MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of polycarbonate (PC) for sheet extrusion in the Russian market declined to 22,200 tonnes in the last ten months, down 5% year on year, according to MRC DataScope.
Sheet extrusion sector occurs for 80% from the total Russian PC market, which includes Russian PC from Kazanorgsintez, as well as European and Asian material. Russia's imports of European and Asian PC were 20,400 tonnes (92%) and 1,800 tonnes (8%) respectively in January-October 2014. Last year, PC imports from Europe accounted for 98% from the total volumes, 2% - from the Asian region over the same time.
Imports of Asian material (South Korea) increased over the seasonal peaks in May and September on stronger demand. Traders also built up stock inventories in the low season. At that time, the domestic price of the material was competitive with European PC granules.
In the end of the third quarter price for Asian PC in Russia became close to the price of European material because of the stronger dollar.
This resulted in a reduction of interest from buyers. Seasonal decline in demand in the market of finished products also played an important role.
Converters said that there was no shortages felt in the market, you can easily get the needed volume from the Russian producer.
Kazanorgsintez, the only PC producer in CIS countries, took about 66% of extrusion PC market in Russia. The company increased its market share by 4% over the previous year, having focused on the domestic market and increased production of extrusion grades.
MRC