MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall polyethylene (PE) imports into the Ukrainian market rose in the first six months of 2020 by 4% year on year to 136,400 tonnes. Imports of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) increased, according to MRC's DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports to Ukraine grew to 23,700 tonnes from 21,800 tonnes in May, local companies increased shipments of all grades of ethylene polymers partially because of easing of the quarantine in a number of regions. Thus, overall PE imports reached 136,400 tonnes in January-June 2020, compared to 131,100 tonnes a year earlier. HDPE and LDPE imports increased, whereas imports of other PE grades decreased.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
Last month's HDPE imports into the country were 7,800 tonnes versus 7,900 tonnes in May, Ukrainian companies reduced their purchasing of film grade PE, whereas purchases of other HDPE grades increased. Overall HDPE imports exceeded 54,300 tonnes in the first six months of 2020 versus 48,800 tonnes a year earlier.
June LDPE imports were slightly over 7,700 tonnes, compared to 6,000 tonnes a month earlier, local companies raised their purchasing amid easing of the quarantine and under the pressure of seasonal factors. Overall LDPE imports reached 39,200 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 37,300 tonnes a year earlier.
Last month's linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports were 7,100 tonnes versus 6,400 tonnes in May, with stretch films producers accounting for stronger demand for PE. Overall LLDPE imports reached 36,400 tonnes in January-June 2020, compared to 38,900 tonnes a year earlier.
Imports of other PE grades, including ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), totalled 6,500 tonnes in the first six months of 2020, compared to 6,200 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC