MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to Ukraine decreased by 24% in January-April 2014, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to MRC DataScope report.
Total imports of PET chips to Ukraine were 51,400 tonnes in January-April 2014. Imports volumes reduced in line with a general decline in the consumption of finished products from the producers of water, beer and drinks.
Structure of supplies has also changed. Ukrainian converters gave more preference to Middle Eastern suppliers. Imports volumes from South Asia and the Middle East have increased.
At the same time, Ukrainian companies have reduced purchases of Chinese and Lithuanian PET. PET imports from India increased to 10,000 tonnes over the reported period, compared to 5,700 tonnes in January-April 2013. PET imports from Pakistan has tripled to 4,500 tonnes.
At the same time supplies of the Lithuanian PET fell twofold to 5,400 tonnes. Imports of Chinese PET reduced by 36% to 28,700 tonnes.
Converters' opinions about the situation in the market were mixed.
Traders of finished products in Central and Western Ukraine reported a steady demand for PET because of hot weather and seasonal activity of water and beverage producers. At the same time a substantial part of the companies noted a drop in sales in the current year.
The sales have strengthened because of a seasonal factor, but in general, in the reporting period there was a decline in preforms consumption. The loss of the Crimean market and instability in the eastern regions (Donetsk and Luhansk regions) contributed to this situation.
MRC