MOSCOW (MRC) -- Polyethylene (PE) imports into Kazakhstan decreased in the first four months of 2021 by 20% year on year to about 46,000 tonnes. At the same time, only high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounted for the reduction in shipments, said MRC analysts.
PE imports to Kazakhstan reached 12,800 tonnes in April 2021, compared to 13,600 tonnes a month earlier, local companies almost halved their PE purchasing in Russia. Overall PE imports totalled about 46,000 tonnes in January -April 2021, compared to 57,800 tonnes a year earlier. Purchasing of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports increased significantly, whereas HDPE imports decreased.
The structure of PE imports by grades looked the following way over the stated period.
April HDPE imports dropped to 9,700 tonnes from 10,600 tonnes, Russian producers reduced their export sales of pipe grade PE to the local market. Overall HDPE imports totalled almost 34,500 tonnes in the first four months of 2021, down by 27% year on year.
April low density polyethylene (LDPE) imports fell to 1,600 tonnes from 2,600 tonnes a month earlier, a Russian producer restricted its shipments to the local market. Overall LDPE imports reached 6,900 tonnes over the stated period, which corresponded to the last year's figure.
Apri LLDPE imports reached 1,500 tonnes versus 400 tonnes a month earlier. Overall LLDPE imports exceeded 4,600 tonnes in January-April 2021, up by 21% year on year.
MRC