PE imports to Kazakhstan fall by 20% in Jan-Apr 2021

MOSCOW (MRC)–Polyethylene (PE) imports into Kazakhstan decreased  in the first four months of 2021 by 20% driven by reduced shipments of high density polyethylene (HDPE), said MRC analysts.

PE imports totalled about 46,000 tonnes in January -April 2021, compared to 57,800 tonnes a year earlier.

In April PE imports to Kazakhstan fell to 12,800 tonnes compared to 13,600 tonnes the previous year.

Overall Purchasing of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) imports increased significantly, whereas HDPE imports decreased.

April HDPE imports dropped to 9,700 tonnes from 10,600 tonnes, as Russian producers reduced their export sales of pipe grade PE to the local market.

Overall HDPE imports totalled almost 34,500 tonnes in the first four  months of 2021, down by 27% year on year.

April low density polyethylene (LDPE) imports fell to 1,600 tonnes from 2,600 tonnes a month earlier, a Russian producer restricted its shipments to the local market.  LDPE imports reached 6,900 tonnes over the stated period, which corresponded to the last year’s figure.

Apri LLDPE imports reached 1,500 tonnes versus 400 tonnes a month earlier. Overall LLDPE imports exceeded 4,600 tonnes in January-April 2021, up by 21% year on year.

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