Czech crude imports Jan-2025

Imports of Russian crude into the Czech Republic dropped slightly from 292,700 tons in January 2024 to 236,303 tons in January this year.  At the same time, Azerbaijan increased crude shipments to the Czech Republic to 279,600 tons against 207,700 tons.  Total imports into the country amounted to 590,400 tons against 622,500 tons in January 2024. 

Due to further interruptions of crude deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline in March, the Czech government released about a third of its strategic reserves to Unipetrol.  Emergency stocks of around 330,000 tons are capable of keeping refineries at Kralupy and Litvinov supplied for around 90 days.  Russian crude accounted for 42% of the Czech Republic’s oil imports last year but is expected to be phased out completely in 2025.  The TAL-Plus pipeline should be ready for removing complete dependency on Russian crude in the early part of the third quarter. 

Crude oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline have resumed, ending a suspension ordered last week due to a Ukrainian drone attack on a metering station.  The resumption followed repairs by the Russian system operator to damage sustained in the attack.  

Hungarian-Kazakh crude agreement

Hungary imported a total of 5.199 million tons of crude in 2024 against 5.998 million tons in 2023.  In correlation with lower volumes, shipments from Russia dropped from 4.729 million tons to 4.534 million tons in 2024.   MOL group margins for refining dropped sharply in 2024, down from the peaks recorded in 2022 and 2023.

Although Hungary is striving to continue sourcing crude from Russia, it is still looking at alternative sources as a necessary back-up.  This is particularly important while the war continues.  Thus, an agreement was signed in February 2025 between Kazakhstan and Hungary to enhance oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Druzhba pipeline.   

Kazakhstan is already supplying Germany via the Druzhba and aims to supply at least 1.5 million tons in 2025 copying the volume in 2024.  By agreeing to ship crude to Hungary, Kazakhstan is trying to expand its presence in Europe. 

In the long term, this development could also influence the stability of oil prices in Central Europe, depending on the evolution of energy flows from Kazakhstan.   The only real weakness of the strategy is the dependency on the Druzhba pipeline and its continued operational performance.

Polish crude imports Jan-2025

From the total of 2.253 million tons of crude imported into Poland in January, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 1.121 million tons followed by Norway which provided 497,600 tons.     Average prices for Polish crude purchases increased from $539.7 per ton in January last year to $560.0 per ton. 

Polish petrochemical production Jan-2025

Ethylene production in Poland dropped from 31,000 tons in January last year to 22,700 tons in January 2025 as Orlen reduced cracker utilisation.  At the same time Polish propylene production rose from 27,700 tons to 32,500 tons where volumes were boosted by the Polimery Police plant.  Butadiene production at Plock dropped to 4,105 tons from 4,613 tons last year.  Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos.

In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 22,800 tons in January 2025 versus 29,000 tons in January 2024.  By contrast, polypropylene production increased from 21,600 tons to 29,600 tons due to additional output from the Police plant.  PVC production at Wloclawek decreased from 13,900 tons to 12,400 tons. 

Orlen Group Jan-Dec 2024

Despite Orlen’s strong performance in the fourth quarter last year, petrochemicals continued to provide the group’s weakest link amongst the product sectors.   Sales of petrochemicals totalled 1.397 million tons in the first quarter in 2022 been in decline since the second half of 2022 whilst profits from petrochemical operations have been on the decline, hitting the lowest point in recent years in the fourth quarter in 2023.    

 Sales volumes were notably lower in 2023, but did improve in 2024 with all four quarters beating their analogous quarter in the previous year.  Overall, sales totalled 4.788 million tons in 2024 against 4.379 million tons in 2023.  The increase in sales was due to in part to higher demand in Poland than in 2023.  In the Czech market, sales were lower mainly due to lower market consumption and Unipetrol's unplanned shutdown at Litvinov at the end of August.  

In addition to higher volumes, petrochemical margins for the Orlen Group ended 2024 higher than in 2023. 

One of the reasons that Orlen changed the Olefiny III project into Nowa Chemia was concern over petrochemical margins, particularly polyolefins which peaked in 2022 but have been lower since.  Current forecasts provide little optimism for significant increases in margins in the short to medium term. 

In terms of product revenues in 2024 all product groups exceeded revenues that were recorded in 2023, with the exception of plastics.  Revenues from monomer sales increased from €660.9 million to €749.3 million, with volumes increasing from 666,000 tons to 732,000 tons.   

Polyolefin sales increased from 614,000 tons to 717,000 tons in 2024, which meant that revenues rose from €754.2 million to €803.2 million.  PTA sales increased from 410,000 tons to 581,000 tons, resulting in an increase in revenues from €340.3 million to €421.3 million.   

Orlen Unipetrol Jan-Dec 2024

The Unipetrol Group processed 6.6 million tons of crude oil at its two refineries in 2024, whilst sales of petrochemical products totalled 1.6 million tons. The level of petrochemical sales for Orlen Unipetrol dropped in the third quarter, due in part to routine shutdown of the Litvinov refinery and production stoppages in August and September 2024 due to an unexploded bomb found at the site.

Polyethylene production totalled 351,000 tons in 2024 against 354,00 tons in 2023, whilst polypropylene amounted to 283,000 tons versus 207,000 tons.  Polypropylene production for Orlen Unipetrol was not affected by the outages in the third quarter and most of the impact was felt on polyethylene. 

MOL’s petrochemical division Jan-Dec 2024

MOL’s petrochemical sales increased by 9% in Q4 2024 against the same period in 2023, despite the prevalence of weak demand and poor margins in Central Europe. 

MOL’s petrochemical margins had peaked in the third quarter in 2024 at €219 per ton, rising from €214 per ton in the second quarter and €209 in the first quarter.   However, then margins in October dropped below €200 per ton and for the fourth quarter dropped to €159 per ton.  Brent-based refining margins continued to trend downwards in Q4 to below $4 per barrel.  January 2025 data suggests that margins remain under pressure in both refining and petrochemicals.  

