Converters and traders reduce import volumes because of the general instability and unrest in the eastern regions of the country. Devaluation of hryvnya decreased purchases of Ukrainian companies, which resulted in the reduction of PS imports. 

 

Since the year beginning, the exchange rate of the hryvnia against the US dollar fell from 8.25 UAH = 1 USD, to 11.6 UAH = 1 USD on April 30. Exchange rate of the Russian rouble fell to 0.325 UAH = 1 Rb (from 0.251 UAH = 1 Rb in early January).

 

Total volume of HIPS and GPPS imports in Ukraine were 7,300 tonnes in the first four months of the year. The reduction in imports were seen in almost all regions of Ukraine. In particular, it is worth noting Lugansk and Donetsk regions.

 

PS imports in the Donetsk region in January-April fell by 14% to about 2,000 tonnes. The largest refrigerators producer in Ukraine reduced its PS purchases. PS imports in Lugansk region fell by 53% to 658 tonnes over the reported period. 

 

The exception was Dnipropetrovsk region. PS supplies in this region increased by 96% to 1,200 tonnes in the first four months of the year.