Druzhba pipeline and reduced dependency
Attacks on the Druzhba pipeline and its pumping stations inside Russia continue to create uncertainty over supply. The attacks comprise different forms of direct drones, bombs dropped by drones, which leads to uncertainty over supply to Central Europe.
Russian crude oil flows to Central Europe have through the Druzhba have been interrupted on several occasions in the past few months but have been resumed quickly in most cases. A Druzhba oil pipeline distribution station in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast has been the most recent target for drones.
|
Hungarian Oil Imports (kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Croatia
|
207.3
|
330.8
|
|
Iraq
|
0.0
|
225.4
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
0.0
|
568.5
|
|
Russia
|
4,094.7
|
4,144.9
|
|
Others
|
423.4
|
23.8
|
|
Total
|
4,725.4
|
5,383.7
|
Whilst most of Europe has switched away from Russian crude pipeline deliveries, Hungary’s maintained the same level of imports in 2024 as in 2023. As shipments from other sources declined last year, Russian crude accounted for 86% of total Hungarian imports compared to 76% in the previous year. Despite statements that MOL is aiming to diversify its crude supply, Hungary has been buying all of its crude from Russia in recent months.
Currently Czech refineries could not run at full capacity without Russian crude, but that position could be alleviated by the middle of this year. The expanded TAL pipeline is then expected to cover all the consumption at Litvinov and Kralupy.
Czech crude imports Jan-Dec 2024
Imports of Russian crude into the Czech Republic dropped from 4.387 million tons in the in the whole of 2023 to 2.716 million tons in 2024. Azerbaijan increased crude shipments to the Czech Republic to 2.610 million tons in 2024 against 1.965 million tons in 2023.
|
Czech Crude Imports (million tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
2610.0
|
1964.7
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
1015.3
|
757.1
|
|
Russia
|
2715.9
|
4387.2
|
|
US
|
0.0
|
181.4
|
|
Others
|
161.8
|
196.9
|
|
Total
|
6502.9
|
7487.4
|
|
Av Price
|
572.7
|
530.3
|
The TAL pipeline’s capacity has been doubled and is expected to become active in July this year, meaning that the Czech refineries at Litvinov and Kralupy will no longer be dependent on Russian crude. Russian crude accounted for 41% of total Czech imports last year, down from 58% in 2023. Due to the TAL project, it will be possible to end dependence on raw material from Russia after 60 years and thus represents a major change in the country's energy infrastructure. The pipeline from the coast of Italy will pass through Austria and Germany before connecting to IKL in the Czech Republic.
Polish crude imports Jan-Dec 2024
From the total of 25.003 million tons of crude imported into Poland in the twelve months of 2024, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 12.598 million tons followed by Norway which provided 9.334 million tons. Other suppliers included the US, UK and Nigeria. Average prices for Polish crude purchases dropped slightly from $567.4 per ton in the in the whole of 2023 to $560.0 per ton in 2024.
|
Polish Crude Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
12598.3
|
11294.2
|
|
Lithuania
|
0.0
|
25.8
|
|
Russia
|
0.0
|
1149.8
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
235.1
|
0.0
|
|
Nigeria
|
895.0
|
1118.1
|
|
Norway
|
9333.5
|
8752.5
|
|
US
|
1424.8
|
1412.0
|
|
UK
|
655.2
|
893.1
|
|
Others
|
650.6
|
351.8
|
|
Total
|
25,792
|
25,003.9
|
|
Av € per ton
|
560.0
|
567.4
|
Polish petrochemical production Jan-Dec 2024
|
Polish Petrochemical Production
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ethylene
|
342.3
|
310.6
|
|
Propylene
|
386.6
|
285.2
|
|
Butadiene
|
52.717
|
49.397
|
|
Phenol
|
37.771
|
38.940
|
|
Polyethylene
|
312.7
|
271.2
|
|
PVC
|
198.8
|
155.8
|
|
Polypropylene
|
308.4
|
265.1
|
Ethylene production in Poland increased from 310,600 tons in January to December 2023 to 342,300 tons 2024, whilst propylene rose from 285,200 tons to 386,600 tons. Propylene production was increased last year through start-up of the Polimery Police plant in Poland. Butadiene production at Plock rose to 49,397 tons in 2023 from 52,717 tons in 2024. Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos.
In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 312,700 tons in January to December 2024 versus 271,200 tons in 2023. Polypropylene production increased from 265,100 tons to 308,400 tons. PVC production increased from 155,800 tons to 198,800 tons.
Focus of Nowa Chemia (New Chemistry) project at Plock
Current activity will now concentrate on the core olefin unit (ISBL) and additional infrastructure (OSBL). Orlen’s management stated that some relevant design and technical problems of ISBL unit were identified and recognized. Olefiny III was started not only to replace the existing capacities, but also to increase the Group's share in the European petrochemical market from around 5% to around 6.4%. In the new format, the construction of ethylene unit is expected to be undertaken raising capacity to 740,000 tpa but it is important to note that this plant will not be operational before 2030.
|
Orlen’s restructured goals for refining and petrochemicals
Orlen suspended the Olefiny III investment at the end of 2024 due to escalating costs and medium-term doubts about the European petrochemical markets. in order not to lose what has already been done, Orlen’s current management has recalibrated into a new project name Nowa Chemia. As part of the new project the old olefin unit at Plock will shut after 2030, and be replaced by a new, less carbon-intensive and less energy-intensive unit.
Previously it was assumed that both units would operate but dual-unit production is now seen as creating oversupply. Apart from increasing polymer production Nowa Chemia will also enable the use of recycled feedstock, which is to be a step towards the so-called green petrochemicals.
Central European petrochemical prices 2024
Margins for petrochemical products in Central Europe faced significant pressures in 2024 even if prices held in line with recent historical averages. Of the olefin monomers, ethylene paid prices in Central Europe started at €1272.3 per ton in January 2024, rising to €1425.0 per ton in December. Butadiene paid prices started at an average of €707 per ton in January and rose to €807.3 per ton in December whilst propylene declined from €942.9 per ton in January to €824.3 per ton in December. Toluene and styrene prices in Central Europe trended lower in the second half of the year, whilst benzene also dropped ending the year at €772.5 per ton in December against €889.8 in January.
|
Central European Chemical Prices Paid (€/ton)
|
|
Product
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
Ethylene
|
1325.8
|
1169.4
|
|
Propylene
|
884.9
|
965.6
|
|
Butadiene
|
908.4
|
847.6
|
|
Benzene
|
774.4
|
841.4
|
|
Toluene
|
881.3
|
776.9
|
|
Styrene
|
1230.1
|
1175.9
|
|
Source www.cirec.net
|
Polish propylene imports, Jan-Dec 2024
Poland imported 100,291 tons of propylene in January to December last year against 124,343 tons in 2023. Imports declined last year due to the availability of propylene from the new Polimery Police plant which allowed a surplus of over 13,000 tons to be exported. Average import prices dropped from €884.4 per ton in 2023 to €838.6 in 2024. Germany was the main supplier to Poland, shipping 83,213 tons against 58,157 tons in 2023.
|
Polish Propylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Bulgaria
|
3.029
|
14.962
|
|
Croatia
|
0.000
|
5.588
|
|
Czech Republic
|
9.268
|
17.350
|
|
Germany
|
83.213
|
58.157
|
|
Hungary
|
0.000
|
2.337
|
|
Serbia
|
0.000
|
4.828
|
|
Netherlands
|
0.000
|
18.795
|
|
Others
|
4.058
|
2.325
|
|
Total
|
100.291
|
124.343
|
|
Av € per ton
|
838.6
|
884.4
|
|
Polish Butadiene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Austria
|
36.270
|
32.668
|
|
Czech R
|
1.530
|
0.909
|
|
Germany
|
28.315
|
28.981
|
|
Hungary
|
35.841
|
23.077
|
|
Others
|
5.037
|
4.252
|
|
Total
|
106.084
|
89.887
|
|
Av € per ton
|
807.2
|
879.3
|
Polish butadiene imports, Jan-Dec 2024
Butadiene import prices for Poland declined from 879.3 per ton on average in January to December 2023 to €807.2 in January to December 2023, with volumes rising from 89,887 tons to 106,084 tons. Synthos is the major importer of butadiene in Poland, whilst Hungary was the largest supplier, shipping 35,841 tons against 23,077 tons in 2023.
Hungarian propylene & butadiene imports, Jan-Nov 2024
Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 75,245 tons in January to November last year against 68,781 tons in January to November 2023, most of which went to Slovakia. Prices averaged €1025.3 per ton in the first eleven months against €1055.3 per ton in 2023.
|
Hungarian Propylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Total
|
75.245
|
68.781
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1025.3
|
1055.3
|
|
Czech Olefin Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ethylene
|
5.921
|
28.803
|
|
Propylene
|
44.885
|
38.430
|
|
Butadiene
|
45.498
|
65.772
|
Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 48,042 tons in the first eleven months against 35,979 tons in the same period in 2023.
|
Hungarian Butadiene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Total
|
48.042
|
35.979
|
|
Av € per ton
|
836.3
|
834.6
|
Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Dec 2024
|
Czech Olefin Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ethylene
|
14.677
|
14.323
|
|
Propylene
|
10.606
|
21.244
|
Czech ethylene trade fell last year, as imports dropped from 28,803 tons in January to December 2023 to 5,921 tons in the same period in 2024. Ethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 14,677 tons against 14,323 tons in the in the whole of 2023.
Czech propylene imports totalled 44,885 tons in 2024 against 38,430 tons in 2023. Germany supplied 32,057 tons against 30,407 tons in 2023, whilst imports from Poland amounted to 12,312 tons. Production of propylene in Poland increased in 2024 after the start-up of the new Azoty plant at Police.
Central European styrene imports Jan-Nov 2024
Styrene imports into Hungary amounted to 51,868 tons in the first eleven months last year against 68,653 tons in the same period in 2023. Imports from Italy totalled 46,407 tons in the first eleven months last year against 63,033 tons in the same period in 2023. Average prices in 2024 changed little in 2024, dropping from €1417.7 per ton to €1405.7 per ton.
|
Hungarian styrene imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
| |
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Total
|
51.868
|
68.653
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1405.7
|
1417.7
|
Styrene imports into the Czech Republic dropped from 29,335 tons in 2023 to 16,308 tons in 2024, with prices rising from €1081.4 per ton to €1147.0 per ton. The Netherlands accounted for 10,646 tons in January to December 2024 against 16,197 tons in the same period in 2023.
|
Czech Styrene Imports
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Kilo tons
|
16.308
|
29.335
|
|
Av price per ton
|
1147.0
|
1081.4
|
Styrene imports into Poland totalled 96,039 tons in the period January to December 2024 against 72,532 tons in the same period in 2023. The Netherlands was the largest supplier, providing 27,749 tons in 2024 followed by Belgium with 23,236 tons.
|
Polish Styrene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belgium
|
23.236
|
7.205
|
|
Czech Republic
|
10.259
|
12.735
|
|
Netherlands
|
27.749
|
32.356
|
|
Germany
|
14.986
|
12.372
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
8.976
|
0.000
|
|
Others
|
10.523
|
7.019
|
|
Total
|
96.348
|
73.376
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1283.3
|
1156.1
|
Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Dec 2024
For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 303,541 tons in January to December 2024 against 291,729 tons in 2023. Average prices of imports dropped from €1579.6 per ton to €1481.3 per ton. Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.
|
Czech Polyethylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
LDPE
|
107.825
|
99.552
|
|
LLDPE
|
20.250
|
22.996
|
|
HDPE
|
122.952
|
117.885
|
|
EVA
|
11.851
|
10.187
|
|
Other
|
40.661
|
41.109
|
|
Total
|
303.541
|
291.729
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1481.3
|
1579.6
|
|
Czech Polyethylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
LDPE
|
38.956
|
28.276
|
|
LLDPE
|
3.933
|
3.595
|
|
HDPE
|
330.611
|
354.103
|
|
EVA
|
3.978
|
3.187
|
|
Other
|
15.813
|
20.966
|
|
Total
|
393.291
|
410.125
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1379.3
|
1292.8
|
Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 393,291 tons in 2024 against 410,125 tons in 2023. Average prices increased from €1292.8 per ton in 2023 to €1379.3 per ton in 2024.
HDPE export shipments comprised 330,611 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 354,103 tons in the same period in 2023. Germany was the largest destination for Czech HDPE supplied from Litvinov. Other important markets for Czech polyethylene exports include Poland, Italy and Belgium.
