Russian January-May exports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) were 42% higher at 77,300 tonnes, while imports fell by 18% to 7,900 tonnes, according to MRC’s DataScope report.

Producers maintained fairly high volumes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exports but export sales have declined since May.

Last month’s exports of Russian SPVC (excluding shipments to the Customs Union) were 12,800 tonnes, compared to 17,300 tonnes in April.

Some producers significantly reduced their exports in June under the pressure of stronger demand from the domestic market, and also scheduled shutdowns for maintenance at a number of production capacities.

Indian buyers were the main foreign importers of Russian resin this year. Overall sales of resin were 41,700 tonnes over the stated period.
Sufficient supply of PVC from domestic producers, even given high exports, and weak demand from converters led to lower imports, although foreign purchases have still increased for the past two months.

May SPVC imports were 2,800 tonnes compared to 3,200 tonnes a month earlier. Overall imports totalled slightly over 7,900 tonnes over the stated period, compared to 9,700 tonnes a year earlier.

MRC, a partner of ICIS, produces polymers news and pricing reports from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Source: MRC