MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Ukraine increased to about 200,800 tonnes in the first nine months of 2019, up 12% compared to the same period of 2018. The greatest increase in demand occurred for high density polyethylene (HDPE), according to MRC DataScope.
Last month's PE imports into the country increased to 22,500 tonnes from 21,800 tons in August, local companies increased their purchasing of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Overall PE imports reached 200,800 tonnes in January-September 2019, compared to 179,000 tonnes a year earlier. The highest supply of HDPE increased most, while imports of ethylene copolymers declined.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
September imports of high density polyethylene increased to 8,700 tonnes compared with 7,500 tonnes in August. Ukranian companies increased their imports of blow moulding and pipe grade HDPE. Overall HDPE imports reached 72,500 tonnes last year, compared to 54,900 tonnes a year earlier, PE shipments to all consumption sectors increased.
September imports of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) decreased to 6,000 tonnes against 6,900 tonnes a month earlier, some companies reduced purchases of LDPE in Russia. Overall LDPE imports reached 58,200 tonnes over the stated period, up by 2% year on year.
September imports of LLDPE into the country decreased to 6,800 tonnes, compared with 6,500 tonnes in August. on a stronger purchases from producers in Saudi Arabia. In general, January - September LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 60,700 tonnes compared with 55,400 tonnes year on year.
Imports of other PE grades, including ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), totalled 9,400 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 11,800 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC