MOSCOW (MRC) - Russia's imports of polyamide (PA) and engineering plastics based on PA were about 12,000 tonnes in January-November 2014, down 15% compared with the same time a year earlier, according to MRC DataScope.

 

Thus, imports of PA 6 in the country decreased to 2,700 tonnes over the reported period, down 25% year on year. Imported PA 6 is used for making multilayer films (packing of foodstuff). The share of PA6 in the total imports of PA and PA plastics in the country makes 25%.

 

The usage of PA for packaging can significantly extend the duration of products, to keep their quality and properties. To date, this material is impossible to replace in the  packaging. PA is used in combination with polymers such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

 

However, Russia has its domestic food PA 6 , produced by Kuibyshev Azot. This allows converters to diversify their procurement of feedstock and reduce costs. At the same time, imports of additives on the basis of the PA, PA copolymers for film extrusion, remained at the same level of last year (3,200 tonnes).

 

Film PA copolymers occurred for 25% from the total imports delivery of the material in Russia. Film PA copolymers used as various stabilising and colouring agents, improving consumer properties of the films. Import substitution of Film PA copolymers is impossible because of the lack of domestic production. The production process is technologically complex and expensive. Therefore, converters have to continue purchases abroad. 

 

Another significant segment of PA plastic is injection moulding PA copolymers (25% share). Imports of injection moulding PA copolymers for eleven months declined to 3,200 tonnes, down 25%  compared with the same time a year earlier. In this sector there is import substitution, which increases in line with the rouble devaluation. There are many Russian producers of various compounds based on PA.

 

The main application of these materials: mechanical engineering, automotive, electronics, electrical engineering. Consumption of imported PA-emulsion remained unchanged compared with the previous year (1,700 tonnes). There is no production of PA-emulsion in Russia.

 

Demand for imported PA 66 in January-November 2014 fell to 670 tonnes, down 20% year on year. PA 6 can be replaced partly by injection moulding PA copolymers or other engineering plastics. The popularity of the PA 66 in the Russian market is declining, regardless of the economic situation. Because of the rouble volatility many importers suspended or cut supplies of PA 6 to the Russian market. PA and PA plastics are above the average price segment, so the rise in domestic prices has become quite expensive for converters. Russia tries to reduce imports of PA as more as possible, resulting in the decrease ofthe total  imports.