Total EPS imports to Ukraine were 5,500 tonnes in the first four months of the year. Ukraine"s EPS imports were 2,500 tonnes in May. 

 

Demand for polystyrene (PS) remains strong in Ukraine, despite the significant price rise (up about 40% from 1, January 2014), fuelled by the hryvnya devaluation and the unstable political situation in the East of Ukraine. 

 

Traders and converters reported a sharp shortage of EPS in April. 

 

The key supplier of EPS to Ukraine is SIBUR. Converters said they did not manage to cover the EPS shortage fully by the Russian material. SIBUR could not satisfy the export needs because of the strong demand for EPS in Russia. 

 

In this regard, the Ukrainian companies increased their purchases in other foreign markets. EPS supplies from China and Poland are expected to increase in May and June.