Polish polyethylene trade Jan-Dec 2024
Polish total foreign trade in polyethylene increased in against volumes in 2023 for both imports and exports. Consumption of polyethylene increased in the twelve months of 2024 to 1.268 million tons against 1.139 million tons in 2023.
|
Polish PE Supply/Demand Balance
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Production
|
312.7
|
271.2
|
|
Exports
|
318.2
|
282.5
|
|
Imports
|
1273.9
|
1150.6
|
|
Market Balance
|
1268.4
|
1139.2
|
|
Polish PE imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
LDPE
|
344.867
|
345.098
|
|
LLDPE
|
228.818
|
204.920
|
|
HDPE
|
439.844
|
423.415
|
|
EVA
|
19.094
|
18.637
|
|
EAO
|
292.677
|
206.309
|
|
Others
|
51.502
|
51.278
|
|
Total
|
1376.801
|
1249.657
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1193.9
|
1363.1
|
Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 1.377 million tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 1.250 million tons in 2023, with average prices falling from €1363.1 per ton to €1193.9 per ton. HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 439,844 tons in January to December 2024 versus 423,415 tons in 2023. Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market.
LLDPE imports rose from 204,920 tons in January to December 2023 to 228,818 tons in the corresponding period in 2024. Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced mostly from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany.
|
Polish PE Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product Group
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
LDPE
|
66.375
|
56.102
|
|
LLDPE
|
22.155
|
15.993
|
|
HDPE
|
195.943
|
188.700
|
|
EVA
|
3.424
|
10.750
|
|
EAO
|
20.137
|
6.002
|
|
Other
|
10.138
|
4.972
|
|
Total
|
318.171
|
282.519
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1037.2
|
1080.0
|
LDPE imports decreased to 344,867 tons versus 345,098 tons in 2023. last year. Imports from ethylene alpha olefins increased in the in the whole of 2023 from 206,309 tons to 292,677 tons in the same period in 2024.
Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 318,171 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 282,519 tons in the same period in 2023. Average prices for polyethylene exports from Poland fell overall in 2024, dropping to €1037.2 per ton. Prices for export categories have tended to drop whilst imports have risen.
Exports of HDPE from Poland rose slightly from 188,700 tons in January to December 2023 to 195,943 tons in the same period in 2024 whilst LDPE exports rose from 56,102 tons to 66,375 tons. Exports of ethylene alpha olefins amounted to 20,137 tons in the twelve months of 2024.
Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Nov 2024
Hungarian polyethylene trade is largely balanced in terms of volumes although there are differences in some of the product grades exported and imported. Imports tend to focus on higher grades of polyethylene.
|
Hungarian Polyethylene Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
LLDPE
|
33.195
|
35.256
|
|
LDPE
|
65.985
|
69.778
|
|
HDPE
|
130.291
|
119.215
|
|
EAO
|
22.723
|
12.686
|
|
EVA
|
13.149
|
9.153
|
|
Other
|
52.670
|
45.363
|
|
Total
|
318.012
|
291.451
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1532.5
|
1578.4
|
Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 295,900 tons in January to November last year against 301,938 tons in January to November 2023. Average prices of polyethylene exports dropped from €1244.4 per ton to €1234.0 per ton. Revenues for polyethylene exports in January to November totalled $366 million.
|
Hungarian Polyethylene Exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
LLDPE
|
4.064
|
6.124
|
|
LDPE
|
75.423
|
77.782
|
|
HDPE
|
204.168
|
206.885
|
|
Total
|
295.900
|
301.938
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1234.0
|
1244.4
|
In terms of category HDPE exports from Hungary dropped from 206,885 tons in January to November 2023 to 204,168 tons whilst LDPE exports dropped from 77,782 tons to 75,423 tons.
Hungary remains a net exporter of LDPE and HDPE, whilst continues to be a net importer of LLDPE and ethylene copolymers. Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 318,012 tons in January to November 2024 against 291,451 tons in January to November 2023.
Hungarian import prices for polyethylene decreased on average from €1578.4 per ton in 2023 to €1532.5 in January to November 2024. The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which rose from 119,215 tons to 130,291 tons.
Polish PP Trade Jan-Dec 2024
In contrast to the improvement in the Polish polyethylene market last year, polypropylene consumption has been more restrained. The focus has centred on export activity after production from the new PDH plant at Police has opened up new markets for Polish polypropylene.
|
Polish PP Supply/Demand Balance
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Production
|
308.4
|
265.1
|
|
Exports
|
381.6
|
213.1
|
|
Imports
|
391.2
|
366.5
|
|
Market Balance
|
318.0
|
418.5
|
|
Polish Polypropylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Category
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
PP homo
|
592.937
|
594.789
|
|
Polyisobutylene
|
2.705
|
3.053
|
|
Propylene copolymers
|
317.912
|
292.817
|
|
Other
|
24.680
|
25.449
|
|
Total
|
938.234
|
916.108
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1448.2
|
1442.7
|
Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, increased to 938,234 tons against 916,106 tons in the same period in 2023. However, the key to lower consumption in Poland has been the significant rise in export activity.
|
Polish Polypropylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Category
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
PP homo
|
282.882
|
141.641
|
|
Polyisobutylene
|
1.157
|
0.723
|
|
Propylene copolymers
|
89.754
|
67.703
|
|
Other
|
7.854
|
3.068
|
|
Total
|
381.647
|
213.135
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1300.4
|
1441.5
|
Average prices for all types of polypropylene imports increased from €1442.7 per ton to €1448.2 per ton. Homo grade polypropylene imports dropped slightly from 594,789 tons in January to December 2023 to 592,937 tons in 2024, whilst copolymer imports increased from 292,817 tons to 317,912 tons. Total import costs of propylene polymers amounted to €1.285 billion against €1.322 billion in 2023.
Export shipments from Poland rose to 381,647 tons in 2024 against 213,135 tons in January to December 2023. Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination. Average export prices dropped from €1441.5 per ton in 2023 to €1300.4 in 2023. Exports of homo polymer grade polypropylene from Poland more than doubled from 141,641 tons in the in the whole of 2023 to 381,647 tons in the same period in 2024, mainly due to the start-up of the Polimery Police plant.
This plant is not classified as fully operational yet, but its limited operation has already helped to affect the ratio between imports and exports. When fully operational Polimery Police’s target portfolio includes over 30 types of propylene polymers under the Gryfilen brand. Grupa Azoty and Orlen have a cooperation and stabilisation agreement that will remain in effect until 31 March 2025. It is not clear if Orlen could take over Polimery Police from Grupa Azoty Polyolefins, even if the investment has contributed significantly to the debt problems currently faced by Grupa Azoty.
Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Nov 2024
Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 315,213 tons in January to November 2024 versus 287,439 tons in the corresponding period in 2023, with average prices rising slightly to €1356.4 per ton. Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 157,465 tons in the first eleven months last year versus 154,360 tons in 2023. The sole production plant for propylene polymers in Poland takes place at Tiszaujvaros.
|
Hungarian Polypropylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
PP homo
|
157.465
|
154.360
|
|
Propylene copolymers
|
101.853
|
116.803
|
|
Others
|
55.895
|
16.219
|
|
Total
|
315.213
|
287.439
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1356.4
|
1355.3
|
For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Hungarian inward shipments increased to 196,557 tons in January to November 2024 from 183,280 tons in 2023, with average prices dropping from €1726.1 per ton to €1513.9 per ton. Imports of propylene copolymers into Hungary increased from 46,945 tons to 51,654 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports increased from 109,463 tons to 124,593 tons.
|
Hungarian Polypropylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
PP homo
|
124.593
|
109.463
|
|
Propylene copolymers
|
51.654
|
46.945
|
|
Others
|
20.310
|
26.872
|
|
Total
|
196.557
|
183.280
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1513.9
|
1726.1
|
In Slovakia Slovnaft has expanded the production of the most sought-after types of polypropylene in the past three years by 33,000 tpa, raising total capacity to 300,000 tpa. The company invested €63 million in the modernisation, which in addition to increasing production capacity also brought a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Dec 2024
Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 282,425 tons in January to December 2024 versus 299,002 tons in the same period in 2023. Average prices rose from €1368.3 per ton in 2023 to €1475.5 per ton in 2024.
Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Czech polypropylene exports, amounting to 228,898 tons last year versus 224,071 tons in 2023.
|
Czech Polypropylene Exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
PP Homo
|
228.898
|
224.071
|
|
Propylene Copolymers
|
48.264
|
46.604
|
|
Other
|
5.263
|
28.327
|
|
Total
|
282.425
|
299.002
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1475.5
|
1368.3
|
|
Czech polypropylene imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
PP Homo
|
291.665
|
295.929
|
|
Propylene Copolymers
|
214.751
|
214.690
|
|
Other
|
18.088
|
14.824
|
|
Total
|
524.503
|
525.443
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1577.6
|
1584.8
|
For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 524,503 tons in January to December 2024 from 525,443 tons in 2023, with average prices dropping from €1584.8 per ton to €1577.6 per ton.
Imports of propylene copolymers increased fractionally from 214,690 tons to 214,751 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 295,929 tons to 291,665 tons.
Czech synthetic rubber trade Jan-Dec 2024
|
Czech Rubber Trade (unit-kilo tons)
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Exports Synthetic
|
133.072
|
149.606
|
|
Imports Synthetic
|
138.342
|
125.467
|
|
Natural
|
103.375
|
80.348
|
Exports of synthetic rubber amounted to 133,072 tons in January to December 2024 versus 149,606 tons in 2023. At the same time imports increased from 125,467 tons to 138,342 tons in 2024.
Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Dec 2024
The Czech Republic exported 109,652 tons of butadiene rubber in the twelve months of 2024 against 116,364 tons in the same period in 2023. Average prices rose from €1617.4 per ton to €1786.1 per ton.
|
Czech butadiene rubber exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
France
|
3.052
|
3.805
|
|
Germany
|
6.122
|
0.000
|
|
Hungary
|
7.706
|
7.967
|
|
India
|
17.200
|
15.636
|
|
Italy
|
4.194
|
0.000
|
|
Poland
|
11.629
|
13.974
|
|
Romania
|
7.752
|
0.000
|
|
Serbia
|
8.116
|
3.024
|
|
Slovakia
|
5.977
|
12.893
|
|
South Korea
|
8.844
|
12.851
|
|
Spain
|
5.660
|
0.000
|
|
Turkey
|
9.018
|
5.866
|
|
Others
|
14.384
|
40.138
|
|
Total
|
109.652
|
116.364
|
|
Revenues €
|
195.607
|
192.504
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1786.1
|
1617.4
|
Czech exports of butadiene rubber to India amounted to 17,200 tons in January to December 2024 against 15,636 tons in the same period in 2023. Other important markets included Poland where exports amounted to 11,629 tons against 13,974 tons. Besides exports the Czech Republic also imported 29,576 tons of butadiene rubber in the twelve months of 2024. Imports were sourced largely from Germany and the US.
Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Nov 2024
Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 99,491 tons in January to November against 108,968 tons in January to November 2023. Average prices increased from €2359.2 per ton to €2451.0 in 2024. Hungarian import prices rose from €2267.0 per ton to €2468.8 per ton, which is higher than elsewhere in Central Europe. This is determined predominantly by the higher value grades imported into Hungary
|
Hungarian synthetic rubber Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Butadiene Rubber
|
26.578
|
39.995
|
|
SBR
|
52.428
|
47.652
|
|
Other
|
18.386
|
20.804
|
|
Total
|
99.491
|
108.968
|
|
Revenues € mil
|
243.847
|
257.075
|
|
Av € per ton
|
2451.0
|
2359.2
|
Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary dropped from 39,995 tons to 26,578 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia. SBR imports rose from 47,652 tons to 52,428 tons. Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 55,184 tons in the first eleven months last year of which SBR grades accounted for 48,461 tons. Currently MOL is in the process of finalising the sale of its 49% stake in ENEOS MOL Synthetic Rubber Kft. Following the transaction, ENEOS will become the 100% owner of the company at Tiszaujvaros. According to the agreement, ENEOS will continue its manufacturing activities at the Tiszaujvaros plant. MOL will remain a key raw material supplier, trading and service partner of the company in the future.