MOL’s petrochemical division saw its EBITDA fall into the red last year.  Margins remained under pressure from both feedstock and demand side.  For both 2023 and 2024 MOL’s petrochemical division recorded losses reflecting the weakness of the European market climate.  The last profitable period was experienced by MOL in the third quarter in 2022. 

MOL’s downstream profitability was affected in the third quarter last year by turnarounds that kept crude processing below 2023 volumes. 

MOL’s ethylene production in Hungary and Slovakia amounted to 597,000 tons in 2024 against 542,000 tons in the same period in 2023.  Propylene production from the two plants dropped from 328,000 tons to 310,000 tons, whilst butadiene rose from 63,000 tons to 74,000 tons.  

Petrochemical sales from the MOL Group are led by LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene and the general trend in recent quarters has been one of lower volumes.  LDPE production at Bratislava and Tiszaujvaros dropped from 210,000 tons in 2023 to 144,000 tons in 2024, whilst polypropylene production declined from 476,000 tons to 431,000 tons. 

HDPE production takes place only at Tiszaujvaros where volumes dropped from 285,000 tons in 2023 to 273,000 tons in 2024. Apart from olefins and polyolefins, MOL produces maleic anhydride and aromatics at the Danube refinery at Szazhalombatta.  The company exports large volumes of maleic anhydride and benzene.

Slovnaft’s ethylene modernisation

Slovnaft’s ethylene unit is undergoing long-term modernisation, which does not affect current production.  In 2024 the company undertook about a dozen projects as part of the second phase of this extensive and comprehensive programme.    One of those projects included the construction of new hydrogen compressors to replace the aging ones.  The replacement of the two hydrogen compressors cost approximately €7 million and required about 3.5 years from the preparation of the assignment to commissioning.   In total, Slovnaft is investing more than €250 million in the extension of the life of the ethylene unit, with the project starting in 2022 and should be completed in 2029.

HIP Petrohemija Jan-Dec 2024

HIP Petrohemija produced a total of 298,100 tons of petrochemicals in 2024.  Volumes increased in the third quarter after extended maintenance at the Pancevo cracker in the second quarter.  Key investment activities were carried out last year in the ethylene and polyethylene plants. 

Naphtha processing by Petrohemija totalled 399,500 tons in 2024.  HIP Petrohemija recorded a slight loss in both EBITDA and net profit versus 2023.  The most important issue facing the company concerns US sanctions on its shareholding company which were imposed on 10 January, although not to be enforced for 45 days.  These sanctions could affect crude supply to the Pancevo refinery in Serbia, if allowed to go ahead. 

In order to avert the problem of sanctions Gazprom Neft transferred to Gazprom about 5.15% of the shares of NIS at the end of February.  This could prevent US sanctions that could lead to a reduction in oil supplies to this Balkan country.   With the help of the deal, Gazprom Neft reduced its stake in NIS from 50% to 44.85%.

Rompetrol Rafinare 2024

Rompetrol Rafinare processed 83,000 tons of propylene in 2024 against 117,000 tons in 2023, whilst ethylene processing did not take place due to the shutdown at the LDPE plant. 

The polyethylene plant has been idle due to the economics of production in terms of energy and raw material costs measured against margins.  The petrochemical segment for Rompetrol Rafinare is the only producer of polypropylene and polyethylene in Romania.  The polypropylene plant operates with raw material produced and delivered internally by the Petromidia refinery, and the LDPE plant uses imported ethylene as a raw material.

Polish propylene imports, Jan-2025

Poland imported 9,643 tons of propylene in January against 7,374 tons in January last year.  At the same time Poland exported 1,972 tons of propylene, supplied by Grupa Azoty Polyolefins from the Polimery Police plant.  The plant is still not running at full capacity but probably producing around 800 tons a day.   

In the first month this year Germany was the main supplier to Poland, shipping 8,619 tons against 6,652 tons in January 2024.  Average import prices increased from €843.8 per ton to €853.6 in January.

Polish butadiene imports, Jan-2025

Butadiene import prices for Poland rose from 715.9 per ton on average in January last year to €900.9 in January 2024, with import volumes rising from 7,019 tons to 11,431 tons.   Synthos is the major importer of butadiene in Poland.   Germany was the largest supplier, shipping 6,620 tons January against 1,533 tons last year.  The increase in imports in 2024 into Poland was driven by the increase in synthetic rubber production at Oswiecim, rising from 20,300 tons in January last year to 25,300 tons this January.

Hungarian propylene & butadiene imports, Jan-Dec  2024

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 71,979 tons in January to December 2024 against 83,442 tons in 2023, with shipments to Slovakia dropping from 81,309 tons to 61,722 tons.  Prices averaged €941.8 per ton in the first nine months against €1096.9 per ton in 2023. 

Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 52,128 tons in 2024 against 41,841 tons in 2023.  Shipments into Poland totalled 33,767 tons in January to December against 23,075 tons last year whilst exports to Germany rose from 3,014 tons to 8,211 tons.  Average prices for Hungarian butadiene exports fell to €841.5 per ton versus €817.4 in 2023.

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-2025

Czech propylene imports amounted to 6,612 tons in January against 3,842 tons in January last year.  Imports came from Germany and Poland.  Butadiene imports amounted to 4,809 tons in January, all of which was supplied from Germany.

Central European styrene market

Styrene imports into Hungary totalled 58,760 tons in 2024 against 75,925 tons in 2023.  Italy accounted for 46,407 tons of styrene imports into Hungary which was down from 68,972 tons in 2023.  Prices for styrene imports into Hungary amounted to €1383.2 per ton in 2024 against €1404.3 per ton in 2023.

Poland more than doubled styrene imports in January 2025 against January 2024, amounting to 9,405 tons versus 4,223 tons.  The largest supplier was the Netherlands which shipped 2,322 tons, up from 800 tons in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia which shipped 2,284 tons against zero last January.  The US also supplied 2,257 tons to Poland in January.

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-2025

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 28,018 tons in January against 25,527 tons in January 2024, with prices rising slightly from €1445.0 per ton to €1449.1 per ton.  Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.  Germany provided 11,625 tons in January.

