MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall polyethylene (PE) imports into the Ukrainian market rose in the first three months of 2020 by 4% year on year to 67,500 tonnes. High density polyethylene (HDPE) accounted for the main increase in imports, according to MRC DataScope report.
Last month's PE imports to Ukraine grew to 27,700 tonnes from 20,500 tonnes in February, local companies increased shipments of all ethylene polymers grades, except for ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA). Thus, overall PE imports reached 67,500 tonnes in January-March 2020, compared to 65,100 tonnes a year earlier.
The supply structure by PE grades looked the following way over the stated period.
Last month's HDPE imports went up to 11,600 tonnes from 8,100 tonnes, Ukrainian companies raised their purchasing in all consumption segments due to seasonal factors. Overall HDPE imports exceeded 27,500 tonnes in the first three months of 2020 versus 23,700 tonnes a year earlier.
March low density polyethylene (LDPE) imports were slightly over 7,900 tonnes, compared to 6,500 tonnes a month earlier, local companies raised their purchasing of LDPE in Russia before stronger demand in spring. Overall LDPE imports reached 20,400 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 19,600 tonnes a year earlier.
Last month's linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports were 7,200 tonnes versus 5,200 tonnes in February, with stretch films producers accounting for stronger demand for PE. Overall LLDPE imports reached 16,700 tonnes in January-March 2020, compared to 18,400 tonnes a year earlier.
Imports of other PE grades, including EVA, totalled 2,900 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 3,400 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC