First-half PP imports to Russia grow by 21% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–Polypropylene (PP) imports into Russia rose by 21% in the first half year on year, with propylene homopolymer (homopolymer PP) accounting for the main increase, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

In June, Russian companies significantly raised their purchasing of PP in foreign markets partially because of a major increase in demand. Imports were 20,000 tonnes versus 14,200 tonnes a month earlier.

Overall PP imports to Russia reached 105,300 tonnes in January-June compared to 86,800 tonnes a year earlier.

Purchasing of all grades of propylene polymers in foreign markets increased, with homopolymer PP imports accounting for the most noticeable rise.

Overall, the structure of PP imports by grades looked the following way over the stated period:

June imports of homopolymer PP were 9,600 tonnes versus 4,900 tonnes a month earlier with PP shipments from Turkmenistan increasing significantly. Overall imports of homopolymer PP into the country totalled 43,600 tonnes in the first six months compared to 28,600 tonnes a year earlier.

Last month’s imports of propylene block-copolymers (PP block copolymers) were 5,200 tonnes versus 3,500 tonnes in May, with demand for pipe grade PP increased from Russian companies.

Imports of PP block copolymers into Russia reached 28,800 tonnes in January-June 2020, compared to 25,600 tonnes a year earlier.

June imports of statistical copolymers of propylene (PP random copolymer) dropped to 2,800 tonnes from 3,800 tonnes a month earlier, with pipes producers accounting for the main reduction in shipments due to higher prices in Europe.

Overall imports of this grade of propylene copolymers were 17,400 tonnes in January-June, compared to 15,100 tonnes a year earlier.

Imports of other propylene polymers totalled 15,500 tonnes over the stated period versus 17,400 tonnes a year earlier.

MRC, a partner of ICIS, produces polymers news and pricing reports from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.