MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Ukraine increased to about 224,200 tonnes in the first ten 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 increased to 23,300 tonnes from 22,500 tons in September, local companies increased their purchasing of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Overall PE imports reached 224,200 tonnes in January-October 2019, compared to 200,200 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.
October imports of high density polyethylene decreased to 6,900 tonnes compared with 8,700 tonnes in September. Ukranian companies decreased their imports of blow moulding and pipe grade HDPE. Overall HDPE imports reached 79,400 tonnes last year, compared to 63,000 tonnes a year earlier, PE shipments to all consumption sectors increased.
October imports of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) increased to 8,000 tonnes against 6,000 tonnes a month earlier, some companies reduced purchases of LDPE in Russia. Overall LDPE imports reached 66,200 tonnes over the stated period, up by 6% year on year.
October imports of LLDPE into the country increased to 7,300 tonnes, compared with 6,800 tonnes in September. on a stronger purchases from producers in Saudi Arabia. In general, January - October LLDPE imports into Ukraine increased to 68,000 tonnes compared with 61,700 tonnes year on year.
Imports of other PE grades, including ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), totalled 10,500 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 12,900 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC