MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Ukraine increased to about 178,400 tonnes in the first eight months of 2019, up 10% compared to the same period of 2018. The high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounted for the main increase in imports, according to MRC's DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports decreased to 21,800 tonnes from 25,500 tons in July, local companies decreased their purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Overall PE imports reached 178,400 tonnes in January-August 2019, compared to 162,500 tonnes a year earlier. Import deliveries of HDPE and linear polyethylene increased, while imports of other types of ethylene polymers decreased.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
August HDPE imports to the country virtually remained at the July's level and was about 7,500 tonnes. Overall HDPE imports reached 63,800 tonnes last year, compared to 50,000 tonnes a year earlier, PE shipments to all consumption sectors increased.
August imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) into Ukraine were about 6,900 tonnes against 8,000 tonnes a month earlier. Local companies reduced their LDPE purchasing in Russia after the July surge in the purchasing. Overall LDPE imports reached 52,300 tonnes over the stated period, which virtually corresponded to the 2018 figure.
August imports of LLDPE into the country decreased to 6,500 tonnes, compared with 8,600 tonnes in July. on a weaker purchases from producers in Saudi Arabia. In general, January - August LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 53,900 tonnes compared with 49,600 tonnes year on year.
Imports of other grades of polyethylene, including EVA for the period under review reached about 8,400 tonnes against 10,500 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC