Imports of crude to the Czech Republic totalled 1.328 million tons in the first two months in 2026 against 1.113 million tons in the same period in 2025. Azerbaijan shipped 520,000 tons of crude to the Czech Republic in the first two months in 2026 against 493,200 tons in the same period in 2025. Some of the lighter Azeri crude is processed at the Kralupy refinery. The larger Litvinov refinery has switched to a combination of Norwegian and Saudi Arabian oil, amounting to 410,000 tons and 520,000 tons respectively for January to February 2026.

Polish crude imports Jan-Feb 2026

From the total of 3.923 million tons of crude imported into Poland in the first two months in 2026, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 1.719 million tons followed by Norway which provided 1.571 million tons. Supplies from Saudi Arabia affected in March by the Hurmuz crisis.

Average prices for Polish crude purchases dropped from $537.3 per ton in the first two months in 2025 to $408.2 per ton in 2026. Due to lower prices refining margins for the Orlen Group recovered steadily throughout 2025 but then started to fall in December. Prices since the end of February have risen significantly

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungary imported a total of 4.641 million tons in the period January to February 2025, against 4.725 million tons in 2024. Supplies from Russia amounted to 4.281 million tons against 4.534 million tons. Average prices for Russian crude dropped last year to €444.7 per ton from €492.8 per ton in 2024.

In view of the election results in Hungary from 12 April the resistance to switching to non-Russian crude supplies is expected to weaken, although the transition is not expected to occur quickly. Ukraine said on 21 April that it had completed repairs to the damaged Druzhba pipeline and is ready to resume pumping Russian oil to Europe, a move that officials in Kyiv hope will unblock a long-delayed EU aid package.

MOL has purchased approximately 510,000 barrels of US crude oil for around $500 million, an amount sufficient to cover roughly one month of refining needs. The deal coincided with the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Budapest. MOL’s strategy focuses on diversification of sources, with shipments arriving in recent periods from countries such as Libya, Kazakhstan, Norway, and Saudi Arabia, now complemented by US supplies.

Druzhba oil deliveries to Germany could stop in May

Russia is expected to halt oil shipments from ‌Kazakhstan to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline starting from 1 May, The suspension of Kazakh supplies would add more uncertainty to Germany s energy outlook. Kazakhstan exported about 2.146 million metric tons of oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline in 2025. Most of the Kazakh supplies were delivered to the PCK refinery at Schwedt which supplies most of Berlin’s fuel requirements.

Politics is at the heart of the decision to stop transhipments. Not only does the Schwedt refinery lose a stable supply of crude, but Kazakhstan loses out on the sales and Transneft loses the transit fees.

Orlen-Hyundai agreement

Orlen has reached an agreement with Hyundai to complete the construction of the Polimery Police project and assist in the completion of the investment. The return of Hyundai Engineering to the investment and the planned acquisition of Grupa Azoty Polyolefins by Orlen may mark a new stage for the project at Police, which has recently struggled with serious problems and uncertainty about further implementation.

On 1 April 2026, Orlen signed a preliminary agreement for the sale of all shares in Grupa Azoty Polyolefins. The signing of the agreement was made possible thanks to a settlement with Hyundai Engineering, which is the current shareholder of GA Polyolefins (Polimery Police). The resolution of the Polimery Police Project is a turning point for Grupa Azoty and the solution of one of the company s most important investment and financial problems. It will increase Orlen’s share in this company from 17.3% to 100%, with the transaction scheduled to be finalised in the third quarter in 2026.

Polish petrochemical production Jan-Feb 2026

Ethylene production in Poland rose in the first two months to 63,208 tons against 45,900 tons in January to February 2025, whilst propylene rose from 65,500 tons to 72,601 tons.

Nowa Chemia-revised budget

Orlen announced that on 15 April 2026 the Company’s Supervisory Board approved revised budget for the Nowa Chemia project in the amount of zl 35.8 billion, including zl 4.6 billion allocated to financing costs. The decision provides for the completion of the olefins production unit, targeted an ethylene production capacity of 740,000 tpa by 2029.

The project execution envisages the full commissioning of the unit in 2030 alongside a phased decommissioning of the existing Olefin II facility.