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 30,286 tons in January measured against 35,634 tons in January 2024.  Average prices increased from €1293.4 per ton to €1371.3 per ton in this January. 

HDPE export shipments from Litvinov comprised 24,708 tons in January against 31,346 tons in the same month last year.  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-2025

Polish total foreign trade in polyethylene increased last year against 2023 for both imports and exports.  Consumption of polyethylene showed a slight improvement in January against January last year. 

The outlook for polyethylene consumption showed some signs of cautious optimism at the start of 2025, although factors such as the war in Ukraine and US tariffs tend to make forecasts vulnerable.   

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 123,351 tons in January 2025 against 114,320 tons in the same period in 2024, with average prices falling from €1267.1 per ton to €1230.3 per ton.  In addition to the European suppliers to Poland, Saudi Arabia also provided over 17,000 tons in January. 

HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 34,792 tons in January versus 36,224 tons in January 2024.  Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market.  

LLDPE imports rose from 18,278 tons in January last year to 21,931 tons in the corresponding month this year.  Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced mostly from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany.  LDPE imports increased to 28,593 tons versus 31,816 tons in January last year.  Imports from ethylene alpha olefins increased to 28,769 tons against 24,023 tons.

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 1.377 million tons in 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.

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 26,022 tons in January, slightly up from 24,007 tons in January last year.  Average prices for polyethylene exports from Poland fell overall in 2024, dropping to €1281 per ton.  Prices in January averaged €1232.6 per ton.

Exports of HDPE from Poland rose from 15,450 tons in January 2024 to 15,911 tons in January 2025 whilst LDPE exports rose from 5,475 tons to 5,730 tons.  Exports of ethylene alpha olefins amounted to 1,535 tons in January.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Dec 2024

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 320,957 tons in January to December last year against 334,992 tons in 2023, whilst average prices dropped from €1259.5 per ton to €1229.8 per ton.  Revenues for polyethylene exports in January to September dropped from €295.6 million in 2024 to €313.9 million in 2023. 

In terms of category HDPE exports increased from 216,556 tons in January to December 2023 to 222,285 tons whilst LDPE exports dropped from 80,758 tons to 81,597 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 221,072 tons in January to December last year against 200,163 tons in 2023. 

Hungarian import prices for polyethylene decreased on average from €1588.3 per ton to €1534.4 in 2024.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which rose from 85,065 tons to 96,122 tons.   

Polish PP Trade Jan-2025

Polypropylene consumption in Poland amounted to 81,100 tons in January against 85,000 tons in the same month last year, although the prospects appear slightly better overall for 2025.      

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, amounted to 78,888 tons in January against 84,558 tons last year, with prices rising from €1332.1 per ton to €1428.5 per ton.  Imports were lower in January due to higher domestic production. 

Homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 56,820 tons in January last year to 52,430 tons, whilst copolymer imports decreased from 26,082 tons to 24,394 tons.  Total import costs of propylene polymers were similar, amounting to €112.691 million against €112.637 million in 2023. 

In terms of pricing, imports into Poland usually face a higher premium than exports primarily due to the volumes of propylene copolymers than enter the country.  The price differential between imports and exports in 2024 attained averages around €200 per ton, despite starting at a similar figure at the start of the year.

Exports of homo polymer grade polypropylene increased from Poland to 21,428 tons in January against 15,366 tons last year.   Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination. 

Exports of all grades of polypropylene amounted to 27,392 tons in January against 21,210 tons in January last year.  Due to the influence of the Police plant, export shipments of propylene polymers from Poland rose to 381,647 tons in 2024 against 213,135 tons in January to December 2023. 

Grupa Azoty Polyolefins-Orlen propane agreement

Grupa Azoty and Orlen entered into a working capital financing agreement for up to $28 million to finance the acquisition of propane by Grupa Azoty Polyolefins. The agreement specifies the terms and conditions of this financing and the terms of repayment. Propane is used in Polimery Police for the production of propylene.  Orlen is currently conducting a due diligence of Grupa Azoty Polyolefins.

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Dec 2024

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 229,097 tons in January to December 2024 versus 224,868 tons in 2023, with average prices rising slightly to €1354.9 per ton.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 127,340 tons last year versus 122,750 tons in 2023.   The major destinations for Hungarian polypropylene exports included Poland with over 45,000 tons, Italy with over 39,000 tons and Romania over 24,000 tons. 

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Hungarian inward shipments increased to 211,898 tons in January to December 2024 from 183,280 tons in 2023, with average prices dropping from €1726.1 per ton to €1529.5 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers increased from 46,945 tons to 54,505 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports increased from 109,463 tons to 133,541 tons.    

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-2025

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 24,434 tons in January versus 23,000 tons in January 2024, with average prices rising from €1392.0 per ton to €1458.3 per ton in 2024.   Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Czech polypropylene exports, amounting to 20,219 tons in January versus 18,289 tons in January 2024.   For imports of all forms of polypropylene,

Czech inward shipments amounted to 41,532 tons in January 2025 from 43,931 tons in January 2024, with average prices rising from €1485.9 per ton to €1502.3 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers increased slightly from 17,242 tons to 17,696 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 22,565 tons to 25,526 tons.    

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-2025

The Czech Republic exported 10,165 tons of butadiene rubber in January against11,160 tons in the same period in 2023.  Average prices for butadiene rubber rose from €1526.0 per ton to €1907.9 per ton.  Besides exports the Czech Republic also imported 2,328 tons of butadiene rubber in January, sourced largely from Germany and the US.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Dec 2024

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 109,909 tons in January to December 2024 against 124,151 tons in January to December 2023.  Average prices increased from €2217.5 per ton to €2433.1 in 2024. 

Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary dropped from 43,470 tons to 32,541 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia which supplied 8,354 tons.  SBR imports into Hungary rose from 50,958 tons to 58,558 tons.   Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 58,929 tons last year of which SBR grades accounted for 51,984 tons.  MOL agreed at the end of 2024 to sell its 49% stake in ENEOS MOL Synthetic Rubber Kft 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 imports Jan-2025

For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices dropped from €2216.9 in January to October 2023 to €1831.1 in the first ten months 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.

Poland imported a total of 16,607 tons of synthetic rubber in January against 20,856 tons in January 2024.   By category. EPDM was the largest product, accounting for 3,509 tons against 2,408 tons.   The largest suppliers of all grades of synthetic rubber included China, Germany, Belgium and Saudi Arabia. 

Poland imported a total of 304,512 tons of synthetic rubber in January to December 2024 against 265,947 tons in 2023.  Russia supplied 81,748 tons in the first half of 2024 after which EU sanctions took full effect.  Thus, no Russian product should be entering Poland or all of the EU market in 2025.

Polish synthetic rubber exports Jan-2025 and Jan-Dec 2024

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 26,823 tons in January against 19,226 tons in January 2024.   Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 4,416 tons against 4,702 tons.   The largest category of rubber exports focuses on SBR grades where volumes amounted to 20,405 tons in January against 17,341 tons in January last year.  Prices of synthetic rubber exports from Poland increased from €1626.8 per ton last year €1696.5 per ton.  The trend for all forms of trade have been downward since the start of 2023 but have started to show an upward trajectory in 2025.   

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to a total of 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. 

Although Europe comprises the largest regional destination for Polish synthetic rubber exports, India is the largest single country export destination.  India took 42,052 tons in 2024 against 27,123 tons in 2023 and 39,816 tons in 2022.  Exports to Thailand totalled 15,053 tons in 2024 versus 11,954 tons in the previous year.  Brazil reduced its imports from Poland to 18,210 tons in 2024 from 18,603 tons in 2023 and 34,550 tons in 2022. 

The largest European market for Polish synthetic rubber exports was the Czech Republic which took 23,027 tons in 2024.  Volumes increased last year to compensate for the closure of the ESBR plant at Kralupy.  Germany was the second largest market, taking 18,343 tons which was down against 20,526 tons in the previous year. 

One of the major developments for rubber consumption in Europe involves the Oradea tyre plant in Romania.  This plant was opened in 2024 by Nokian after the Finnish company had left the Russian market in 2023.  The plant produced its first tyre in July 2024 and is expanded to an annual capacity of 6 million tyres, with potential for future expansion. The plant will focus on the production of car tyres, which will be sold mainly on the Central European market.  Full start-up is expected in 2025.   Romania is already an important market for Polish synthetic rubber exports, from where shipments of butadiene rubber amounted to 11,356 tons in 2024.

Polish synthetic rubber production and domestic market Jan-2025

Synthetic rubber production at Oswiecim for Synthos amounted to 25,400 tons in January against 20,300 tons in January 2024.  Synthos has managed to diversify its export markets, which has allowed the company to increase production over 2023.  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.

The automotive sector remains the largest consumer of synthetic rubber in Poland, driving demand for high-performance materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR).  One of the major tyre manufacturers Debica suffered a fire in 2023 after which the production capacity of passenger tyres fell to 55%.  By the fourth quarter of 2024, Debica had regained full production capacity.  The Debica plant has strengthened its strategic position within the Goodyear Group as a significant plant capable of delivering increasingly advanced products. 

Synthos performance 2024

Synthos's financial performance in 2024 faced challenges, particularly in its insulation materials segment which struggled due to overcapacity and low-cost imports from regions like China.  Despite the drop in sales of synthetic rubber by Synthos in the past three years the company is reporting reasonable financial results.  Total sales volumes for Synthos in the first three quarters in 2024 amounted to 809,000 tons compared to 807,000 tons in the same period in 2023.  Sales volumes of rubbers increased 5%, as Synthos increased exports of butadiene rubber and SBR grades. 

Polish aromatic exports Jan-2025

Polish exports of benzene totalled 14,455 tons in January against 11,320 tons in January last year.  Benzene exports from Poland are supplied largely from Petrochemia Blachownia at Kedzierzyn-Kozle.  PTA exports from Poland amounted to 25,566 tons in January, up from 22,430 tons.  PTA is also imported into Poland, amounting to 1,485 tons in January.  

Polish aromatic imports Jan-2025

Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 7,050 tons in January versus 7,707 tons in January.  Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 5,722 tons against 5,657 tons in the same period in 2024.    Spain and Finland accounted for smaller shipments. 

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €1064.4 per ton measured against €1275.5 per ton in January 2024.  Phenol imports into Poland amounted to a total of 109,913 tons in January to December 2024 which was up from 86,157 tons in 2023. 

In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 9,405 tons in January against 4,223 tons in January 2024.  The Netherlands was the largest supplier shipping 2,322 tons, whilst other sources came from Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Germany.

Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 7,702 tons in January against 11,496 tons in January 2024.  All the ethylbenzene was shipped from Kralupy to Oswiecim, all within the structures of the Synthos Group. 

Caprolactam imports into Poland amounted to 1,197 tons in January versus 647 tons in the same period in 2024.  Caprolactam production remains idle at Pulawy, operated by Grupa Azoty, although the Tarnow plant produced 8,300 tons in January which was up from 8,000 tons.  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.

Polish PTA exports Jan-2025

Exports of PTA from Poland amounted to 25,565 tons in January against 22,430 tons in January 2024.  Germany took 22,847 tons, followed by Lithuania with shipments of 1,461 tons.  Prices fell from €802.9 per ton to €692.4 per ton. 

Orlen’s PTA production increased in 2024 to 581,000 tons against 410,000 tons in 2023.  This allowed total sales to increase from 413,000 tons to 575,000 tons.   From the total sales, exports totalled 381,700 tons in 2024 against 238,800 tons in 2023, reflecting in an increase in revenues from €196.2 million to €286.9 million.   

Czech aromatic trade Jan-2025

Benzene imports into the Czech Republic dropped in January this year to 2,237 tons against 3,134 tons in January 2024, whilst toluene imports dropped from 559 tons to 450 tons.  Benzene imports are sourced from Poland, Hungary and Serbia.  Benzene imports into the Czech Republic increased in 2024 to 40,008 tons against 25,656 tons in 2023. 