Polish synthetic rubber trade Jan-Dec 2024
For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices dropped from €2148.7 in January to December 2023 to €1925.9 in the twelve months of 2024. Poland imported a total of 304,512 tons of synthetic rubber in January to December 2024 against 265,947 tons in 2023.
|
Polish Synthetic Rubber Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
ESBR
|
27.513
|
21.225
|
|
Block SBR
|
41.098
|
37.099
|
|
S-SBR
|
30.339
|
20.294
|
|
Butadiene Rubber
|
73.694
|
50.932
|
|
Butyl Rubber
|
3.705
|
4.359
|
|
HBR
|
10.382
|
9.557
|
|
NBR
|
9.673
|
6.077
|
|
Isoprene Rubber
|
35.735
|
11.887
|
|
EPDM
|
38.843
|
39.914
|
|
Others
|
33.530
|
44.096
|
|
Total
|
304.512
|
265.947
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1925.9
|
2148.7
|
By category. butadiene rubber was the largest product, accounting for 73,694 tons against 50,932 tons in the same period in 2023. Isoprene rubber imports jumped from 11,097 tons in the first ten months last year to 35,735 tons in 2024. The largest suppliers of all grades of synthetic rubber in the last quarter in 2024 included Germany, South Korea, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
|
Polish Synthetic Rubber Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belgium
|
12.350
|
8.294
|
|
Brazil
|
2.111
|
1.776
|
|
China
|
15.204
|
12.360
|
|
Czechia
|
12.618
|
16.790
|
|
France
|
10.389
|
12.721
|
|
Spain
|
7.716
|
7.616
|
|
Netherlands
|
7.613
|
9.567
|
|
India
|
1.009
|
0.411
|
|
Indonesia
|
7.205
|
6.238
|
|
Japan
|
8.697
|
12.130
|
|
South Korea
|
34.726
|
31.437
|
|
Germany
|
35.659
|
30.545
|
|
Russia
|
81.748
|
50.562
|
|
United States
|
24.561
|
16.365
|
|
Thailand
|
4.184
|
3.271
|
|
Taiwan
|
4.009
|
1.851
|
|
Turkey
|
2.558
|
2.369
|
|
Hungary
|
6.645
|
9.035
|
|
United Kingdom
|
4.305
|
4.455
|
|
Italy
|
9.727
|
9.658
|
|
Others
|
20.469
|
20.768
|
|
Total
|
314.103
|
269.202
|
Overall Russia was the leading supplier to the Polish market in 2024 until the full sanctions took legal effect from 18 June last year. Before that date Russia accounted for 81,748 tons of synthetic rubber shipped to Poland which was up from 50,562 tons in 2023.
In 2025 imports into Poland should be more diversified, with volumes rising from certain countries to replace the product from Russia. In 2024 Germany supplied 35,658 tons of synthetic rubber to the Polish market, with South Korea supplying 34,726 tons and Saudi Arabia 16,176 tons. Volumes from these countries are expected to increase this year.
Natural rubber imports into Poland totalled 118,534 tons last year against 123,786 tons in 2023. Prices averaged €1761.4 per ton in 2024 Natural rubber accounts for around a third of total rubber consumption in Poland.
Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 333,584 tons in 2024 against 278,352 tons in 2023. The increase in exports was facilitated by the increase in production by Synthos at Oswiecim. Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 68,842 tons in January to December versus 45,985 tons in the same period in 2023. The largest category of rubber exports focuses on SBR grades.
Prices of synthetic rubber exports from Poland increased from €1571.5 per ton in 2023 to €1666.6 per ton last year. Although both import and export volumes for synthetic rubber have been very similar last year, the prices for imported grades mostly exceed export prices. The trend for all forms of trade have been downward since the start of 2023.
|
Polish Exports of Synthetic Rubber
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
SBR
|
214.366
|
186.606
|
|
Butadiene Rubber
|
68.842
|
45.985
|
|
Isoprene Rubber
|
31.150
|
10.753
|
|
Others
|
19.226
|
35.010
|
|
Total
|
333.584
|
278.352
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1666.6
|
1571.5
|
Polish synthetic rubber production and domestic market Jan-Dec 2024
Synthetic rubber production at Oswiecim for Synthos amounted to 264,400 tons in January to December 2024 against 207,600 tons in 2023. Synthos has managed to diversify its export markets which has allowed the company to increase production over 2023.
|
Synthos Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Polystyrene
|
67.1
|
72.7
|
|
EPS
|
82.5
|
90.0
|
|
Synthetic Rubber
|
264.4
|
207.6
|
At the same time the production of synthetic rubber has been affected by demand side factors which saw a reduction of consumption in 2023. Although synthetic rubber production increased in 2024 the extra output was channelled into export activity rather than domestic consumption.
For the whole of 2024 the production of rubber products in Poland amounted to 906,649 tons against 990,932 tons in 2023 and 1.119 million tons in 2022. In each of the twelve months in 2024 the production of rubber products in Poland was lower than in the corresponding months in 2023. Consumption fell in all of the four tyre groups in 2024, including cars, lorries, tractors and agricultural vehicles.
Polish aromatic exports Jan-Dec 2024
|
Polish Aromatic Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23 |
|
Benzene
|
156,975
|
153,005
|
|
Bisphenol A
|
4.089
|
8.029
|
|
P Anhydride
|
4.858
|
2.823
|
|
PTA
|
12.189
|
5.957
|
|
Styrene
|
78.681
|
59.990
|
|
TDI
|
79.941
|
70.880
|
|
Toluene
|
22.627
|
22.983
|
Polish exports of benzene totalled 156,975 tons in January to December 2024 against 153,005 tons in the same period in 2023. Exports to Germany increased from 107,357 tons in 2023 to 133,870 tons in 2024, with average prices rising from €774.2 per ton to €923.3 per ton. Benzene exports from Poland are supplied largely from Petrochemia Blachownia at Kedzierzyn-Kozle.
PTA is the only aromatic product where exports are shipped in significant volume from Poland. PTA is also imported into Poland, amounting to 11,511 tons in the twelve months of 2024.
Polish aromatic imports Jan-Dec 2024
Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 109,913 tons in January to December 2024 which was up from 86,157 tons in 2023. Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 82,095 tons against 49,963 tons in the same period in 2023. Spain and Finland accounted for smaller shipments.
|
Polish Aromatic Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Adipic Acid
|
12.036
|
10.402
|
|
Bisphenol A
|
7.504
|
14.089
|
|
Caprolactam
|
11.927
|
11.483
|
|
Ethylbenzene
|
95.704
|
117.818
|
|
Paraxylene
|
42.563
|
0.000
|
|
Phenol
|
109.913
|
86.157
|
|
Phthalic Anhydride
|
35.524
|
32.461
|
|
PTA
|
11.511
|
5.677
|
|
Styrene
|
96.039
|
72.532
|
|
TDI
|
68.695
|
64.732
|
|
Toluene
|
18.930
|
21.652
|
|
Polish Phenol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Finland
|
5.569
|
16.766
|
|
Germany
|
82.095
|
60.399
|
|
Spain
|
12.683
|
3.869
|
|
Others
|
9.567
|
12.962
|
|
Total
|
109.913
|
86.157
|
|
Av Price € per ton
|
1215.1
|
1240.4
|
Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped in 2024 to €1215.1 per ton against €1240.4 per ton in 2023. Increased phenol imports partly offset the drop in phenol production at Plock in the twelve months of 2024 to 37,771 tons versus 38,940 tons in 2023.
In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 96,039 tons in the period January to December 2024 against 72,532 tons in the same period in 2023. The Netherlands was the largest supplier shipping 21,283 tons against 21,930 tons in January to December 2023. Saudi Arabia supplied 7,707 tons in the twelve months of 2024, the first time that styrene had been sold into Poland. Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 95,704 tons against 117,818 tons in the same period last year. All the ethylbenzene was shipped from Kralupy to Oswiecim, all within the structures of the Synthos Group.
Caprolactam imports into Poland amounted to 11,927 tons in 2024 versus 11,843 tons in 2024. Caprolactam production remains idle at Pulawy, operated by Grupa Azoty, although the Tarnow plant is working. The PA6 product chain remains under pressure although logistical constraints caused by attacks in Red Sea resulted in a greater demand for the use of products from Europe.
Poland imported over 42,563 tons of paraxylene against zero in the same period in 2023. France was the main supplier followed by the Netherlands.
Polish PTA exports Jan-Dec 2024
PTA exports increased sharply in 2024 to 381,744 from 238,786 tons in 2023. Production was reduced substantially in 2023 due to a combination of weak demand and extended maintenance. Exports to Germany increased from 192,047 tons to 381,744 tons. Average prices for PTA changed from €838.1 per ton in the in the whole of 2023 to €741.0 per ton.
|
Polish Exports of PTA (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belarus
|
0.000
|
1.322
|
|
Belgium
|
3.101
|
0.240
|
|
France
|
2.508
|
8.997
|
|
Germany
|
311.367
|
192.047
|
|
Lithuania
|
15.473
|
3.062
|
|
Switzerland
|
0.000
|
4.791
|
|
Turkey
|
16.579
|
11.971
|
|
Others
|
32.716
|
16.355
|
|
Total
|
381.744
|
238.786
|
|
Av Price € per ton
|
741.0
|
838.1
|
Czech aromatic exports Jan-Dec 2024
Czech styrene exports from Kralupy amounted to 11,949 tons in 2024 against 14,436 tons in January to December 2023. Aniline exports amounted to 81,210 tons in the twelve months of 2024, of which 70,438 tons were shipped to Hungary. This represented an increase against 65,951 tons in January to December 2023 from the total of 76,072 tons.
|
Czech Aromatic Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Aniline
|
81.210
|
76.072
|
|
Benzene
|
24.597
|
16.446
|
|
Toluene
|
9.166
|
11.093
|
|
Ethylbenzene
|
90.693
|
123.791
|
|
Styrene
|
11.949
|
14.436
|
|
Caprolactam
|
17.833
|
20.088
|
|
P Anhydride
|
8.238
|
8.345
|
|
Czech Aromatic Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Benzene
|
40.008
|
25.656
|
|
Toluene
|
5.662
|
6.446
|
|
Styrene
|
16.308
|
29.335
|
|
Bisphenol A
|
33.108
|
27.578
|
Czech benzene exports increased to 24,597 tons in January to December 2024 against 16,446 tons in 2023, whilst toluene exports dropped from 11,093 tons to 9,166 tons.
Czech caprolactam exports fell from 20,088 tons in 2023 to 17,833 tons in 2024. Average prices rose from €1519.1 per ton to €1679.9 in 2024. Italy was the largest destination for Czech caprolactam exports, amounting to 8,767 tons. Other end destinations included Slovenia where shipments totalled 3,518 tons. Despite the rise in prices last year Spolana has opted to close the caprolactam plant in the first half of 2025.
Czech aromatic imports Jan-Dec 2024
Czech imports of styrene dropped from 29,375 tons to 16,171 tons. Imports from the Netherlands dropped from 16,197 tons to 10,646 tons. Average prices paid for styrene imports increased in 2024 to €1147.0 against €1081.4 in 2023.
Benzene imports into the Czech Republic increased in the twelve months of 2024 to 40,008 tons against 25,656 tons in January to December 2023, whilst toluene imports dropped from 6,446 tons to 5,662 tons. Benzene imports are sourced from Poland, Hungary and Serbia.
Czech Bisphenol A imports & epoxy resin exports
Bisphenol A imports into the Czech Republic totalled 33,108 tons in January to December 2024 against 27,994 tons in the same period in 2023. South Korea increased shipments from 13,824 tons to 29,440 tons. The largest user of bisphenol A in the Czech Republic is Spolchemie at Ust nad Labem, where epoxy resins are produced.
|
South Korean BPA Exports to Central Europe
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Czech Republic
|
29.440
|
13.824
|
|
Poland
|
7.290
|
11.445
|
|
Germany
|
34.951
|
52.157
|
|
Total
|
71.681
|
77.426
|
|
Czech Bisphenol A Imports
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Total Ktons
|
33.108
|
27.994
|
|
Av Price per ton
|
1498.9
|
1454.0
|
|
Czech Epoxy Resin Exports
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Total Ktons
|
49.063
|
46.888
|
|
Av Price per ton
|
1956.7
|
2978.7
|
Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 49,063 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 46,888 tons in 2023. Prices fell sharply from €2978.7 per ton in 2023 to €1956.1 per ton in 2024. Germany remains the largest market for Czech epoxy resins, accounting for 18,094 tons in the twelve months of 2024 which was down from 20,846 tons in 2023. Spolchemie’s capacity for epoxy resin production amounts to 100,000 tpa.
Hungarian aromatic trade Jan-Nov 2024
Hungarian benzene exports amounted to 33,760 tons in January to November against 40,024 tons in the same period in 2023. Benzene production in Hungary takes place at Szazhalombatta. Shipments from this refinery to the Czech Republic dropped from 14,951 tons to 3,259 tons whilst shipments to Poland dropped from 22,059 tons to 15,352 tons.
|
Hungarian Benzene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Czech Republic
|
3.259
|
14.951
|
|
Germany
|
7.912
|
3.014
|
|
Poland
|
15.352
|
22.059
|
|
Others
|
7.237
|
0.000
|
|
Total
|
33.760
|
40.024
|
|
Av € per ton
|
762.8
|
822.3
|
Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Nov 2024
Hungarian TDI exports rose in January to November to 284,028 tons against 218,822 tons in January to November 2023. Average prices dropped from €2468.0 per ton to €2468.0 per ton. Multiple factors influenced the decline in prices last year such as polyurethane demand and feedstock costs.
|
Hungarian TDI Exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Austria
|
3.792
|
2.749
|
|
Belgium
|
41.716
|
25.357
|
|
Germany
|
13.912
|
9.093
|
|
Italy
|
32.422
|
25.458
|
|
Poland
|
34.948
|
25.627
|
|
Portugal
|
8.372
|
10.158
|
|
Romania
|
16.134
|
13.414
|
|
Spain
|
12.923
|
9.530
|
|
Turkey
|
41.805
|
29.568
|
|
Others
|
78.006
|
67.869
|
|
Total
|
284.028
|
218.822
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1969.8
|
2468.0
|
Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium rose from 25,357 tons in the first eleven months in 2025 to 41,716 tons in January to November, whilst volumes to Italy increased from 25,458 tons to 32,422 tons.
