Import PP, PE to China slumped in October, demand growth remains healthy

In the latest data released by Chinese Custom Department, import PP and PE to China in October slumped for the first time in three months, with LLDPE witness the deepest dive.

Some details are shown in the following table:

It is interesting that a drop in import PP quantity does not necessarily imply weaker demand, as local production increases considerably in October compared to the previous month, which fill in the supply gap. Data shows that apparent demand for PP in China continue to grow at 9.55% in the first 10 months of 2017 compared to 2016.

The drastic reduction in import LLDPE has taken a token on the growth rate for PE in general. However, year on year basis, apparent demand for PE in China remain at 11.63%.