Imports of bisphenol A into the Czech Republic rose from 2,268 tons in January 2024 to 3,184 tons in the first month this year.  South Korea accounted for 3,136 tons in January, up from 704 tons in January 2024. 

Czech benzene exports increased to 2,045 tons in January against 4,883 tons in the same month in 2024, whilst toluene exports dropped from 1,289 tons to zero.  Aniline exports dropped to 6,976 tons in January against 9,641 tons last year.  All of the aniline shipped from the Czech Republic is produced at Ostrava by BorsodChem-MCHZ, and most of the exports are shipped to BorsodChem in Hungary. 

Czech caprolactam exports dropped from 2,092 tons to 102 tons, with prices rising from €1507.0 per ton to €2035.2 in 2024.  Although prices have risen this year Spolana is currently winding down production of caprolactam at the Neratovice plant.  Spolana belongs to Orlen Unipetrol where it has been decided to close unprofitable units such as caprolactam and PVC.

Czech epoxy resin exports Jan 2025

Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 5,072 tons in January against 2,391 tons in January 2024.  Prices rose from €2390.5 per ton to €2518.8 per ton.  Germany remains the largest market for Czech epoxy resins, accounting for 1,720 tons in January which was down from 1,990 tons in January 2024.  Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 49,063 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 46,888 tons in 2023. 

In February the European Commission initiated a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of epoxy resins originating in China, Taiwan, and Thailand.  South Korea remains exempt from the duty.

Hungarian aromatic trade Jan-Dec 2024

Hungarian benzene exports amounted to 34,714 tons in January to December 2024 against 41,841 tons in 2023.  Benzene production in Hungary takes place at the Danube refinery at Szazhalombatta.  Shipments from the refinery to the Czech Republic dropped from 15,749 tons to 3,259 tons whilst shipments to Poland dropped from 23,078 tons to 15,352 tons. 

Toluene imports into Hungary amounted to 44,774 tons in January to December last year for costs of €45.402 million.  This increased from 25,854 tons in 2023 for costs of €29.418 million.  Toluene is used by BorsodChem in the production of TDI. 

The main source of toluene supply last year was Germany, providing 53% of imports followed by Romania with 21% and Slovakia 13%.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Dec 2024

Hungarian TDI exports totalled 256,673 tons in January to December in 2024 against a total of 241,887 tons in 2023.  Average prices dropped from €2429.8 per ton in 2023 to €1964.5 per ton.  Multiple factors influenced the decline in prices last year such as polyurethane demand and feedstock costs. 

In Central Europe shipments of TDI from Hungary to Poland increased from 28,346 tons in 2023 to 30,885 tons in 2024 and to Turkey from 33,265 tons to 38,213 tons.  Shipments to Romania amounted to 14,476 tons last year.

Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium rose from 29,732 tons last year to 37,650 tons in January to December, whilst volumes to Italy increased from 27,254 tons to 29,545 tons. 

MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to December to 223,678 tons against 171,596 tons in 2023.  MDI export prices have seen a different trend to TDI in the past two years but tended to converge at the end of 2024, standing at €1916.8 per ton for MDI and €1964.5 for TDI.   

Poland was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports, taking 37,702 tons in 2024 versus 32,536 tons in 2023.  Exports to France dropped from 9,237 tons to 6,790 tons whilst to Germany exports dropped from 20,493 tons to 19,218 tons.  BorsodChem, a member of China's Wanhua Industrial Group, runs two TDI plants at its Kazincbarcika site.  MDI prices in Europe showed signs of upward movement in February due to supply disruptions and growing trade tensions

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-2025

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.  

TDI imports into Poland amounted to 6,942 tons in January against 6,971 tons in January 2024.  Prices of TDI imported into Poland dropped from €1919.1 per ton to €1910.2 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier in January, shipping 3,707 tons to Poland followed by 1,642 tons to Germany.

MDI imports into Poland totalled 12,583 tons in January this year against 12,837 tons in January 2024.  Average prices rose slightly from €1861.9 per ton to €1866.2 in January. 

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.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 2,222 tons in January 2025 against 2,057 tons in January 2024.  Average prices decreased from €2050.0 per ton to €2018.1 per ton.    The leading supplier was Belgium which shipped 736 tons against 586 tons in January 2024.  Imports from Hungary increased from 270 tons to 301 tons. 

European polyol market challenges

One of the main challenges for European polyether-polyol producers in 2025 is striving to improve the efficiency of production costs.  The geopolitical situation could moreover significantly influence the flow of imports, including propylene, the price of gas and energy. 

Polyether polyol suppliers in Europe were forced to reduce production levels last year due to cost pressures partly from propylene oxide prices.  The overall market is tight due to a fairly long period of weak demand, especially in the automotive and upholstered furniture sectors.  The main application areas have demonstrated a significant reduction in demand for polyether polyols.  The upholstered furniture industry was particularly affected last year, with many furniture manufacturers having to reduce production or even face the risk of bankruptcy due to falling demand.  

Czech polyol imports Jan-2025

Czech polyol imports amounted to 4,080 tons in the first month this year against 3,931 tons in the same month in 2024, with average prices dropping from €2360.1 per ton to €2108.4 per ton.  Polyol prices in Europe continue to suffer from weak demand.  The leading supplier to the Czech Republic Belgium shipping 1,400 tons, followed by 644tons from Germany.

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Dec 2024

Imports of polyols into Hungary dropped last year to 34,094 tons against 43,164 tons in 2023.  Imports from China amounted to 11,282 tons from 10,171 tons in 2023.  Prices for polyol imports amounted to €1792.2, down from €2364.6 ton in the previous year.  MOL’s new plant at Tiszaujvaros, once fully operational, should impact on import volumes in 2025 but it is really not clear when this plant will fully start.  Relatively low domestic consumption means that MOL will have to export around 75% of its polyol production at full capacity. 

Polish polyol trade Jan-2025

Exports of polyols from Poland in January amounted to 4,802 tons against 4,340 tons in January 2024.  Prices dropped from €2022.3 per ton to €1902.0 per ton.  Destinations for deliveries were focused mostly on Europe, led by Italy taking 864 tons.