In Central Europe shipments to Poland increased from 25,627 tons to 34,948 tons and rose to Turkey from 29,568 tons to 41,805 tons. Shipments to Romania increased from 13,414 tons to 16,134 tons.
|
Hungarian MDI Exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Belgium
|
10.621
|
9.067
|
|
Czech Republic
|
11.126
|
6.632
|
|
Germany
|
18.786
|
19.091
|
|
Algeria
|
5.210
|
1.314
|
|
Italy
|
8.522
|
9.507
|
|
France
|
6.374
|
7.904
|
|
Spain
|
4.485
|
4.508
|
|
UK
|
7.010
|
5.831
|
|
Netherlands
|
11.779
|
3.184
|
|
Poland
|
34.342
|
29.556
|
|
Romania
|
13.233
|
13.519
|
|
Turkey
|
22.324
|
11.115
|
|
Others
|
56.544
|
32.276
|
|
Total
|
210.356
|
153.505
|
|
Av € per ton
|
2150.1
|
1967.9
|
MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to November to 210,356 tons against 153,505 tons in January to November 2023. MDI export prices have undergone a different cycle to TDI in the past two years but tended to draw closer at the end of 2024 with MDI prices standing at €2150.1 per ton against €1967.9 for TDI.
Poland was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports, taking 34,342 tons in the first eleven months in 2024 versus 29,556 tons in January to November 2023. Exports to France dropped from 7,904 tons to 6,374 tons whilst to Germany exports dropped from 19,091 tons to 18,786 tons.
Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Dec 2024
TDI prices in Europe were relatively stable last year allowing an improvement of sales over 2023. This is despite the fact that demand for TDI was sluggish from the downstream polyurethane industries. The European market has been helped to some extent by tightness in the US market and continued logistical problems for supplying isocyanates from Asia.
|
Polish TDI Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belgium
|
5.003
|
2.266
|
|
Germany
|
18.521
|
17.219
|
|
Hungary
|
30.800
|
30.734
|
|
Netherlands
|
5.003
|
5.294
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
0.460
|
2.318
|
|
South Korea
|
8.076
|
8.439
|
|
Others
|
3.564
|
4.613
|
|
Total
|
74.135
|
70.883
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1995.8
|
2321.3
|
TDI imports into Poland amounted to 74,135 tons in January to December 2024 against 70,883 tons in January to December 2023. Prices of TDI imported into Poland dropped from €2321.3 per ton in 2023 to €1995.8 per ton. Hungary was the largest supplier in the twelve months of 2024, shipping 30,800 tons to Poland versus 30,734 tons in January to December 2023.
MDI imports into Poland totalled 169,354 tons in January to December 2024, up against 136,908 tons in January to December 2023. Average prices dropped from €2025.5 per ton to €1919.6 in 2024.
Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 49,422 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 38,511 tons in January to December 2023, whilst imports from Hungary increased to 40,493 tons against 33,408 tons in 2023. Belgium increased shipments of MDI to Poland to 34,672 tons in last year from 25,071 tons in 2023. Other suppliers included the Netherlands and South Korea.
|
Polish MDI Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Germany
|
49.422
|
38.511
|
|
Netherlands
|
26.597
|
22.919
|
|
Hungary
|
40.493
|
33.408
|
|
Belgium
|
34.672
|
25.071
|
|
South Korea
|
8.547
|
6.070
|
|
Others
|
9.624
|
10.929
|
|
Total
|
169.354
|
136.908
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1919.6
|
2025.5
|
MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 40,823 tons in January to December 2024 against 37,900 tons in 2023. Average prices dropped from €2173.4 per ton to €2059.7 per ton. The leading supplier in 2024 was Belgium which shipped 9,362 tons against 9,453 tons in January to December 2023. Imports from Hungary dropped from 10,233 tons to 8,483 tons.
European polyol market challenges
|
Czech MDI imports
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Kilo tons
|
40.823
|
37.900
|
|
Av Price € per ton
|
2059.7
|
2173.4
|
Downstream markets for polyether-polyols were severely affected in 2024 due to economic factors and in particular weak demand from the polyurethane sector. The upholstered furniture industry saw low consumption in 2024, with many furniture manufacturers having to reduce production or even face the risk of bankruptcy due to falling demand. Automotive production also declined due to supply chain disruptions and weak demand, further reducing demand for polyether polyols. Polyether polyol suppliers in Europe were forced to reduce production levels in 2024 after cost pressures were faced from propylene oxide prices. These demand patterns demonstrated a significant reduction in demand for polyether polyols.
Czech polyol imports Jan-Dec 2024
Czech polyol imports amounted to 43,268 tons last year against 53,717 tons in 2023, with average prices dropping from €2412.9 per ton to €2360.1 per ton. The leading supplier to the Czech Republic last year was Belgium shipping 12,774 tons in the period January to December against 16,193 tons in 2023.
|
Czech Polyol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
| |
Jan-Oct 24
|
Jan-Oct 23
|
|
Total
|
43.268
|
53.717
|
|
Av € per ton
|
2360.1
|
2412.9
|
Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Nov 2024
Imports of polyols into Hungary dropped in the first eleven months last year to 33,172 tons against 41,331 tons in the same period in 2023. Imports increased from China from 9,707 tons in the period January to November 2023 to 10,664 tons to 8,092 tons in January to November 2024. MOL’s new plant at Tiszaujvaros is not yet operational but should impact on import volumes in 2025 as the more domestic customers switch to local supply. Relatively low domestic consumption means that MOL will have to export around 75% of its polyol production at full capacity.
|
Hungarian Polyol Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Austria
|
0.658
|
0.785
|
|
Belgium
|
2.110
|
16.640
|
|
China
|
10.664
|
9.707
|
|
Germany
|
3.351
|
3.372
|
|
Netherlands
|
6.541
|
4.889
|
|
Poland
|
1.464
|
1.829
|
|
Romania
|
2.145
|
1.774
|
|
Others
|
6.230
|
2.335
|
|
Total
|
33.172
|
41.331
|
Polish polyol trade Jan-Dec 2024
Polish polyol imports amounted to 141,516 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 145,292 tons in the same period in 2023. The Netherlands supplied 33,807 tons in January to December 2024 against 31,053 tons in 2023, whilst Germany supplied 31,779 tons against 31,992 tons. Polyol import prices into Poland dropped from €2140.1 per ton to €1784.2 per ton.
|
Polish Polyol Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belgium
|
22.808
|
19.202
|
|
China
|
9.251
|
6.435
|
|
France
|
4.882
|
4.701
|
|
Germany
|
31.779
|
31.992
|
|
Netherlands
|
33.807
|
31.053
|
|
Romania
|
14.189
|
15.978
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
1.953
|
3.416
|
|
South Korea
|
9.347
|
17.081
|
|
Others
|
13.501
|
15.434
|
|
Total
|
141.516
|
145.292
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1784.2
|
2140.1
|
Exports of polyols from Poland in 2024 amounted to 53,190 tons against 55,717 tons in the same period in 2023. Destinations for deliveries were focused mostly on Europe, led by Italy taking 8,082 tons followed by Germany with 5,624 tons. Polyol exports from Poland to the Czech Republic amounted to 3,773 tons in 2024 against 3,390 tons in 2023.
|
Polish Polyol Exports 2024 (unit-kilo tons)
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Total ktons
|
53.190
|
55.717
|
|
Av price
|
2101.8
|
2212.2
|
Nearly all of Poland’s polyol exports are supplied by PCC Rokita from the Brzeg Dolny plant. Average export prices for Polish polyols dropped from €2212.2 per ton to €2101.8 per ton.
Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Nov 2024
Hungary exported 21,230 tons of maleic anhydride in January to November against 18,016 tons in January to November 2023. Average prices rose from €1164.7 per ton to €1198.3 per ton. Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary increased from 2,647 tons in the first eleven months in 2024 to 5,828 tons last year.
|
Hungarian maleic anhydride exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Austria
|
0.550
|
2.703
|
|
Germany
|
2.790
|
1.680
|
|
Italy
|
3.407
|
2.692
|
|
Poland
|
5.828
|
2.647
|
|
Slovenia
|
1.657
|
1.869
|
|
Others
|
6.998
|
6.425
|
|
Total
|
21.230
|
18.016
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1198.3
|
1164.7
|
Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Nov 2024
Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 490,070 tons in the first eleven months last year, down from 528,273 tons in the same period in 2023. The largest commodity in the organic chemical sector is TDI, accounting for 41% of Hungarian organic chemical exports in January to November last year by volume and 33% by value. Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €1.386 billion in the first eleven months which was down from €1.530 billion in January to November 2023.
Imports of organic chemicals into Hungary amounted to 638,470 tons in the period January to November 2024 against 615,200 tons in 2023, with values dropping from €1.545 billion to €1.399 billion. The major organic chemical imports include methanol, toluene, aniline and acrylonitrile.
Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Nov 2024
Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 94,123 tons in January to November 2023 to 76,672 tons January to November 2024. Inward shipments from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic amounted to 65,327 tons against 56,479 tons in January to November 2023. Belgium supplied 11,246 tons against 24,545 tons in January to November 2023. Cost prices of aniline imports dropped from €1421.7 per ton to €1412.0 per ton.
|
Hungarian aniline imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Belgium
|
11.246
|
24.545
|
|
China
|
0.000
|
11.067
|
|
Czech Republic
|
65.327
|
56.479
|
|
Total
|
76.672
|
94.123
|
|
Av € per ton
|
1412.0
|
1421.7
|
Acrylonitrile imports into Hungary dropped from 17,003 tons in the first eleven months in 2023 to 16,780 tons in the period January to November 2024. Imports from the Netherlands increased from 10,266 tons to 11,107 tons. Average prices for acrylonitrile imports dropped from €2077.5 per ton to €1543.6 in 2024.
Polish organic chemical trade Jan-Dec 2024
Exports of organic chemicals from Poland increased by volume to 1.546 million tons in January to December 2024 from 1.457 million tons in the same period in 2023, whilst imports rose from 3.912 million tons to 3.917 million tons.
|
Polish Organic Chemical Trade
|
|
Exports
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Vol (kilo tons)
|
1,545.5
|
1,457.1
|
|
Value (€ million)
|
1,276.4
|
1,169.4
|
|
Imports
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Vol (kilo tons)
|
3,917.2
|
3,911.6
|
|
Value (€ million)
|
2,729.4
|
2,658.2
|
|
Polish Organic Chemical Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Acetic Acid
|
37.774
|
37.537
|
|
Acetone
|
5.741
|
7.098
|
|
Butadiene
|
106.084
|
89.887
|
|
DINP/DOP
|
24.031
|
20.765
|
|
Ethyl Acetate
|
16.403
|
19.916
|
|
Isopropanol
|
12.674
|
10.466
|
|
Maleic Anhydride
|
11.300
|
11.165
|
|
Methanol
|
650.774
|
637.653
|
|
Propylene
|
100.291
|
124.343
|
|
VAM
|
21.202
|
17.265
|
Export values increased from €1.169 billion to €1.276 billion, whilst import values rose from €2.658 billion to €2.729 billion. Overall trade remains lower than before the Ukrainian war started but shows a relative improvement over 2023.
