US polypropylene imports in September rise; exports fall

08-Nov-16

US polypropylene exports in September totaled 100,237 mt, data from the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers showed, down 2% from the 102,497 mt exported in August, as per Platts. Exports in September 2015 totalled 82,011 mt. The running total of exports for 2016 was 731,951 mt, rising 22% from the 764,115 mt exported in the year-ago period, the data showed.

The US exported its highest volumes in September to Mexico, Canada and Ecuador, with 45,272 mt, 20,989 mt and 4,312 mt, respectively, the data showed. Meanwhile, polypropylene imports into the US in September totalled 15,637 mt, up 1% from 15,464 mt in August. Imports in September 2015 totalled 20,225 mt. For the year, imports are at 260,186 mt, falling 23% when compared with 132,063 mt for the same period in 2015.
Israel, South Korea and Mexico provided the highest volumes in September, with 2,211 mt, 2,146 mt and 2,110 mt shipped into the US, respectively, the data showed.
In spot markets, US homopolymer injection grade was assessed Monday at $992-$1,014/mt (45-46 cents/lb) FAS Houston. US co-polymer PP was assessed Wednesday at $1,124-$1,146/mt (51-52 cents/lb) FAS Houston.
In contracts, pricing for November deliveries was assessed Wednesday at 59-60 cents/lb rail car for homo polymer injection grade and 61-62 cents/lb rail car for fiber grade.