September PP imports in Russia rose to 16,700 tonnes, compared with 15,000 tonnes in August because of the increased supply of propylene copolymers. Total PP imports in Russia decreased to 134,100 tonnes in January - September 2014, compared with 159,600 tonnes year on year. A significant increase in domestic production (over 20%) has reduced the imports of homopolymer PP, making Russia a net exporter of homopolymer PP (exports exceed imports).

 

In general, PP imports over the reported period looked as follows. September imports of homopolymer PP decreased to 5,200 tonnes, compared with 6,600 tonnes in August because of the reduced supplies of Turkmenistan raffia. Total imports of homopolymer PP in the country decreased to 44,700 tonnes, down 30% year on year; Russia's exports of homopolymer PP over the reported period exceeded 120,000 tonnes.

 

September of PP block copolymer grew to 4,200 tonnes in September, compared with 2,900 tonnes in August on the back of stronger demand in injection moulding extrusion sectors. Total imports of PP block copolymers decreased to 35,300 tonnes in the first eight months of the year, compared with 42,000 tonnes, with the biggest drop in demand occurred for injection moulding products production. 

 

Imports of PP random copolymers were 4,200 tonnes in September, compared with 2,600 tonnes in August on the back of the increased supply of pipe copolymers grades. Total imports of PP random copolymers in Russia decreased to 25,800 tonnes in January - September, compared with 28,800 tonnes year on year. 

 

The main drop in demand occurred for injection moulding (about 26%) and extrusion grades (about 28%), while demand for the copolymer from the producers of BOPP films increased by 10%.

 

Imports of other PP grades grew to 28,200 tonnes in the first eight months of the year, compared with 25,100 tonnes.