MOSCOW (MRC) -- Imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chips Russia decreased over the first three quarters of 2015 by three-fold year on year to 54,700 tonnes, according to MRC ScanPlast report.
The overall PET imports totalled 55,300 tonnes (which includes amorphous PET and recycled PET-flex) from January to September 2015.
The September imports of PET chips slumped to 3,800 tonnes, whereas PET imports were 7,100 tonnes in August.
Grades of Chinese producers dominated in the Structure of PET imports in the third quarter. Imports from China accounted for 67% in the third quarter. Shipments from the United Arab Emirates occupied the second place. Their share in the third quarter's imports was 13%. Imports from Lithuania accounted for 12% of the total imports.
The last month's trends on the rouble strengthening and lower export prices in China led to a fall in purchase prices of Asian bottle grade PET, which might lead to higher interest in purchases in Asia. However, some importers said an increase in purchasing in foreign markets was still involved the risk of the exchange rate fluctuations, which might lead to changes in the price of cargo at the time of arrival at the Russian port. Wanting to get rid of the currency risks (and received prices in roubles) companies adhered to a strategy of supplies diversification and increased their share in the comsuption of Russian material.
MRC