This approach will allow for a seamless transition and increasing of production capacity at Plock. Nowa Chemia will allow Orlen to increase the production of ethylene by around 15%, reduce emissions and increase production efficiency by about 30%. The alternative was to completely liquidate what had been created under Olefiny III, the costs alone which could consume another zl 10 billion.

In the new form of the project, the structure of the feedstocks is adjusted to maximize the internal synergies between the petrochemical and the refinery. At the same time, Orlen is focusing on increasing the share of recycled feedstocks, which will move the group strongly towards the creation of the so-called green petrochemicals. In the case of Olefiny III, it was assumed that significant quantities of feedstocks were based crude oil processing.

Polish monomer imports, Jan-Feb 2026

Butadiene import prices for Poland dropped to €650.2 per ton in January-February 2026 against €914.9 per ton for 2025. Shipments totalled 15,993 tons in the first two months against 19,698 tons in January to February 2025. Germany increased exports in 2025 to 37,833 tons versus 28,315 tons in 2024, and Austria reduced shipments to 34,258 tons against 36,270 tons.

Poland imported 15,789 tons of propylene in January to February 2025 but this dropped to 13,411 tons in the same period in 2025. Imports have declined in the past two years due to domestic production at the Police plant.

This year as the Police plant has been idle Orlen has increased production at Plock. Average import prices for propylene imports into Poland declined from €953.8 per ton in the first two months in 2025 to €693.9 in 2026. However prices recorded a substantial increase

Hungarian monomer trade, Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 4,871 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 3,058 tons in the first two months in 2025. Exports to Poland rose from 2,040 tons in 2025 to 3,940 tons in 2026, whilst exports to the Czech republic declined from 1,018 tons to 8893 tons. Butadiene is exported from MOL’s Tiszaujvaros complex, with Poland as the largest destination. Prices dropped from €947.3 per ton in 2025 to €659.1 in 2025.

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 3,217 tons in January to February 2026 against 14,873 tons in January to February 2025. Propylene production in Hungary has been affected by the lack of crude supply in the first part of 2026. Shipments to Slovnaft in Slovakia were reduced from 11,982 tons to 3,217 tons, whilst no deliveries were made to Poland this year. Prices averaged €725.3 per ton in 2026 against €1040.2 per ton in January to February 2025.

Styrene imports into Hungary declined from 9,445 tons in January to February 2025 against 4,919 tons in 2026. Average prices fell to €1140.2 per ton against €1303.4 per ton in 2025. Imports are dominated by shipments from Italy where volumes amounted to 48,287 tons in 2025.

Styrene imports into Poland rose from 96,039 tons in 2024 against 101,741 tons in 2025. Average prices fell to €1255.5 per ton against €1069.6 per ton in 2024 Imports are dominated by shipments from Belgium where volumes amounted to 38,831 tons in 2025 followed by the Netherlands with 19,899 tons. Saudi Arabia provided 5,403 tons in the first two months this year, but delivery is now impeded by the closure of the Straits of Hormuz.

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Feb 2026

Czech ethylene imports amounted to only 44 tons in the first two months this year against 1,556 tons in the same period in 2025. Czech propylene imports dropped from 13,155 tons to 6,935 tons. Germany supplied 30,742 tons in 2025 and Poland 15,002 tons. Butadiene imports into the Czech Republic fell from 9,967 tons to 8,685 tons. Germany supplied 50,166 tons in 2025 and Hungary 15,002 tons.

Ethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 832 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 3,421 tons in the same period 2024, whilst propylene exports dropped from 10,384 tons to 2,087 tons. Most of the ethylene is delivered by pipeline to Bohlen in Germany whilst several thousand tons was exported to Slovnaft in Slovakia last year.

Styrene imports into the Czech Republic amounted to 1,037 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 2,511 tons in the same period in 2025. The Netherlands is the main supplier, providing 16,540 tons in 2025. Average prices for styrene imports into the Czech Republic dropped from €1160.6 per ton to €1160.6 per ton in 2025.

HIP-Petrohemija 2025

MOL is currently in negotiations with Gazprom Neft and the Serbian government over control of the oil refining company NIS, including Petrohemija.

Managing Petrohemija could pose serious challenges to MOL, in that the Serbian government is placing. The petrochemical plant is incurring losses and needs substantial investment just in the modernisation of existing facilities besides new projects such as the construction of a polypropylene plant. Regarding feedstocks the complex is totally dependent on the adjacent refinery at Pancevo where US sanctions could be removed in the event of a successful acquisition by MOL or anu other non-Russian company.

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 44,283 tons in January to February 2025 against 52,510 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices of imports declined from €1436.0 per ton to €1340.3 per ton. Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 56,783 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 35,634 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices dropped from €1352.7 per ton to €1204.1 per ton.

HDPE export shipments comprised 47,417 tons in 2026 against 57,017 tons in the same period in 2025. Germany was the largest destination for Czech HDPE supplied from Litvinov. Other important markets for Czech polyethylene exports include Poland, Italy and Belgium.

European polyethylene spot prices have increased 100% on the low end since the end of February, due to the Middle East conflict, and are now heading for historical highs, with LDPE higher than even during the 2022 Russian invasion crisis.

Although there is increasing resistance to price hikes, especially as they pass down the chain, suppliers are indicating that there could be higher offers to come. At the same time there are concerns over raw material security and producers may have to concentrate sales on contract customers rather than spot sales.

Polish polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 242,551 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 226,127 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices falling from €1259.7 per ton to €1179.3 per ton.

HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 74,743 tons in January to February 2026 versus 69,378 tons in 2025. Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market.

LLDPE imports rose from 59,698 tons in January to February 2025 to 62,330 tons in the corresponding period in 2026. Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany. LDPE imports rose to 38,930 tons in January to February 2026 from 36,556 tons in the corresponding period in 2025. Imports from ethylene alpha olefins increased from 46,507 tons to 53,141 tons.

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 39,505 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 49,089 tons in 2025. Average prices for polyethylene exports increased from €1116.2 per ton to €1158.9 per ton. Exports of HDPE from Poland amounted to 23,222 tons in January to February 2026 versus 32,1320 tons in the same period in 2025 whilst LDPE exports rose from 6,646 tons to 8,327 tons. Exports of ethylene alpha olefins from Poland amounted to 2,544 tons in January to February 2026. In addition to the production of ethylene polymers at Plock, exports are assisted by reexported imports.

Global polyethylene markets are seeing record sales and low inventories, and significant price increases are due to global supply disruptions and commodity volatility. Supply chain problems caused by conflicts in the Middle East are solved through geographical flexibility and access to raw materials.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 24,976 tons in January to February 2026 against 26,733 tons in January to February 2025. Hungarian import prices for polyethylene dropped on average from €1606.8 per ton to €1399.4. The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which dropped from 9,287 tons to 8,493 tons.

Exports of LDPE from Hungary decreased from 57,137 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 36,584 tons in January-February 2026. HDPE exports dropped from 41,294 tons to 30,077 tons in January-February 2026.

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 298,606 tons in January to February 2025 against 294,694 tons in January to February 2024. Average prices of polyethylene exports dropped from €1339.4 per ton to €1145.4 per ton. Revenues for polyethylene exports in January to February 2025 totalled $342.176 million.

Should MOL be approved of the takeover of Petrohemija, as part of the NIS holding, the additional polyethylene capacity will make it the largest producer in Central and East Europe. Other advantages currently include additional propylene capacity which may help to improve the supply/demand balance between Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia.

Polish PP Trade Jan-Feb 2026

Global chemical prices have been rising at a fast pace as the war in Iran disrupts production flows across the Middle East and Asia, raising the risk of supply shortages for Europe from May onwards.

The crisis is triggering structural shifts across the petrochemical and plastics value chain. A premium for secure energy and chemical supply is emerging, likely to keep chemicals and plastics prices elevated through 2026.

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, amounted to 163,472 tons against 159,093 tons in the same period in 2025. Imports of propylene copolymers dropped slightly from 51,812 tons to 50,902 tons. Average prices for all types of polypropylene imports decreased from €1440.0 per ton to €1268.2 per ton.

Export shipments from Poland dropped to 43,105 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 48,123 tons in January to February 2025. Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination. Average export prices dropped from €1345.2 per ton in 2024 to €1235.9.

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 36,965 tons in January to February 2025 versus 37,216 tons in the corresponding period in 2025.

Average prices of exports declined from €1392.8 per ton to €1160.8. Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 17,120 tons this year versus 19,713 tons in January to February 2025. Exports from propylene copolymers increased from 17,502 tons to 18,602 tons.

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Hungarian inward shipments increased to 32,227 tons in January to February 2026 from 26,119 tons in 2025, with average prices declining from €1392.8 per ton to €1160.8 per ton. Imports of propylene copolymers into Hungary increased from 6,770 tons to 7,688 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports rose from 19.349 tons to 22,609 tons.

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 51,282 tons in January to February 2026 versus 49,493 tons in the same period in 2025. Average export prices declined from €1415.8 per ton in 2025 to €1304.0 per ton in 2025.

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 87,167 tons in January to February 2026 against 525,433 tons in the same period in 2024, with average prices dropping from €1591.4 per ton to €1530.9 per ton.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 9,817 tons in January to February 2026 against 17,281 tons in January to February 2025. Average prices dropped from €2375.7 per ton to €2087.8 in 2025.

Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary dropped from 5,976 tons in 2025 to 4,557 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia. SBR imports dropped from 8,863 tons to 3,403 tons.

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 9,997 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 11,134 tons in the same period 2024. Prices for exports increased from €2795.4 per ton to €2840.9 per ton in 2026.

Czech rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Exports of synthetic rubber from the Czech Republic amounted to 129,096 tons in January to February 2025 versus 133,072 tons in the same period in 2024. At the same time imports declined from 138,342 tons to 132,412 tons in 2024. Natural rubber imports declined from 103,375 tons to 102,244 tons.

Rubber prices increased in 2025 for both synthetic and natural rubber. Czech synthetic rubber export prices jumped from €1861.6 per ton in 2024 to €2006.2 per ton in 2025 whilst import prices jumped from €2085.1 per ton to €2139.5. Natural rubber prices increased last year to €1767.4 per ton from €1732.8 per ton in January to February 2024.

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

The Czech Republic exported 20,467 tons of butadiene rubber in 2025 against 20,878 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices dropped from €1915.0 per ton to €1715.7 per ton. Czech exports of butadiene rubber to Poland amounted to 3,135 tons in January to February 2026 against 2,179 tons in the same period in 2025.

Polish rubber exports Jan-Feb 2026

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 50,227 tons in January to February 2026 against 54,129 tons in the same period in 2025. Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 10,507 tons in January to February 2026 versus 8,103 tons in the same period in 2025. The largest category of rubber exports is concentrated on SBR grades.

The largest European market for Polish synthetic rubber exports in 2025 was the Czech Republic which took 20,054 tons in 2025, an increase over 2024 to compensate for the closure of the ESBR plant at Kralupy. This was followed by Germany which took 18,775 tons. The largest non-European destination for Polish synthetic rubber exports in 2025 was Brazil which took 13,385 tons.

The trade dynamics for synthetic rubber in Poland took in 2025 showed a fall in both exports and imports. For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices increased from €1919.5 per ton in January to February 2024 to €2245.2 in 2025. Due largely to demand side factors Poland reduced imports to 228,219 tons against 322,490 tons in 2024. In the first two months this year imports totalled 13,930 tons versus 17,088 tons in January to February 2025. Import prices amounted to €2059.5 per ton in the first two months this year.

Polish benzene exports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish exports of benzene totalled 40,996 tons in January to February 2026 against 29,893 tons in the same period in 2025. Exports to Germany increased from 24,727 tons to 30,942 tons in 2026, with average prices dropping from €824.4 per ton to €665.3 per ton. The average contract price of benzene on the European market declined steadily during 2025, but has since increased due to the Hormuz crisis.

Polish PTA exports Jan-Feb 2026

PTA exports amounted to 52,504 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 49,073 tons in the same period in 2025. Exports to Germany rose from 45,565 tons to 48,197 tons. Average prices for PTA exports from Poland changed from €708.0 per ton to €631.7 per ton in January to February 2026.