Methanol imports into Poland totalled 650,774 tons in January to December 2024 against 637,353 tons in the same period in 2023. For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 37,774 tons of acetic acid in January to December against 37,537 tons in January to December 2023. The UK provided 14,416 tons last year against 9,820 tons in the same period in 2023. The UK replaced the US as the largest supplier in 2024. Acetic acid prices dropped to €584.8 per ton last year against €817.0 per ton last year. Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 16,403 tons in January to December 2024 against 19,916 tons in January to December 2023. Belgium provided the largest share of imports. VAM imports into Poland amounted to 21,202 tons versus 17,265 tons in January to December 2023.
|
Polish EO/PO Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
DEG
|
28.133
|
30.343
|
|
Ethylene Glycol
|
54.753
|
106.293
|
|
Ethylene Oxide
|
18.845
|
21.769
|
|
Propylene Glycol
|
20.727
|
19.431
|
|
Propylene Oxide
|
6.300
|
0.312
|
Maleic anhydride imports into Poland amounted to 11,300 tons in January-December 2024, versus 11,165 tons in the previous year. Imports are currently sourced from Germany, Hungary and South Korea. Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 12,764 tons in January-December 2024, up from 10,466 tons in the previous year. Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa.
|
Polish Organic Chemical Exports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Acetic Acid
|
1.670
|
1.381
|
|
Acetone
|
12.141
|
12.825
|
|
Ethylene Glycol
|
20.603
|
19.656
|
|
Formaldehyde
|
21.705
|
21.982
|
|
Glycerol
|
32.934
|
42.571
|
|
Methanol
|
201.476
|
264.289
|
|
Monochloroacetic Acid
|
33.137
|
38.546
|
|
N-Butyl Acetate
|
7.047
|
10.155
|
|
Propylene
|
13.299
|
2.849
|
|
Propylene Glycol
|
16.438
|
12.957
|
Ethylene glycol imports into Poland dropped in the in the whole of 2024 to 54,753 tons from 106,293 tons in 2023. Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market. DEG imports dropped to 28,133 tons against 30,343 tons.
|
Czech Organic Chemical Imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Acetone
|
5.480
|
5.883
|
|
DEG
|
2.051
|
1.473
|
|
DINP
|
9.952
|
4.737
|
|
2-EH
|
21.342
|
22.116
|
|
Ethyl Acetate
|
3.142
|
3.376
|
|
Ethylene Glycol
|
12.584
|
8.697
|
|
Methanol
|
64.513
|
76.290
|
|
N-Butanol
|
10.059
|
10.984
|
|
Propylene Glycol
|
3.787
|
3.810
|
Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 18,845 tons in January to December 2024 versus 21,769 tons in January to December 2023. Germany currently represents the main source of inward shipments. Ethylene oxide consumption in Poland is expected to increase after the completion of PCC Exol’s second line of the Ethoxylates II plant at Plock.
Regarding export activity in organic chemicals, Polish shipments of monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) amounted to 33,137 tons in 2024 against 38,546 tons in the same period in 2023. MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny.
Other organic chemical exports from Poland include acetone where shipments amounted to 12,141 tons in January-December 2024 versus 12,825 tons in January to December 2023. The main markets for Polish acetone exports included Italy, Germany, Romania and Lithuania.
Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Dec 2024
|
Czech Organic Chemical Trade
|
|
Exports
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Value (€ million)
|
1,241.3
|
1,457.1
|
|
Vol (kilo tons)
|
544.7
|
563.0
|
|
Imports
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Value (€ million)
|
1,286.2
|
1,341.2
|
|
Vol (kilo tons)
|
684.7
|
693.2
|
Czech organic chemical exports amounted in value to €1.241 billion in the twelve months of 2024 against €1.457 billion in 2023, with volumes dropping from 563,000 tons to 544,700 tons.
Imports also dropped from €1.341 billion to €1.286 billion. Import volumes declined from 693,200 tons to 684,700 tons. Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 64,513 tons in 2024 against 76,290 tons in 2023.
Other products imported include oxo alcohols, both in butanols and 2-EH. Normal butanol imports amounted to 10,059 tons last year versus 10,984 tons whilst 2-EH imports fell slightly from 22,116 tons to 21,342 tons. Oxygenated solvent imports include acetone and ethyl acetate, amounting to 5,480 tons and 4,966 tons in the first ten months last year respectively.
Czech methanol imports Jan-Dec 2024
Czech imports of methanol amounted to 64,513 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 76,290 tons in the same period in 2023. Prices per ton for methanol imports increased from €373.6 per ton to €406.8 per ton.
|
Czech Methanol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Germany
|
6.139
|
5.867
|
|
Estonia
|
5.991
|
0.000
|
|
Russia
|
0.000
|
6.237
|
|
Poland
|
44.815
|
57.175
|
|
Spain
|
2.272
|
0.000
|
|
Others
|
4.910
|
5.713
|
|
Total
|
64.513
|
76.290
|
|
Av € per ton
|
406.8
|
373.6
|
Poland supplied 44,815 tons to the Czech Republic in 2024 against 57,175 tons in the same period in 2023, whilst the second largest source of supply came from Germany supplying 6,139 tons.
Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Nov 2024
Methanol imports into Hungary in January to November increased to 80,977 tons against 91,632 tons in January to November 2023. Imports from Germany increased from 30,223 tons to 55,364 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia. Imports from Slovenia amounted to 16,681 tons in the first eleven months last year, against 6,199 tons in the same period in 2023. Methanol production in Slovenia takes place at the Lendava plant. Previously Hungary bought most of its methanol from Russia, but stopped in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €437.2 per ton against €424.1 per ton in 2023.
|
Hungarian methanol imports
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Nov 24
|
Jan-Nov 23
|
|
Germany
|
55.364
|
30.223
|
|
Netherlands
|
15.521
|
23.457
|
|
Poland
|
1.279
|
10.311
|
|
Slovenia
|
16.861
|
6.199
|
|
Slovakia
|
0.000
|
4.591
|
|
Others
|
2.333
|
4.058
|
|
Total
|
91.632
|
80.977
|
|
Av € per ton
|
437.2
|
424.1
|
Polish methanol trade Jan-Dec 2024
Polish imports of methanol amounted to 650,774 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 637,653 tons in January to December 2023. Average prices amounted to €323.5 per ton against €285.0 per ton.
|
Polish Methanol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
5.000
|
5.104
|
|
Belgium
|
162.674
|
91.463
|
|
Estonia
|
6.410
|
0.000
|
|
Germany
|
81.254
|
74.864
|
|
Netherlands
|
70.082
|
39.322
|
|
Norway
|
45.438
|
92.687
|
|
Russia
|
0.000
|
188.185
|
|
US
|
33.289
|
22.382
|
|
Trinidad
|
110.496
|
43.348
|
|
Venezuela
|
116.987
|
66.759
|
|
Others
|
18.655
|
3.297
|
|
Total
|
650.774
|
637.653
|
|
€ price per ton
|
323.5
|
285.0
|
Belgium was the largest supplier of methanol to Poland in the twelve months of 2024, shipping 162,674 tons against 91,463 tons in the preceding year.
Venezuela supplied 116,987 tons to Poland in the period January to December 2024 against 66,759 tons in the same period in 2023, whilst Trinidad shipped 110,496 tons against 43,348 tons in 2023. Imports from Norway into Poland dropped in 2024, from 92,687 tons in 2023 to 45,438 tons.
|
Poland Methanol Exports (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Austria
|
1.977
|
30.860
|
|
Czech
|
32.865
|
54.802
|
|
Germany
|
104.380
|
79.930
|
|
Romania
|
0.000
|
18.927
|
|
Slovakia
|
33.310
|
41.925
|
|
Ukraine
|
25.932
|
25.175
|
|
Hungary
|
0.764
|
12.401
|
|
Others
|
2.248
|
0.268
|
|
Total
|
201.476
|
264.289
|
|
Av € per ton
|
362.8
|
356.4
|
Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 201,476 tons in January to December declining from 264,289 tons in January to December 2023.
The largest destination for Polish exports was Germany which took 104,380 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 79,930 tons in the same period in 2023. Ukraine imported 25,932 tons of methanol from Poland in 2024 against 25,175 tons in 2023.
Polish methanol export prices increased from €356.4 per ton to €362.8 per ton. Shipments from Poland to Austria fell in 2024, whilst shipments to Romania completely stopped.
Russian chemical production Jan-Dec 2024
Production of organic chemicals and petrochemicals in Russia rose by around 1% in 2024 over 2023, with most products recording similar volumes of output. Russian producers have performed relatively well in the past two years, in spite of Western trade and technology sanctions on almost all organic chemicals and polymers. In contrast to petrochemicals, fertilisers remain unsanctioned allowing record volumes of Russian imports into Europe. This trade flow is of considerable help to the overall chemical industry in Russia and has shifted Europe away from gas dependency for energy to towards gas- fertiliser dependency for food.
|
Russian Chemical Production
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ethylene
|
4593.6
|
4425.7
|
|
Propylene
|
2520.9
|
2582.8
|
|
Benzene
|
1364.7
|
1304.9
|
|
Toluene
|
384.2
|
375.1
|
|
Xylenes
|
441.7
|
428.9
|
|
Orthoxylene
|
123.4
|
111.8
|
|
Paraxylene
|
248.8
|
217.7
|
|
Styrene
|
694.1
|
685.8
|
|
Ethylbenzene
|
820.8
|
765.7
|
|
Methanol
|
3818.6
|
3890.5
|
|
Isopropanol
|
67.6
|
64.0
|
|
Butanols
|
140.3
|
146.3
|
|
Phenol
|
245.5
|
252.7
|
|
Acetic Acid
|
286.2
|
195.3
|
|
Phthalic Anhydride
|
96.3
|
91.1
|
A large part of foreign trade in petrochemicals with Europe has been replaced by shipments to China, including products such as methanol and synthetic rubber. In the domestic market Russian petrochemical producers have benefited from supply gaps left by the mass departure of Western companies in 2022.
Russian ethylene production amounted to 4.594 million tons in 2024 against 4.426 million tons in 2023 whilst propylene production dropped from 2.583 million tons to 2.521 million tons. Despite the loss of export trade with Europe, methanol production dropped only slightly from 3.891 million tons in 2023 to 3.819 million tons in 2024. In the organic chemical sector acetic acid production showed the largest proportional rise.
Impact of damage to SIBUR-Kstovo on Russia’s PVC market
Damage to the Kstovo cracker at the end of January this year, the subsequent necessary plant repair time, resulted in a sharp rise in the spot price for PVC suspension grade early February.
A rise of 9.5% was recorded in the first week of the month, affecting the costs of plastic windows, pipes and other PVC products. RusVinyl, which receives ethylene from the SIBUR-Kstovo cracker, has enough inventory to meet market needs for at least two months. However, competitors took the opportunity to increase prices due to supply instability. RusVinyl accounts for around 30% of Russian capacity, with other plants located at Volgograd, Sterlitamak and Sayansk.
|
Increase in refinery attacks
Drone attacks on Russian refineries increased in the first two months in 2025, endangering chemical plants that could be located close by. The increase in drone attacks on refineries are intended to hinder Russia’s fuel production for the military sector and fuel export capacity, but as a side-effect can present feedstock problems for petrochemical production.
|
Russian refineries attacked in 2025
|
|
Location
|
Owner
|
Date
|
|
Nizhnekamsk, Taneko
|
Tatneft
|
11 January
|
|
Kstovo refinery
|
Lukoil
|
29 January
|
|
Ryazan refinery
|
Rosneft
|
26 January
|
|
Volgograd refinery
|
Lukoil
|
31 January
|
|
Astrakhan gas processing plant
|
Gazprom
|
3 February
|
|
Afipsky refinery
|
Rosneft
|
10 February
|
|
Saratov refinery
|
Rosneft
|
11 February
|
SIBUR-Kstovo plant suspends ethylene and propylene sales after UAV attack
The Lukoil refinery at Kstovo in the Nizhniy Novgorod region was attacked on 29 January, and whilst some of the drones were shot down a large amount of debris fell onto the neighbouring SIBUR-Kstovo olefin cracker. The main installations are working in reserve mode, whilst the shipment of ethylene and propylene were suspended for repair work. This is expected to be completed in March.
Ethylene from the Kstovo cracker is used by RusVinyl for the production of VCM and by SIBUR-Neftekhim at Dzerzhinsk for the production of ethylene oxide and glycols. Propylene from SIBUR-Kstovo is sold on the Russian merchant market to SIBUR group companies such as SIBUR-Khimprom at Perm for oxo alcohol production and to ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk for polypropylene production.
Russian-Chinese chemical and polymer trade 2024
Trade in chemicals and polymers between Russia and China has risen in the past five years, as displayed in the table opposite. From the Russian side, much of the increases in exports of organic chemicals and synthetic rubber can be attributed to EU sanctions established mostly in 2022 which forced Russian producers to seek new markets and new sources of supply.
|
Chinese Exports to Russia of Chemicals and Polymers
($ million)
|
|
Product Area
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
|
|
Plastics
|
1,824
|
2,722
|
3,706
|
4,447
|
4,422
|
|
Syn Rubber
|
15
|
27
|
61
|
86
|
90
|
|
Organic Chemicals
|
1,396
|
2,099
|
3,244
|
2,616
|
2,799
|
|
Inorganic Chemicals
|
240
|
349
|
941
|
1,098
|
1,495
|
|
Total
|
|
3,474
|
5,196
|
7,951
|
8,247
|
8,805
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chinese Imports from Russia of Chemicals and Polymers
($ million)
|
|
Product Area
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
|
|
Plastics
|
869
|
616
|
602
|
487
|
466
|
|
Syn Rubber
|
329
|
248
|
607
|
704
|
924
|
|
Organic Chemicals
|
171
|
174
|
258
|
537
|
512
|
|
Inorganic Chemicals
|
162
|
201
|
707
|
857
|
1,552
|
|
Total
|
|
1,531
|
1,239
|
2,174
|
2,586
|
3,453
|
Shipments of plastics from China to Russia amounted by value to $4.422 billion in 2024 against only $466 million of imports from Russia. Russian exports of plastics have actually have declined over the past few years, dropping from $869 million in 2020 to $466 million in 2024. The reasons for the decline are largely due to increased consumption of domestically produced plastics after the mass exit of Western companies in 2022.
