MOSCOW (MRC) - Belarus in January 2020 reduced the export of phthalic anhydride by 18.4% compared to the same period in 2019, Lkmportal reports.
The country managed to avoid even greater reductions thanks to deliveries to Russia. According to the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, the export of raw materials amounted to 2.547 thousand tons (-3.2% compared to 2019).
The decrease in the indicator was reflected, in particular, the lack of supplies to Ecuador, Chile, Turkey, Brazil, Nigeria, Algeria and Austria. A year earlier, these countries accounted for a total of 1 thousand tons of products. Also, Ukraine, one of the three buyers, reduced import by 67.7% in tonnage and 30.8% in monetary terms - to 63 tons in the amount of USD58 thousand, while the price decreased by 9.9% to USD921 per ton.
Russia remains the largest buyer of raw materials. In January, imports reached 1.63 thousand tons. Shipments rose 89.6% in tonnage.
The second position in the top three largest importers is Poland. The country purchased in Belarus 500 tons of phthalic anhydride in the amount of USD396.1 thousand with an average price of USD752 per tonne, which is 19% in tonnage, 3.4% in total exceeds the figure for 2019, while the price decreased by 13.1% .
Lithuania closes the top three, having purchased 252 tons of product in the amount of USD201.2 thousand with an average price of USD798 per ton. Relative to the level of 2019, exports to this country increased by 26% in tons and 21.8% in money, the price decreased by 3.3%.
It was previously reported that Belarus in January-October 2019 reduced the supply of phthalic anhydride by 20.8% compared to the same period in 2018.
Phthalic anhydride is widely used in the manufacture of paints and varnishes and plasticized PVC products. In a small amount it is used in the manufacture of rubber products, tires. In addition, it is used in the light, pharmaceutical and electrical industries.
According to the ICIS-MRC Price Report, in Russia the buying activity in the contract market has noticeably fallen this week, most of the processors have already closed all their deals on March deliveries of PVC. Consumers froze in anticipation of negotiations on April shipments.
MRC