Polish polyol imports amounted to 11,920 tons in January against 10,929 tons in January 2024.  The Netherlands supplied 1,950 tons in January against 2,876 tons last year, whilst Germany supplied 2,511 tons against 2,357 tons.  Polyol import prices into Poland dropped from €1865.3 per ton to €1650.7 per ton. 

Polish polyol imports amounted to 141,516 tons in 2024 against 145,292 tons in 2023.  The Netherlands supplied 33,807 tons in 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. 

Chimcomplex Jan-Dec 2024

Total revenues for Chimcomplex in January-December 2024 amounted to €307.8 million against €301.9 million in 2023, whilst operating costs fell slightly from €296.9 million to €294.8 million.  The company recorded a net profit of €0.697 million against €15.181 million in 2023. 

Major costs for Chimcomplex include propylene, natural gas and electricity.  Chimcomplex sourced 71% of its propylene purchases from Rompetrol Rafinare at the Petromidia refinery and imported the remainder.  Propylene cost prices increased in 2024, but energy and utility costs dropped.  The company managed to achieve an operating profit margin of 3.5% in 2024, despite a slow growth of only 2% in turnover.  All European polyol producers had operational problems or were affected by the availability of propylene and propylene oxide.  Margins were restricted by the price of raw materials, including slightly higher prices for propylene. 

Production volumes increased to 527,540 tons against 481,457 tons in 2023.  Chlorine production at the Borzesti platform dropped from 320,012 tons to 318,540 tons, whilst propylene oxide production at Ramnicu Valcea rose from 69,564 tons to 73,312 tons.  Polyol production at the same site increased from 81,677 tons to 87,172 tons and the largest proportional rise came from plasticizers which increased from 2,798 tons to 42,075 tons.

Chimcomplex restarted the oxo-alcohol production plant at the beginning of 2024 and set a monthly operating target of 2,700-3,200 tons of 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in addition to 135 tons of n-Butanol and 270 tons of isobutanol.   Supply chain problems at the beginning of the year led to higher propylene prices, amplified by external pressures from Asian markets, especially between February and May.  As a result, oxo-alcohols recorded price adjustments, stabilizing only in the middle of the year, but at a higher level than at the beginning of 2024.

Chimcomplex completed investments in 2024 in green technologies and energy efficiency totalling 36 million lei. The most notable project is the eco-friendly polyol production facility in Ramnicu Valcea involved the expansion of its portfolio of environmentally friendly polyols.

Chimcomplex sales Jan-Dec 2024

Polyols accounted for 45% in total sales in 2024, followed by chloralkalis with a share of 36% and oxo alcohols with a share of 15% in total sales.  Polyol sales from Chimcomplex in 2024 amounted to 81,583 tons, which represents an increase of 6% over 2023.  The company recorded significant sales increases in markets such as the UK, Ukraine, Greece, Sweden and Spain, but faced declines in West European markets such as Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries.  

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Dec 2024

Hungary exported 22,352 tons of maleic anhydride in January to December against 19,814 tons in January to December 2023.  Average prices dropped from €1155.7 per ton to €1162.7 per ton.  Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary increased from 2,859 tons in 2023 to 6,072 tons in 2024.  

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Dec 2024

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 579,296 tons in 2024, up from 570,524 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 last year by volume and 33% by value.   Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €1.518 billion which was down from €1.648 billion in January to December 2023.

Imports of organic chemicals into Hungary amounted to 692,690 tons in the period January to December against 669,640 tons in 2023, with values dropping from €1.651 billion to €1.524 billion.  The major organic chemical imports include methanol, toluene, aniline and acrylonitrile. 

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Dec 2024

Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 102,754 tons in January to December 2023 to 82,715 tons in January to December last year.  Inward shipments from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic amounted to 71,351 tons against 65,110 tons in 2023.  Belgium supplied 11,246 tons against 24,545 tons in January to December 2023.  Cost prices of aniline imports rose from €1302.3 per ton to €1401.2 per ton.

Acrylonitrile imports into Hungary dropped from 17,526 tons in 2023 to 15,792 tons in 2024.   Imports from the Netherlands increased from 10,736 tons to 11,932 tons.  Average prices for acrylonitrile imports dropped from 2071.0 per ton to €1603.0 last year.

Polish organic chemical trade Jan-2025

Organic chemical trade in Poland was higher in January this year against January 2024, both in exports and imports.  Exports of organic chemicals from Poland increased by volume to 131,000 tons from 118,500 tons, whilst imports increased from 309,900 tons to 374,100 tons.  Export values increased from $96.0 million to $105.8 million, whilst import values rose from $201.4 million to $236.2 million.    

Methanol imports into Poland totalled 48,672 tons in January, which was up from 44,461 tons in January last year.  For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 1,249 tons of acetic acid in against 1,388 tons in January 2024. 

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.

Imports of ethyl acetate into Poland amounted to 1,336 tons in January, down from 1,603 tons.  Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 16,403 tons in January to December 2024 against 19,916 tons in 2023.  Belgium provided the largest share of imports.  VAM imports into Poland increased in January to 2,052 tons against 1,496 tons in January 2024.  Last year imports of ethyl acetate into Poland amounted to 21,202 tons versus 17,265 tons in January to December 2023. 

Isopropanol imports into Poland totalled 1,212 tons in January, against 923 tons last year.  Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 12,764 tons in 2024, up from 10,466 tons in the previous year.  Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa.  At the height of the COVID pandemic Orlen was considering the construction of an isopropanol plant at Plock, but plans were later discarded.

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland dropped in January to 3,596 tons from 6,881 tons last year.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  DEG imports dropped to 1,764 tons against 2,411 tons.

Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 1,350 tons in January versus 1,303 tons in January 2024.   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 2,397 tons January against 1,642 tons in January last year.  MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny. 

Other organic chemical exports from Poland include acetone where shipments amounted to 1,084 tons versus 1,362 tons in January 2024.   The main markets for Polish acetone exports included Italy, Germany, Romania and Lithuania.  Propylene exports increased in 2024 due to the start-up of production at the Polimery Plant.

