MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of unblended polycarbonate (PC) to the Russian market decreased to 6,000 tonnes in January-April 2015, down 50% compared to the same period last year, according to a MRC DataScope report.
April PC imports into the country grew to its usual level on the back of the rouble strengthening. Taking into account the seasonal increase in demand and the needs of the market, most of the deliveries occurred for PC for sheet extrusion (4,300 tonnes).
Demand for PC imports was very low because of the volatility of the exchange rate. Converters tried to find an alternative among the Russian PC. However, the only Russian PC producer, Kazanorgsintez, with capacity of 65,000 tonnes/year, is unable to fully meet the demand, especially in the season.
The first deliveries of Iranian PC into the Russian market were made in April. Khouzestan Petrochemical Company (KHPC), a subsidiary of Iranian company Sirjangostar Global Group, shipped 45 tons of extrusion PC granules. The producer aims to work with only a segment of sheet extrusion and to cooperate with the major traders and converter on a long term basis. The company plans to ship monthly about 500-1000 tonnes into the Russian Federation.
The cost of the Iranian material is competitive with European and even the Russian PC. In case of further appreciation of the rouble, imports, both European and Asian PC should be back to their usual volume. Despite the fact that the cost of certain brands of European PC have significantly increased since early May, this material will find buyers in the market.
MRC