Polyethylene imports up 8% in Ukraine in January

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) imports were up 21% (to 8.24 kt). Half of HDPE imports were intended for the film extrusion sector. There was seasonal decrease in buying activity in the pipe-grade HDPE market. In January, pipe-grade feedstock imports dropped by 45% compared to December 2009.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) imports fell by 12% (to 7.40 kt) compared to the same period last year. At the same time, imports dropped by 21% compared to December 2009. There was a sharp decline in supply of polyethylene produced by Polymir of Belarus (by 50%).

At the beginning of the year supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were suspended, which was the reason of a serious decrease in LDPE output at Novopolotsk. The first signs of feedstock shortage emerged in mid-February in the Ukrainian market.

In January, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports hiked by 40% (to 2.90 kt) compared to the same period last year. At the same time, imports fell by 39% compared to December 2009.

mrcplast.com

For more detailed information on the Ukrainian polyethylene market, see DataScope Report.