the increase in shipments. Overall PE imports reached 65,100 tonnes in January-March 2019, compared to 59,100 tonnes a year earlier. Shipments of all grades of ethylene polymers grew, with HDPE accounting for the greatest increase.
The structure of PE imports by grades looked the following way over the stated period.
Last month's HDPE imports rose to 10,300 tonnes from 6,500 tonnes in February, with pipe grade and film grade PE accounted for the increase in shipments due to the forced shutdown at the local plant in January-February. Overall HDPE imports reached 23,900 tonnes in the first three months of 2019, compared to 19,100 tonnes a year earlier.
March imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) were 6,600 tonnes, which equalled the last month's figure. Overall LDPE imports reached 19,400 tonnes over the stated period, which corresponded to the last year's figure.
Last month's imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were 5,200 tonnes, compared to 6,600 tonnes in February. Overall LLDPE imports rose to 18,300 tonnes in January-March 2019 versus 17,300 tonnes a year earlier.
Imports of other PE grades, including ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), totalled 3,400 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 3,300 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC