Russian polystyrene market to face changes

The Common Customs Tariff (CCT) implies, effective January 1, 2010, introduction of zero import duty rates on freon-resistant polystyrene (FEACC code – 3903190001) and other polystyrene (3903190009). Zero import duty on expanded polystyrene (3903110000) has been valid since March 2009. The duty on various styrene copolymers did not change and remained at the level of 10%.

Polystyrene imports exceeded USD 200 million in 2009, according to MRC analysts. More than 18 kt of HIPS and about 14 kt of GPPS were imported over the course of the eleven months of 2009 (see Picture). During 2009 the share of HIPS and GPPS was at the level of 14% in overall imports. The share of HIPS exceeded 70% in the domestic production structure. Imports of both high-impact polystyrene and general-purpose polystyrene are likely to increase in 2010.

Detailed analysis of the influence of new import duties on the polymers market, as well as the forecast of the situation in each processing sector can be found in MRC Annual Reports. See Reports publication schedule.