Synthetic rubber shipments into China from Russia increased by value from $329 million in 2020 to $924 million in 2024. The full EU sanction on Russian synthetic rubber took force in June 2024, but exports to Europe had already dropped significantly in 2023. Inward shipments of synthetic rubber into Russia from China are small.
Export revenues of organic chemicals from Russia to China increased from $171 million in 2020 to $512 million in 2024. Methanol exports was the largest product, amounting to $223.9 million of revenues in 2024. Traditionally methanol exports were targeted on Europe, but the full-scale war in Ukraine from 2022 has forced Russian producers to focus on China. This is despite the longer lead times and higher costs of logistics.
Chinese exports of organic chemicals to Russia amounted to $2.799 billion in 2024, which is much higher than the $1.396 billion in 2020, but lower than 2022 when values amounted to $3.244 billion. Chinese shipments to Russia comprise a wide range of products including PTA, MEG, and TDI.
Inward shipments inorganic chemicals from Russia into China amounted to $1.552 billion in 2024, up from $857 million in 2023 and $161 million in 2020. Carbon black sales from Russia to China increased from $2 million in 2020 to $220 million in 2024, the rise being due to EU sanctions on exports to Europe.
Other important inorganic chemicals shipped from Russia to China, include oxides, hydroxides, hydrazine, etc. Shipments of inert gases also saw a large increase in 2024, partly influenced by larger amounts of helium which has been sanctioned from the sale in Europe.
Russian polymer production Jan-Dec 2024
Bulk plastics production in Russia totalled 10.905 million tons in 2024 against 10.708 million tons in 2023. The production of ethylene polymers rose slightly from 3.536 million tons to 3.593 million tons, whilst the production of propylene polymers dropped from 2.169 million tons to 2.080 million tons. Polyamide and synthetic rubber showed marginal rises in 2024 over 2023, although volumes still remain lower than prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
|
Russian Polymer Production
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Plastics
|
10,904.6
|
10,708.0
|
|
Ethylene Polymers
|
3,592.9
|
3,536.3
|
|
Styrene Polymers
|
504.554
|
471.9
|
|
PVC
|
950.2
|
978.3
|
|
Propylene Polymers
|
2080.0
|
2168.6
|
|
Polyamide
|
137.1
|
132.3
|
|
Synthetic Rubber
|
1436.6
|
1411.2
|
Russian ethylene production Jan-Dec 2024
|
Russian Ethylene Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
340.105
|
299.234
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
2212.974
|
2072.498
|
|
Ural federal district
|
1550.838
|
1579.113
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
489.722
|
474.866
|
|
Total
|
4593.639
|
4425.710
|
Russian ethylene production totalled 4.594 million tons in 2024 against 4.426 million tons in 2023. ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 1.551 million tons in January to December 2024, down from 1.579 million tons from January to December 2023. Stavrolen at Budyennovsk increased production from 299,234 tons in 2023 to 340,105 tons in 2024.
SIBUR-Kstovo suffered a fire on 29 January caused by the wreckage of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). As a result of repelling a UAV attack, debris fell on the territory of SIBUR-Kstovo, causing the fire and the subsequent temporary stoppage in production.
Regarding Nizhnekamskneftekhim’s new olefin complex EP-600, the first tons of ethylene were produced in late January. The new plant is expected to gradually achieve its design capacity by the second half of 2025. Ethylene from the new plant has already been sent to the plants of Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez. The naphtha used in production is produced by mainly by the Taneko refinery. At the start of January, the first propylene was produced which was sent to Nizhnekamskneftekhim’s polypropylene unit.
Russian propylene production Jan-Dec 2024
|
Russian Propylene Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
141.228
|
120.728
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
958.355
|
915.419
|
|
Ural federal district
|
918.819
|
1072.622
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
502.475
|
474.028
|
|
Total
|
2520.876
|
2582.797
|
Russian propylene production totalled 2.521 million tons in 2024 against 2.583 million tons in 2023. ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 918,819 tons against 1.073 million tons in 2023. The Volga-Urals region increased from a total of 915,419 tons in January to December 2024 against 958,355 tons in 2023.
Russian propylene domestic sales Jan-Dec 2024
Russian sales of propylene on the domestic merchant market amounted to 344,126 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 356,035 tons in January to December 2023.
|
Russian Propylene Domestic Sales (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Angarsk Polymer Plant
|
43.962
|
21.935
|
|
SIBUR-Kstovo
|
143.560
|
184.658
|
|
Lukoil-NNOS
|
153.090
|
129.106
|
|
Total
|
344.126
|
356.035
|
The largest propylene supplier to the domestic market was SIBUR-Kstovo, shipping 153,090 tons against 129,106 tons in January to December 2023. Lukoil-NNOS reduced propylene sales from 184,658 tons last year from 143,560 tons in 2023, after production was disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes on the Kstovo refinery in January 2024.
ZapSibNeftekhim purchased 69,719 tons of propylene in the twelve months of 2024 against 89,798 tons in the same period in 2023, whilst Saratovorgsintez reduced purchases from 138,416 tons to 130,090 tons. ZapSibNeftekhim needed to buy propylene monomer in order to support production at Tobolsk which is processed into polypropylene. Saratovorgsintez uses propylene for the production of acrylonitrile.
|
Russian Major Propylene Domestic Buyers (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Consumer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Saratovorgsintez
|
130.090
|
138.416
|
|
Volzhskiy Orgsintez
|
10.156
|
9.659
|
|
Akrilat
|
23.451
|
20.036
|
|
SIBUR-Khimprom
|
48.233
|
31.824
|
|
Omsk-Kaucuk
|
17.381
|
5.523
|
|
Tomskneftekhim
|
10.949
|
2.248
|
|
ZapSibNeftekhim
|
69.719
|
89.978
|
|
Moscow Refinery
|
1.460
|
2.593
|
|
Nizhnekamskneftekhim
|
11.962
|
1.577
|
|
Ufaorgsintez
|
6.825
|
10.711
|
|
Kazanorgsintez
|
3.347
|
3.477
|
|
Khimprom Kemerovo
|
4.475
|
6.089
|
|
Plant of Synthetic Alcohol
|
5.996
|
4.049
|
|
Total
|
344.126
|
356.035
|
Russian plastics production Jan-Dec 2024
Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 10.905 million tons in January to December 2024 against 10.708 million tons in 2023 and against 10.248 million tons in 2022. However, total plastics production last year was still lower than in 2021 when volumes amounted to 11.085 million tons.
Production of ethylene polymers amounted to 3.593 million tons in the twelve months of 2024, up slightly from 3.536 million tons in the same period in 2023.
|
Russian Ethylene Polymer Production by Region
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Central Federal District
|
132.104
|
144.144
|
|
Northwestern Federal District
|
38.216
|
39.195
|
|
Southern Federal District
|
40.163
|
32.626
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
313.579
|
276.427
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
1143.732
|
1097.290
|
|
Ural federal district
|
1570.616
|
1592.445
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
354.492
|
353.994
|
|
Far East
|
0.040
|
0.174
|
|
Total
|
3592.903
|
3536.295
|
Regional production of ethylene polymers Jan-Dec 2024
The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District. ZapSibNeftekhim produced 1.571 million tons in 2024 against 1.592 million tons in January to December 2023, nearly all of which comprised main polyethylene grades HDPE and LLDPE.
The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production rose from 1.097 million tons in 2023 to 1.144 million tons in January to December 2024. The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim is currently ramping up its new EP-600 cracker which should lead to increased Russian polyethylene production in 2025. One of the tasks of the new EP-600 cracker is to supply ethylene to Kazanorgsintez by pipeline which is currently in the process of increasing ethylene polymer capacity by 20% up to 660,000 tpa. The current production capacities of Kazanorgsintez consist of 654,000 tpa of ethylene, 540,000 tpa of HDPE, including bimodal polyethylene (type PE-100), 230,000 tpa of LDPE, including metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (m-LDPE), as well as medium-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Domestic polyethylene market driven by pipe demand
The pipe market has been the main driver of Russian plastics consumption in the past two years, even if there was a slight slowdown in the second half of 2024. Total production of plastic pipes amounted to 1.082 million tons in 2024 against 1.167 million tons in 2023 and 1.062 million tons in 2022.
Consumption of polyethylene in pipe manufacture increased by 3.6% in the first half of 2024 which was down from 8% in the same period in 2023. This pattern continued into the second half of the year, even if the rate is negligible. Aside the general threats to the economy as a whole, the main factor that could affect plastic pipe production in 2025 include the inflationary effects on construction projects
The production of three-layer polymer pipes of a large diameter started at Kazan by company called RGK the end of January. Such pipes are used at large energy and industrial facilities, in the construction of large residential complexes. They are also necessary for deep-water discharge of treated wastewater into water bodies. Raw materials for pipes are produced by ZapSibNeftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.
Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Dec 2024
Russian polyethylene exports to China increased from 238,651 tons in January to December 2023 to 283,052 tons in 2024, with both HDPE and LDPE showing rises. Average prices for Russian polyethylene exports to China dropped from $872.8 per ton to $864.6 per ton last year.
|
Chinese Exports of Polyethylene to Russia
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product Category
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
LDPE
|
27.425
|
13.166
|
5.910
|
|
HDPE
|
11.053
|
37.036
|
17.781
|
|
LLDPE
|
18.312
|
3.965
|
0.654
|
|
EVA
|
13.264
|
10.570
|
4.686
|
|
Ethylene-hexene copolymers
|
25.615
|
26.809
|
21.440
|
|
LMDPE
|
3.0
|
2.2
|
3.1
|
|
Others
|
0.421
|
6.517
|
3.726
|
|
Total
|
99.105
|
100.305
|
57.330
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
1502.5
|
1739.5
|
2216.7
|
Inward shipments of polyethylene from China into Russia amounted to 99,105 tons in 2024 against 100,305 tons in 2023. Average prices fell in 2024 to $1502.5 per ton from $1739.5 and $2216.7 per ton in 2022.
|
South Korean Polyethylene Exports to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ktons
|
107.109
|
90.675
|
|
$ million
|
132.048
|
117.385
|
|
$ per ton
|
1232.8
|
1294.6
|
The largest volume of imports consisted of LDPE which amounted to 27,425 tons in 2024 against 13,166 tons in 2023. The second largest category was ethylene-hexene copolymers where shipments from China to Russia amounted to 25,615 tons in 2024. The production of ethylene-hexene polymers is currently not possible in Russia. A hexene plant is currently under construction at Nizhnekamsk which will allow the production of ethylene-hexene polymers in 2026.
Imports of polyethylene shipments into Russia from South Korea exceeded Chinese volumes in 2024, amounting to 83,958 tons against 74,339 tons in January to December 2023. Average prices declined from $1326.3 per ton to $1265.7 per ton.
Russian polypropylene production Jan-Dec 2024
Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 2.081 million tons in 2024 against 2.169 million tons in the same period in 2023. ZapSibNeftekhim reduced production from 1.151 million tons to 999,569 tons in January to December 2024, whilst Stavrolen at Budyennovsk increased production from 117,270 tons to 128,534 tons.
|
Russian Propylene Polymers Production by Region
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Central Federal District
|
148.159
|
125.469
|
|
Northwestern Federal District
|
0.401
|
0.959
|
|
Southern Federal District
|
12.974
|
12.767
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
128.534
|
117.270
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
442.004
|
419.879
|
|
Ural federal district
|
999.569
|
1150.638
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
349.109
|
348.617
|
|
Total
|
2080.751
|
2168.607
|
Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Dec 2024
Revenues for Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China dropped from $124.937 million in 2023 to $66.733 million in 2024 as volumes dropped from 157,109 tons to 79,281 tons.
|
Chinese Imports of PP Homo from Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
$ million
|
66.733
|
124.937
|
|
Ktons
|
79.281
|
157.109
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
840.8
|
820.6
|
Chinese exports of propylene polymers increased from 40,807 tons in 2023 to 45,404 tons in 2024, whilst costs to Russian consumers dropped from $113.953 million to $84.864 million. Most of the products were high value copolymers where prices are much higher than for homo grade. Prices amounted to $1869.1 per ton in 2024, down from $2792.5 in 2023.
|
Chinese Exports of PP to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
Jan-Dec 22
|
|
$ million
|
84.864
|
113.953
|
82.279
|
|
Ktons
|
45.404
|
40.807
|
29.377
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
1869.1
|
2792.5
|
2800.8
|
Russian PX-PTA-PET production Jan-Dec 2024
Russian paraxylene production amounted to 248,769 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 217,705 tons in the same period in 2023. Gazprom Neft at Omsk increased production from 58,630 tons to 71,451 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim increased production from 119,049 tons to 128,172 tons.
|
Russian Paraxylene Production
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Kirishinefteorgsintez
|
49.146
|
40.026
|
|
Ufaneftekhim
|
128.172
|
119.049
|
|
Gazprom Neft
|
71.451
|
58.630
|
|
Total
|
248.769
|
217.705
|
PTA production at Polief amounted to 354,610 tons in the whole of 2024, combined with 218,386 tons of PET at Blagoveshchensk in Bashkortostan.