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-2025

Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 2,452 tons in January against 6,212 tons in January last year.  2-EH imports dropped from 2,263 tons to 1,088 tons.   Oxygenated solvent imports include acetone and ethyl acetate, amounting to 415 tons and 390 tons in January.

The main export commodity for the Czech Republic is DINP where shipments totalled 36,917 tons in 2024 against 36,418 tons in 2023.  Exports to Poland amounted to 7,410 tons in 2024 for €10.772 million and to Romania 5,813 tons for €8.568 million. 

Other Czech exports include phthalic anhydride where shipments amounted to 8,345 tons in 2024 of which 3,601 tons in 2024.  Over 47,000 tons of acrylic acid esters were exported in 2024, of which Germany was the largest consumer taking 17,359 tons against 15,184 tons in 2023.  Exports of acrylic esters totalled €72.276 million in value in 2023 against €72.915 million in 2024.  

Czech methanol imports Jan-2025

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 2,452 tons in 2024 against 6,212 tons in the same period in 2023.  Prices per ton for methanol imports increased from €402.0 per ton to €435.6 per ton.

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. 

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Dec 2024

Methanol imports into Hungary in January to December increased to 72,787 tons against 63,596 tons in 2023.  Imports from Germany increased from 35,513 tons to 59,276 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia last year.  Imports from Slovenia amounted to 15,956 tons last year, against 7,630 tons in 2023.  Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €434.7 per ton against €426.6 per ton in 2023.

Polish methanol trade Jan-2025

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 48,672 tons in the first month this year against 44,461 tons in January 2024.  Average prices amounted to €398.4 per ton against €325.5 per ton last year.  Polish imports of methanol amounted to 650,774 tons in 2024 against 637,653 tons in January to December 2023.    Average prices amounted to €323.5 per ton against €285.0 per ton.

The US was the largest supplier of methanol to Poland in the January 2025, shipping 16,720 tons.  Belgium supplied 10,988 tons, with another 8,000 tons from Trinidad.

Imports from Trinidad into Poland had been lower for the first six or seven months in 2024 but then increased and amounted to 74,946 tons for the full year.  Imports from Norway dropped in 2024, from 92,687 tons in 2023 to 45,438 tons.    

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 16,036 tons in January declining from 17,705 tons in January 2024.  Volumes have fallen since the peak of Polish methanol trade whereby Polish traders could access Russian methanol for sale in Central and South East Europe.

The largest destination for Polish exports in January this year was Germany which took 8,279 tons against 8,328 tons in January 2024.  Ukraine imported 2,914 tons of methanol from Poland in January against 2,474 tons.  Polish methanol export prices increased from €383.2 per ton to €472.1 per ton.  

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 201,476 tons in 2024 declining from 264,289 tons in 2023.  Germany took 104,380 tons in 2024 against 79,930 tons in 2023.  Ukraine imported 25,932 tons of methanol from Poland in 2024 against 25,175 tons in 2023. 

Grupa Azoty on the ammonia market

Grupa Azoty has started taking shipments of ammonia from North Africa, supplied to the port of Mijanka at Police.  The group has decided to purchase gas from outside of Europe due to the costs of natural gas. 

Ammonia production is becoming increasingly costly due to high gas prices and climate requirements and energy transition goals. As a result, fertiliser manufacturers are increasingly choosing to import ammonia which allows for a significant reduction in production costs and emissions.  Grupa Azoty is the largest producer of ammonia in Poland and Central Europe, with several production units. At the same time, it is one of the largest consumers of ammonia. 

Polish chemical production and pressure on EU to help chemical industry

Polish chemical production has been impacted by a range of factors in the past few years, particularly the war in Ukraine.  Production volumes dropped in the second half of 2022 and went lower in 2023 as plants struggled with energy costs on one hand and demand on the other.  Production showed some improvement in 2024, but many challenges remain including profitability. 

Bearing this in mind eight EU member states have signed an informal document calling on the European Commission to develop an EU legislation on critical chemicals.  The members underline how Europe's chemical industry faces a crisis, with a 12% drop in production between 2019 and 2023 which is attributed to energy costs and ‘fierce’ or even ‘unfair’ competition from non-EU countries.   The prognosis is that a large number of steam crackers may be shut down by 2035, affecting 50,000 jobs.  Combatting this will require collective action, according to the signatory countries, in the form of a Critical Chemicals Act, as outlined in the Clean Industrial Deal, which the signatories support.  The proposal suggests a list of about 15 strategic molecules that are key for preserving Europe's chemical industry.

Grupa Azoty, developing chemicals for ammunition

Grupa Azoty is partially switching its production to chemicals necessary for the production of ammunition.   The company has started close cooperation with the army and the Polish Armaments Group.   Most of the ammunition warehouses in Europe have been emptied by the demands of the war in Ukraine, and thus the sector offers considerable potential to chemical companies such as Grupa Azoty.  The company is currently focusing on nitrocellulose, which is necessary for the production of ammunition.

Russian petrochemical production January 2025

Russian petrochemical plants continue to face the threat of drone attacks either as direct targets or simply by proximity to other targets such as refineries.  The chemical industry in Russia is one of the few sectors outside the military complex which continues to perform relatively well.  Most of the positive indicators emanate from the production of fertilisers, with the petrochemical sector slightly more subdued as it has felt the full force of sanctions.  Despite the challenges presented by sanctions production has been largely unchanged from pre-war volumes and in some cases has improved.  Overall Russian petrochemical production has outperformed European production in the past two years. 

Exports of chemical products and rubbers from Russia in January 2025 increased by 21.1% compared to the same month in 2024 and amounted to $2.2 billion.  Imports of chemical products in January increased by 2.8%, to $4 billion.  For the whole of 2024, the export of chemical products and rubbers from Russia increased by 1.3% to $27.6 billion, whilst imports decreased by 4% to $53.5 billion.

