The closest prospects of Russian PP market

PP has gone up over 40 % in price since the beginning of year. Raffia prices increased to RUB 54.000 – 56.000/mt and confidently move to the level of RUB 58.000 – 60.000/mt – according to MRC Price Report.

Price increase was caused by high demand in conditions of lowered load of single facilities and by export programs the first two months. From March exports were seriously cut down and production increased. In April Russian producers minimized exports.

In spite of it, insufficient PP supply caused by demand increase and upcoming May suspensions of Kapotnia and Ufa capacities is still being felt. Lack of raffia is being partly compensated by PP supplies from Turkmenia. The situation with moulded PP is worse. Prices have reached the level of RUB 56.000 – 59.500/mt, including VAT, FCA. The alternative of Russian PP from Europe or Asia will cost from RUB 62.000/mt, including VAT, CPT.

PP deficit in European market has led to significant price increase in April. European producers have raised April PP prices on EUR 100-120/mt comparing with March, PP-homo prices to supply into Russia have reached the level of EUR 1.160 – 1.200/mt, FCA. Some producers have almost completely cut down their export programs due to long-term shutdowns. Export price increase is expected no earlier than the end of May. Asian PP also is expensive enough for Russian converters. April PP-homo pricesare in the range of USD 1.400-1.550/mt, CFR Saint-Petersburg, with the condition that the material will arrive in May only.