PVC consumption down 43% in Russia

Over the course of January-July, PVC consumption dropped by 43% in Russia and moved at 352.48 kt, compared to the same period last year – MRC’s analysts reporting.

PVC-S demand went down by 44%. However, even the current demand is not met.

Lack of resin is getting more acute in the domestic market. Scheduled repairs at the largest Russian production units will only aggravate the situation.

Converters were increasing imports to cover shortage of Russian resin. Lack of resin in Europe and high prices made Russian converters switch to purchases of Asian material. The share of imports of Asian resin in July moved at nearly 45% of overall PVC-S imports.

PVC-E consumption decreased 36%. Output went down by 31%. The most serious decrease in emulsion output was recorded at Usolyekhimprom (-62%).