For the start of 2025 Russian ethylene production amounted to 392,700 tons in January against 409,300 tons in January 2024, whilst propylene production dropped from 254,200 tons to 235,500 tons.  Methanol production amounted to 365,100 tons versus 378,000 tons, showing a stabilising trend.  In the field of aromatics benzene production fell from 129,500 tons January last year to 114,700 tons in January 2025.   Ethylbenzene production rose from 59,800 tons to 89,100 tons, whilst toluene fell from 29,600 tons to 28,800 tons.

Russian polymer production Jan-2025

Russian production of polyethylene increased in January slightly to 306,953 tons against 278,199 million tons in January 2024.  Propylene polymer production increased from 191,705 tons to 202,003 tons, whilst styrene polymer production rose from 45,948 tons to 58,562 tons.   PVC production increased from 92,753 tons in January to 95,743 tons in January 2025.  The production of polyamide in Russia showed a minor drop to 11,541 tons from 11,680 tons.  Russian production of synthetic rubbers increased slightly to 129,821 tons in January to 121,672 tons in January last year. 

Prospects for Russian petrochemicals

Irrespective of what happens in Ukraine Russia’s petrochemical industry faces some significant challenges which could impact producer performance in 2025 and beyond.  Amongst others, these challenges include a lack of qualified specialists, the high cost of raw materials and how to overcome expensive loans.  The key drivers of inflation in the country remain prices and tariffs set by monopolies, as well as fluctuations in the exchange rate of the domestic currency and the high cost of lending.  The increase in railway tariffs by 13.8% between 2022 and 2024 has moreover impacted on profit margins, particularly for the lower value commodities such as methanol.   All of these challenges need to be tackled at some stage but remain difficult to resolve whilst the war continues.

Russian ethylene production Jan-2025

Russian ethylene production totalled 392,670 tons in January 2025 against 409,289 tons in the same month in 2023. 

ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 135,236 tons in January against 136,115 tons in January last year.  Stavrolen reduced production from 31,411 tons in January last year to 135,236 tons in January 2025. 

Production in the Volga region amounted to 186,433 tons in January versus 195,399 tons in the same month last year.  The Volga region includes producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Kazanorgsintez, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez. 

At the end of January SIBUR-Kstovo was forced to suspend production due a fire on the site caused by drones which were targeting the Lukoil refinery at Kstovo.  SIBUR-Kstovo restarted production of ethylene and propylene in March after repairs were completed.  The company produces 435,000 tpa of ethylene, 180,000 tpa of propylene and 106,000 tpa of benzene. 

Russian propylene production Jan-2025

Russian propylene production totalled 235,461 tons in January against 254,175 tons in January 2024.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 91,165 tons against 94,633 tons in the same period in 2023.  The Volga-Urals region reduced production from a total of 100,384 tons in January 2024 to 87,559 tons in January 2025.    

Russian propylene domestic sales Jan-2025

Russian sales of propylene on the domestic merchant market amounted to 31,552 tons in January against 37,399 tons in the same month in 2024.

The largest propylene supplier to the domestic market was Lukoil-NNOS, shipping 15,836 tons against 15,449 tons in January 2025. 

SIBUR-Kstovo reduced propylene sales from 17,427 tons in January last year from 15,019 tons this January, after production was disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes on the Kstovo refinery in January 2024.  As a result of the attack in January SIBUR-Kstovo stopped production in February creating supply problems for the Russian market.   

ZapSibNeftekhim purchased 8.993 tons of propylene in January against 6,858 tons in January 2024, whilst Saratovorgsintez reduced purchases from 13,814 tons to 12,620 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 plastics production Jan-2025

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 958,600 tons in January 2025 against 920,000 tons in January 2024 and 885,000 tons in January 2023.    

Production of ethylene polymers amounted to 315,400 tons in January, slightly down from the 316,100 tons last year.  From the total ethylene polymer production in Russia in January, LLDPE represented the largest category amounting to 125,100 tons followed by HDPE at 85,178 tons and LDPE at 43,717 tons. 

The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District.  Production totalled 136,008 tons in January against 145,596 tons in the same month in 2024.  

The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 99,700 tons last year to 108,167 tons in January 2025.  The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez. 

Russian polypropylene production Jan-2025

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 201,332 tons in January 2025 against 197,932 tons in January last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased production from 105,983 tons to 106,259 tons in January. 

The Moscow refinery increased polypropylene production from 10,652 tons to 13,424 tons.  The Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Ufaorgsintez, produced 39,938 tons against 38,148 tons.  The Siberian region, which includes Tomskneftekhim and Polyom at Omsk, reduced production slightly to 30,985 tons from 32,237 tons.

Russian PVC production Jan-2025

Russian PVC suspension grade production totalled 80,627 tons in January against 50,691 tons in the same month in 2024.  The Volga region, which includes plants at Kstovo and Sterlitamak, accounted for 47,498 tons in January which was slightly higher from last year. 

Production at Kstovo was affected in February by the downtime at the SIBUR-Kstovo olefin cracker at the end of January, which meant that ethylene deliveries to the RusVinyl PVC plant were reduced.  Sayanskkhimplast is the only PVC producer in Siberia, producing 25,887 tons in January against 29,832 tons in January 2024.  The plant is supplied with ethylene from the Angarsk Polymer Plant by pipeline. 

Russian PX-PTA-PET production Jan-2025

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 22,423 tons in January against 24,440 tons in January last year.  Gazprom Neft at Omsk reduced production from 10,001 tons to 5,501 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim increased production from 10,802 tons to 13,524 tons.

PTA production at Polief amounted to 32,392 tons in January against 30,636 tons in January 2024.   Russian PET production rose slightly from 56,423 tons to 59,573 tons in the first month this year of which Polief produced 20,629 tons. 

Ekopet produced 21,301 tons of PET in January making it Russia’s largest producer, whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 17,643 tons.

Russian PTA imports Jan-2025

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 298,234 tons in 2024 versus 248,098 tons in 2023.  Nearly all of the PTA imports from China were shipped to Ekopet at Kaliningrad by rail. 

PTA import prices averaged $729.1 in 2024, down from $779.2 in 2023.  Values of PTA imports amounted to $217.453 million against $193.327 million in 2023 and $213.527 million in 2023.