Russia"s production of polyethylene (PE) totalled 1,085,600 tonnes in the first seven months of 2019, up by 1% year on year. At the same time, the output of exclusively linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) increased, according to MRC"s ScanPlast report.

July total PE production in Russia was 146,300 tonnes versus 167,200 tonnes a month earlier, lower production was caused by shutdowns for maintenance at Angarsk Polymers Plant and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat. Thus, overall PE output reached 1,085,600 tonnes in January-July 2019, compared to 1,071,200 tonnes a year earlier. LLDPE production increased significantly, whereas production of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) showed a minimal decrease.

The PE production structure by grades looked the following way over the stated period.

Last month"s HDPE output was 78,100 tonnes, which was virtually corresponded to the June figure. Overall HDPE production exceeded 564,500 tonnes in the first seven months of 2019, down by 1% year on year.

July LDPE output dropped to 49,300 tonnes from 57,000 tonnes a month earlier, the reduction in production was caused by the scheduled shutdowns for maintenance at the Angarsk and Salavat plants. Overall LDPE production reached 380,800 tonnes over the stated period, down by 1% year on year.

Last month"s LLDPE output fell to 18,900 tonnes from 31,900 tonnes, Kazanorgsintez suspended its LLDPE production in July. The two plants" overall LLDPE production was 140,300 tonnes in January-July 2019, up by 23% year on year.

Source: MRC