Russian PET production Jan-Dec 2024
Polief is currently Russia’s largest producer of PET, slightly surpassing Ekopet at Kaliningrad. Ekopet produced 223,122 tons of PET in the twelve months of 2024, whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 189,232 tons. In total PET production in Russia amounted to 630,740 tons in 2024 against 656,260 tons in 2023. The largest month for Russian PET production last year was in January when volumes totalled 56,423 tons and the smallest in February at 48,213 tons.
|
Russian PET Production by Region
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Q1 24
|
Q2 24
|
Q3 24
|
Q4 24
|
Total
|
|
SIBUR-PETF & Senezh
|
48.734
|
52.994
|
45.145
|
45.145
|
189.232
|
|
Ekopet
|
51.123
|
58.138
|
56.833
|
56.833
|
223.122
|
|
Polief
|
54.686
|
55.403
|
53.740
|
53.740
|
218.386
|
|
Total
|
154.542
|
166.535
|
155.718
|
155.718
|
630.740
|
Russian PTA imports Jan-Dec 2024
Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 298,234 in 2024 versus 248,098 tons in the same period in 2023. Nearly all of the PTA imports from China were shipped to Ekopet at Kaliningrad by rail. PTA import prices averaged $729.135 in 2024 against $779.235 in 2023. Values of PTA imports amounted to $217.453 million against $193.327 million in 2023.
|
Russian PTA Imports from China
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
Jan-Dec 22
|
Jan-Dec 21
|
|
Ktons
|
298.234
|
248.098
|
251.817
|
290.756
|
|
€ mil
|
217.453
|
193.327
|
213.527
|
182.67
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
729.135
|
779.235
|
847.946
|
628.257
|
Tatneft’s PTA project planned for Nizhnekamsk has been intended to resolve a large part of the import dependency on China, but this new plant is not expected to be completed for several years. Moreover, Glavgosexpertiza recently issued a negative opinion on the design documentation for the construction of the PTA plant. The project documentation was prepared by GSE-Giprokauchuk by order of China KunLun Contracting & Engineering Corp. (CKCEC), which is the licensor of the project.
This may mean that the timing of the project is shifted rather than cancelled completely. According to the project documentation, the construction of the PTA plant (with a capacity of 1 million tpa) is expected to take a period of 45 months, including nine months of preparatory work. China Kunlun contracting and engineering Co (CKCEC) has been indicated as the project licensor.
Russian PET-trade Jan-Dec 2024
|
Russian PET Imports from China
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
Jan-Dec 22
|
|
Ktons
|
327.487
|
237.470
|
273.848
|
|
€ mil
|
287.876
|
217.267
|
296.455
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
879.0
|
914.9
|
1082.6
|
Chinese shipments of PET to Russia amounted to 327,487 tons in 2024 against 237,470 tons in 2023. Costs of Chinese PET import shipments into Russia rose from $217.267 million to $287.876 million, which meant that average prices fell from $914.9 per ton to $879.0 per ton. Besides some small volumes from Belarus, China is almost the only source of PET imports into Russia.
Russian synthetic rubber production Jan-Dec 2024
Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 1.434 million tons in January to December 2024 against 1.411 million tons in 2023. Production tended to stabilise in 2024 but remains lower than prior to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
|
Russian Synthetic Rubber Production by Region
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Central Federal District
|
300.232
|
284.429
|
|
Northwestern Federal District
|
1.623
|
0.798
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
1026.127
|
1016.782
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
105.574
|
109.161
|
|
Total
|
1433.556
|
1411.170
|
The Volga region accounted for 1.026 million tons of Russian synthetic rubber production in 2024 against 1.017 million tons in 2023. This region provides the main basis for synthetic rubber production in Russia and includes producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Togliattikaucuk, and Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant. The region accounts for around 70% of total Russian production.
Voronezhsintezkaucuk is the main producer of synthetic rubber in the Central Federal District of Russia, where volumes amounted to 300,232 tons in 2024 against 284,429 tons in 2023. This region accounts for around 20% of total Russian production. Omsk Kaucuk is the sole producer in the Siberian region, where production dropped from 109,161 tons in 2023 to 105,574 tons in 2024.
Synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Dec 2024
Isoprene rubber was the largest category of synthetic rubber production in Russia last year, amounting to 282,356 tons followed by butadiene rubber with 270,446 tons and SKS-SKMS rubber with 250,722 tons. The highest value rubber sold by Russia is halogenated butyl rubber where production totalled 104,287 tons last year.
Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Dec 2024
Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $923.512 million in 2024 against $704.337 million in 2023. The largest category purchased by China last year was for butadiene rubber where costs amounted to $186.748 million, followed by butyl rubber with $164.509 million and halogenated butyl rubber which amounted to $163.108 million in 2024.
|
Chinese Imports of Synthetic Rubber from Russia
($ million)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
SBRs
|
137.357
|
97.882
|
|
Butadiene Rubber
|
186.748
|
145.883
|
|
Butyl Rubber
|
164.509
|
134.484
|
|
HBR
|
163.108
|
115.878
|
|
NBR
|
43.724
|
46.614
|
|
Isoprene Rubber
|
154.784
|
84.849
|
|
Others
|
73.282
|
78.746
|
|
Total
|
923.512
|
704.337
|
| |
|
|
|
Chinese Imports of Synthetic Rubber from Russia
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
SBRs
|
90.495
|
81.316
|
|
Butadiene Rubber
|
119.996
|
112.428
|
|
Butyl Rubber
|
96.785
|
90.433
|
|
HBR
|
79.759
|
57.656
|
|
NBR
|
31.012
|
34.019
|
|
Isoprene Rubber
|
93.240
|
58.863
|
|
Others
|
45.261
|
73.389
|
|
Total
|
556.548
|
508.104
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
1659.4
|
1386.2
|
By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 556,548 tons in 2024, which was up from 508,104 tons in 2023. Butadiene rubber exports represented the largest category, rising from 112,428 tons in 2023 to 119,996 tons. Exports of halogenated butyl rubber rose from 57,656 tons to 79,759 tons. Butyl rubber exports from Russia to China increased slightly in 2024 to 96,785 tons from 90,433 tons in 2023. Isoprene rubber exports increased from 54,398 tons to 80,137 tons. Nitrile-butadiene rubber exports to China amounted to 28,883 tons in the first eleven months in 2024 against 29,545 tons in the same period in 2023.
Russian methanol production Jan-Dec 2024
Russia produced 3.819 million tons of methanol in the twelve months of 2024 against 3.891 million tons in the same period in 2023. Production amounted to 360,168 tons in December which was the third highest volume last year.
|
Russian Methanol Production
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Central Federal District
|
1223.336
|
1258.360
|
|
Northwestern Federal District
|
108.418
|
92.079
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
124.234
|
116.670
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
1606.895
|
1685.911
|
|
Ural federal district
|
67.105
|
66.189
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
688.640
|
671.310
|
|
Total
|
3818.630
|
3890.519
|
The Volga region, including Metafrax Chemicals, Tomet and Amonni, reduced total production from 1.686 million tons to 1.606 million tons in 2024. The Siberian Federal District (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 671,310 tons to 688,640 tons. The Central region, which includes Shchekinoazot and Azot at Novomoskovsk, reduced produced from 1.258 million tons to 1.223 million.
Regarding some of the smaller producers, Azot at Nevinnomyssk increased production from 116,070 tons to 124,234 tons which correlated with the increase in acetic acid production. Other plants where methanol is consumed internally include Akron, Angarsk Petrochemical and Novatek. Akron uses methanol for formaldehyde production, Angarsk Petrochemical uses methanol for MTBE and Novatek uses methanol for gas processing.
Russian methanol exports Jan-Dec 2024
Russian methanol exports amounted to 1.253 million tons in January to December 2024 versus 1.488 million tons in 2023. Shchekinoazot reduced exports from 595,468 tons to 510,468 tons in 2024 whilst Metafrax Chemicals reduced shipments from 348,839 tons to 245,589 tons. Tomet increased exports from 122,573 tons to 144,768 tons in January to December 2023. Gazprom Methanol reduced exports to 287,440 tons from 347,131 tons.
|
Russian Methanol Exports by Producer
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Azot Nevinnomyssk
|
16.894
|
9.877
|
|
Azot Novomoskovsk
|
48.035
|
64.112
|
|
Metafrax Chemicals
|
245.589
|
348.839
|
|
Gazprom Methanol
|
287.440
|
347.131
|
|
Tomet
|
144.768
|
122.573
|
|
Shchekinoazot
|
510.468
|
595.854
|
|
Total
|
1253.195
|
1488.387
|
|
Russian Methanol Exports by Destination
(unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Belarus
|
118.994
|
128.495
|
|
China
|
797.440
|
781.917
|
|
Finland
|
0.000
|
106.441
|
|
Germany
|
0.000
|
5.265
|
|
Georgia
|
11.985
|
0.000
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
60.400
|
53.301
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
0.599
|
0.000
|
|
Latvia
|
0.000
|
1.230
|
|
Lithuania
|
0.000
|
9.019
|
|
Netherlands
|
0.000
|
20.814
|
|
Poland
|
0.000
|
126.002
|
|
UAE
|
20.997
|
10.229
|
|
Turkey
|
242.611
|
245.673
|
|
Others
|
0.239
|
0.004
|
|
Total
|
1253.195
|
1488.387
|
Azot at Novomoskovsk stopped exporting after August due to vulnerability of the Kavkaz port to drone attacks. Until that period the plant had exported 48,035 tons in 2024.
|
Russian Methanol Exports to China (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Exporter
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Metafrax Chemicals
|
166.372
|
209.122
|
|
Gazprom Methanol
|
287.249
|
345.242
|
|
Tomet
|
70.574
|
93.219
|
|
Shchekinoazot
|
273.245
|
134.334
|
|
Total
|
797.440
|
781.917
|
Russian exports to China amounted to 797,440 tons in the whole of 2024 against 781,917 tons in the same period in 2023. Volumes to Turkey dropped from 245,673 tons to 242,611 tons, whilst exports to Belarus dropped from 128,495 tons to 118,994 tons.
Although China has replaced Finland as Russia’s main export destination for methanol exports, most of the Russian methanol plants are located in the western parts of the country. This results in much higher costs of logistics than to the EU markets. Despite the geographical factors Shchekinoazot increased exports to China in 2024 to 273,245 tons against 134,334 tons in 2023. Gazprom Methanol reduced exports to 287,249 tons in 2024 was reduced from 345,242 tons in 2023. Metafrax Chemicals reduced exports from 209,122 tons in 2023 to 141,390 tons whilst Tomet increased shipments from 79,767 tons to 62,149 tons.
|
Chinese Imports of Methanol from Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
Jan-Dec 22
|
|
Kilo tons
|
781.5
|
759.8
|
123.6
|
|
$ million
|
223.9
|
207.4
|
39.4
|
|
Av $ per ton
|
286.5
|
273.0
|
318.9
|
According to Chinese statistics imports of methanol from Russia totalled 781,515 tons in 2024 against 759,819 tons in 2023, with costs rising from $207.4 million to $223.9 million. Of the Chinese regions, Shanghai Province took over half of Russian methanol shipments in 2024, accounting for 397,132 tons. The next largest region was Zhejiang Province, accounting for 214,293 tons. The other regions taking Russian methanol last year included Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jiangsu Province and Hainan Province.
Russian methanol domestic sales, Jan-Dec 2024
Domestic merchant sales of methanol increased slightly in 2024 to 1.561 million tons, and now domestic merchant sales exceed exports. Although exports to China remain constant, producers in the Western parts of Russia do not see this trade as a providing a long-term solution to market sales.
|
Russian Methanol Domestic Sales (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Azot Nevinnomyssk
|
7.118
|
7.010
|
|
Azot Novomoskovsk
|
22.219
|
16.122
|
|
Metafrax Chemicals
|
494.966
|
502.957
|
|
Gazprom Methanol
|
322.043
|
291.081
|
|
Tomet
|
271.851
|
311.440
|
|
Shchekinoazot
|
411.513
|
391.683
|
|
Ammoni (Mendeleevsk)
|
31.773
|
32.087
|
|
Total
|
1561.483
|
1552.380
|
Metafrax Chemicals reduced domestic merchant sales to 494,966 tons in January to December 2024 against 502,957 tons in 2023, whilst Gazprom Methanol increased domestic merchant sales to 322,043 tons against 291,081 tons. Last year Metafrax Chemicals became part of the Roskhim state holding group.
