MOSCOW (MRC) -- In QI of 2011 the estimate of imports of polystyrene (PS) and styrene plastics to Russia made 35 KT (+13% to Q I of 2010), according to MRC analysts.
It was expected that a launch of EPS production at Sibur-Chimprom site will result in reduced imports of EPS. But imports substitution isn't observed. EPS imports remained at the level of 2010 - 12 KT. Growth of overall imports of PS and styrene plastics against the same period in 2010 occurred at the expense of double growth of GPPS imports (8 KT).
We observe the growth of not only PS and styrene plastics imports but of consumption in general. Over January-February 2011 domestic producers manufactured 122 KT (+7%). PG Prof (Styrovit) production of GPPS is now working almost at 100% capacities utilization. Average utilization of Nizhnekamskneftehim capacities made 93%.
It is no wonder that the main growth of feedstock imports (3 KT) fell at the XPS-plates sector. Now growing demand for GPPS in the XPS-plates sector has provided almost complete loading of domestic capacities. MRC analysts forecast a further growth of the sector whose driver may become the Program of energy saving in Russia.
Detailed analysis of PS market, long-term and short-term forecast of its development is available in MRC Annual report PS and Styrene Plastics in Russia 2011.