PE imports to Belarus dropped in January and February of 2014 to 14,200 tonnes from 16,900 tonnes over the first two months of 2013. HDPE accounted for the greatest decrease in demand. The main reasons for reduced imports were weak demand for finished products and the devaluation of the national currency amid shrinking credit financing.

 

The structure of PE imports over the stated period lookds the following way.

 

Imports of high density polyethylene (HDPE) totalled 7,800 tonnes over the first two months of the year, down by 19.2% year on year. As expected, European HDPE producers reduced their presence in the local market (higher prices), while Russian producers increased their shipments to 6,000 tonnes (about 4,000 tonnes - a year earlier).

 

The overall imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) fell to 6,400 tonnes in January and February 2014 from 7,200 tonnes a year earlier. Producers from Saudi Arabia are leaders in this market (they supplied about 3,500 tonnes of PE over the stated period). The share of Russian LDPE is insignificant in the local market and was about 728 tonnes over the first two months of the year.