Shchekinoazot increased domestic merchant sales to 411,513 tons in 2024 against 391,683 tons in January to December 2023. At present Shchekinoazot is focused on completing the construction of new facilities for ammonia (525,000 tpa) and urea (700,000 tpa). Whilst the EU has not sanctioned Russian fertiliser trade, it has sanctioned engineering and technology areas of business excluding Western contractors from projects. As a result, Shchekinoazot has been using the Chinese company CNCEC to construct the ammonia and urea plants, in addition to providing the equipment. These new facilities are expected to be operational by early 2025.
Nakhodka methanol and fertiliser plant to become part of state holding Roskhim
State holding company Roskhim could take control of the Nakhodka Fertiliser Plant (NFP) in the Russian Far East where construction of a new methanol is currently ongoing. Roskhim is controlled by the Kremlin, having taken control of multiple chemical companies already, including Metafrax Chemicals.
Should the transfer of power be approved this will mean that after the construction has been completed of the new Nakhodka plant, Roskhim would have a strong foothold in the Russian methanol market. Together with the 1.0 million tpa capacity at Metafrax Chemicals, the 1.8 million tpa from the Nakhodka plant would equate to around 40% of total Russian capacity.
Metafrax Chemicals could gain more from the Roskhim alliance from logistical advantages in methanol transportation. A terminal for transshipment of methanol for export is being built on the basis of NFP which may become accessible to Metafrax Chemicals. The terminal, which is to be connected with the new methanol and fertiliser complex, is being designed to receive up to 105 vessels annually. The terminal includes a methanol loading capacity of 1400 tons per hour, from the 1.8 million tpa plant.
Roskhim holding was established in 2021 under the name Russian Hydrogen and has since gained control over dozens of chemical assets in different regions of Russia. Some of the plants were acquired during a symbolic auction after courts were manipulated leading to the return assets to the state.
Russian butanol production Jan-Dec 2024
|
Russian N-Butanol Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
North Caucasus Federal District
|
16.466
|
18.640
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
99.433
|
99.651
|
|
Siberian Federal District
|
24.374
|
28.005
|
|
Total
|
140.273
|
146.296
|
Russian normal butanol production dropped from 146,296 tons in January to December 2023 to 140,273 tons in 2024. The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom, reduced production from 99,651 tons in the whole of 2023 to 99,433 tons.
Isobutanol production increased from 89,635 tons in 2023 to 107,018 tons in 2024. Despite maintenance in August Gazprom neftekhim Salavat increased production to 24,182 tons against 15,126 tons in the same period in 2023, whilst SIBUR-Khimprom at Perm increased from 54,331 tons to 67,485 tons. Sales of isobutanol have been strong this year, but there are signs of lower consumption in the second half of the year in line with the slowing economy.
Russian solvent production Jan-Dec 2024
The volume of production of low and medium-tonnage chemicals in Russia has been rising over the past few years, increasing by around 60% in 2024 measured against 2020. Consumption has not changed significantly over that period, but a range of products including isopropanol, melamine, maleic anhydride, and hydrogen peroxide, have all contributed to creating a domestic supply base.
Russian acetone production dropped from 119,828 tons in 2023 to 113,222 tons in 2024. Omsk Kaucuk produced 36,604 tons against 28,413 tons in the previous year whilst Kazanorgsintez produced 35,411 tons against 42,422 tons.
|
Russian Acetone Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ufaorgsintez
|
24.148
|
26.274
|
|
Kazanorgsintez
|
35.411
|
42.422
|
|
Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical
|
17.059
|
22.719
|
|
Omsk Kaucuk
|
36.604
|
28.413
|
|
Total
|
113.222
|
119.828
|
|
Russian Acetic Acid Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Azot Nevinnomyssk
|
212.593
|
158.681
|
|
Others
|
73.596
|
36.604
|
|
Total
|
286.189
|
195.285
|
Russian acetic acid production amounted to 286,189 tons in January to December 2024 against 195,285 tons in 2023. The largest producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, increased production from 158,681 tons to 212,593 tons. Aside using acetic acid for the production of butyl acetate and methyl acetate Azot supplies merchant acetic to the Russian domestic market. The two largest customers include Polief which purchases acetic acid for PTA and Stavrolen which uses acetic acid in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).
|
Russian Isopropanol Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Producer
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Plant of Synthetic Alcohol
|
28.955
|
31.461
|
|
Omsk Kaucuk
|
38.708
|
32.477
|
|
Total
|
67.663
|
63.938
|
It is reported that acetic acid from Russia’s main plant at Nevinnomyssk has been delivered to companies producing explosives, including the Sverdlov Chemical Plant in addition to gunpowder plants at Tambov and Kazan. Although the evidence is more anecdotal rather than empirical, in other words where there is clear documentary information, this appears to represent the most logical reason for the increase in acetic acid production in 2024.
Stavrolen produced 46,818 tons of VAM in 2024 from the country total of 54,267 tons. VAM is exported from Stavrolen in quantities of around 2,000 tons per month, most of which goes to Turkey.
Isopropanol production in Russia amounted to 67,663 tons in January to December 2024 against 63,938 tons in the same period in 2023. Omsk Kaucuk increased production from 32,477 tons to 38,708 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk reduced production from 31,461 tons to 28,955 tons. Omsk Kaucuk only started isopropanol production in 2020 and only achieved high utilisation rates in 2023.
|
Russian Polyacrylate Production (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Region
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Central Federal District
|
91.489
|
82.789
|
|
Volga Federal District
|
48.750
|
44.635
|
|
Total
|
146.442
|
133.711
|
Polyacrylate production totalled 146,442 tons in the first ten months last year, up from 133,711 tons in 2023. The biggest region in Russia for the production of polyacrylates is the Central Federal District where SIBUR-Neftekhim produces at Dzerzhinsk.
In October 2023 SIBUR-Neftekhim resumed the production of ethyl acrylate at its plant in Dzerzhinsk, with a capacity of 32 tons per day. Currently SIBUR is the only producer of these light esters in Russia, as well as the heavy ester of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. Ethyl acrylate is used in the production of acrylic emulsions, varnishes and paints, adhesive compositions, sealants and other polymer products in leather, printing, paints and varnishes, etc.
Potassium nitrate-Nevinnomysk
The production of potassium nitrate at Azot Nevinnomyssk (Stavropol Territory) is expected to be launched by the summer of 2025. Potassium nitrate is used by the defence sector, which means there is a good possibility that the Russian military would be a potential buyer. It reflects the growing involvement of the wider Russian chemical industry in supporting the Russian military. Plants that produce mostly for the civilian sector could be targeted by Ukraine, if believed they are contributing to Russia’s war capabilities.
Azot at Nevinnomyssk is known already to supply acetic acid and nitric acid to the Sverdlov chemical plant. Azot is owned by the group Evrokhim (Eurochem) which is predominantly focused on fertiliser production and some organic chemicals. This group has no direct links with the military. Uralkhim, another fertiliser producer, sent over 27,000 tons of ammonium nitrate to the Sverdlov plant in 2024.
|
Phthalic anhydride production in Russia totalled 94,823 tons in 2024 against 90,275 tons in the same period in 2023. Kamteks-Khimprom at Perm is the largest producer followed by Gazprom neftekhim Salavat, and together these two plants produced 75,446 tons in 2024.
Maleic anhydride production in Russia totalled 53,420 tons in 2024, all of which was produced at Tobolsk. Consumption of maleic anhydride in the Russian market in 2023 increased by 22% and amounted to 11,000 tons against 9,000 tons in the previous year. The market has been helped by the start-up of the plant at Tobolsk in 2022, which was constructed using Italian technology.
Isocyanate/polyol imports into Russia
TDI imports into Russia from South Korea increased last year, rising from 8,639 tons in January to December 2023 to 30,375 tons in 2024. The increase in imports in 2024 was due to the need to supplement supplies from China.
|
South Korean Exports of TDI to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ktons
|
30.375
|
8.639
|
|
$ million
|
57.350
|
19.579
|
|
Av Price $/ton
|
1888.1
|
2266.2
|
2
|
Chinese Exports of TDI to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ktons
|
26.821
|
26.949
|
|
$ million
|
48.056
|
64.931
|
|
Av Price $/ton
|
1791.7
|
2409.4
|
Prices of imports from South Korea amounted to $1888.1 per ton in 2024 against $2266.2 per ton in 2023. In addition to TDI South Korea exported 5,008 tons of MDI to Russia in 2024 for $11.158 million.
|
Chinese Exports of MDI to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ktons
|
111.599
|
117.324
|
|
$ million
|
246.796
|
228.069
|
|
Av Price $/ton
|
2211.5
|
1943.9
|
TDI imports from China into Russia amounted to 26,821 tons in January to December 2024 against 26,949 tons in 2023. Due to much lower prices in 2024, costs of Chinese imports dropped from $64.931 million to $48.056 million in 2024.
The main isocyanate imported into Russia is MDI, which accounted for 80.6% of all imports in 2024. After encountering shortages of MDI in the second and third quarters, Russian consumers benefited in October from an increase in shipments from China. Imports from China amounted to a total of 111,589 tons in 2024 against 117,324 tons in 2023. Costs of imports increased from $228.069 million to $246.796 million.
Short supply of MDI in Russia was affecting consuming companies last year in the third quarter, including processors such as TechnoNikol, Beko, Veratek, Verachim, etc. However, as a result of negotiations with Chinese banks MDI shipments into Russia increased sharply in the fourth quarter to 43,013 tons against 26,524 tons in the third quarter 2024 and 21,383 tons in the fourth quarter in 2023.
|
Chinese Exports of Polyols to Russia
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Ktons
|
128.954
|
114.298
|
|
$ million
|
183.375
|
173.767
|
|
Av Price $/ton
|
1423.9
|
1520.8
|
Polyurethane consumption in Russia was stable for most of 2024, although sellers of foam are now concerned about the implications of inflation and almost inevitably lower volumes.
Polyol imports into Russia from China increased from 114,298 tons in January to December 2023 to 128,954 tons in the same period in 2024. Import costs rose from $173.767 million in 2023 to $183.375 million last year. Average prices declined from $1520.8 per ton in 2023 to $1423.9 in 2024.
Kazakh production of PP Jan-Dec 2024
Exports of polypropylene from Kazakhstan to China dropped in 2024 to 88,853 tons against 105,966 tons in 2023. The decline is due to the diversification of exports to other destinations.
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Kazakh Exports of PP to China
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Kilo tons
|
88.853
|
105.966
|
|
$ million
|
67.586
|
82.639
|
|
Kazakh Petrochemical Production
|
|
Product
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
MTBE
|
37.3
|
33.1
|
|
PP
|
248.4
|
175.5
|
|
Benzene
|
26.7
|
22.0
|
|
Paraxylene
|
145.5
|
17.8
|
Products are exported to Europe, China, Russia and Turkey, with a special focus on supporting Kazakh processors. KPI produces eight grades of polypropylene, five of which have not been previously produced in Kazakhstan.
The polypropylene plant is still technically in the start-up phase, as the commissioning certificate has not yet been signed. The plant is not operating even at half of its design capacity, producing 248,700 tons in 2024. Even so the share of KPI in the domestic polypropylene market is already over 50%. Imports of polypropylene in the country decreased from 63% in 2022 to 17% by the end of 2024.
Uzbek MTO Complex-PET project
Equipment for the construction of the PET production unit arrived at the construction site of the MTO Gas Chemical Complex in Uzbekistan. A heat exchanger, manufactured by the Chinese company Wuhan East Petrochemical Equipment Ltd, will be used in the construction of the PET unit under the supervision of the US licensor, Chemtex.
|
Chinese Exports of PET to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (unit-kilo tons)
|
|
Country
|
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
69.997
|
68.968
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
140.027
|
111.409
|
The main purpose of the new equipment is to maintain the optimal temperature in the PET reactor to ensure the required parameters of the final product. During transportation, the equipment covered over 5,000 kilometres across China and along Kazakhstan’s southern border, and then arrived in Uzbekistan through the Yallama border post. Wuhan Petrochemical Heavy Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in the manufacturing and servicing of equipment for the petrochemical, coal, gas, mining, nuclear, and other industries.
SOCAR Jan-Dec 2024
Azerbaijan produced 516,500 tons of methanol in January-December 2024, which is 5.7% more than in the corresponding period in 2023. Azerbaijan exported 474,066 tons of methanol in 2024 against 501,700 tons in 2023. The value of the volume of export products declined to $104.396 million.
|
Azerbaijan Methanol Market (unit-kilo tons)
|
| |
Jan-Dec 24
|
Jan-Dec 23
|
|
Production
|
516.5
|
494.5
|
|
Exports
|
474.1
|
501.7
|
|
Value $ mil
|
104.4
|
114.3
|
lue of the volume of export products declined to $104.396 million.