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Feb 2026

Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 20,783 tons in January to February 2026 which was up from 16,444 tons in the same period in 2025. Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 15,340 tons against 13,974 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices for phenol imported into Poland rose slightly from €1055.4 per ton to €1057.9 per ton in 2026.

In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 16,167 tons in the period January to February 2026 against 15,982 tons in the same period in 2025. Aside the Netherlands and Belgium, other supplies came from the US and Saudi Arabia. Average prices for styrene imports into Poland dropped from €1353.5 per ton to €1165.8 per ton in 2026.

Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 17,912 tons against 18,213 tons in the same period last year. All the ethylbenzene was shipped from Kralupy to Oswiecim, all within the structures of the Synthos Group.

Czech aromatic trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech aniline exports amounted to 4,860 tons in the first couple of months in 2026 against 9,641 tons in the same period in 2025. All of the shipments went to Hungary.

In other areas of Czech aromatic exports benzene increased to 12,289 tons in January to February 2025 against 9,564 tons in 2025. Ethylbenzene exports amounted to 17,912 tons against 18,213 tons. The product is supplied solely from the Kralupy plant in the Czech Republic.

Bisphenol A imports into the Czech Republic totalled 5,065 tons in January to February 2026 against 5,187 tons in the same period in 2025. South Korea shipped 5,020 tons for Spolchemie at Ust nad Labem for the production of epoxy resins.

Hungarian TDI exports in January to February 2026 amounted to 33,071 tons against 55,688 tons in January to February 2025. Average prices dropped from €1985.1 per ton to €1826.8 per ton.

Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium amounted to 4,647 tons in January to February 2026 against 8,776 tons in January to February last year, whilst volumes to Italy dropped from 5,980 tons to 3,709 tons.

Shipments to Poland increased from 6,904 tons to 7,129 tons and dropped to Turkey from 8,198 tons to 5,032 tons. Shipments to Romania amounted to 1,865 tons.

MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to February to 37,762 tons against 40,723 tons in January to February 2025. MDI export prices dropped to €1546.0 per ton against €1823.2 per ton in 2025. Canada was the largest destination in the first two months, taking 5,157 tons from Hungary.

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Feb 2026

TDI and MDI prices rose in March in all the main consuming regions, although the full effects of the Middle East crisis are yet to be felt and moreover it remains unclear how the crisis will be resolved. Both MDI and TDI are applied across multiple sectors including aerospace, transportation, construction, and home appliances. MDI is primarily used in rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane foams, widely applied in building insulation materials, refrigerators, and freezers requiring structural strength. TDI is mainly used in flexible polyurethane foams for soft furniture applications such as sofa cushions, mattresses, and automotive seats.

TDI imports into Poland amounted to a total of 11,504 tons in January to February 2026 against 14,277 tons in January to February 2025. Prices of TDI imported into Poland dropped from €1988.6 per ton in 2025 to €1952.2 per ton. Hungary was the largest supplier in 2026, shipping 6,462 tons to Poland versus 7,968 tons in January to February 2025.

Poland remains a major European hub for the polyurethane (PU) market, with a strong, active industry requiring significant quantities of isocyanates for manufacturing foam, coatings, and binders.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 5,471 tons in January to February 2026 against 2,294 tons in 2025. Average prices declined from €2058.8 per ton last year to €1901.6 per ton.

MDI imports into Poland totalled 22,706 tons in January to February 2026, up against 26,187 tons in January to February 2025. Average prices were down slightly in 2025 to €1609.4 per ton against €1843.7 per ton last year. Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 9,137 tons in January to February 2026 against 8,809 tons in January to February 2025, whilst imports from Hungary dropped to 4,377 tons against 7,843 tons.

Czech polyol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Czech polyol imports amounted to 8,712 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 8,086 tons in the same period in 2025. France was the largest supplier in the first two months. Average prices dropped to €2016.0 per ton to €1874.7.

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Imports of polyols into Hungary rose in the first two months in 2026 to 6,556 tons against 5,565 tons in the same period in 202. Imports from China amounted to 1,606 tons in the first two months.

Polish polyol trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish polyol imports amounted to 24.886 tons in January to February against 23,853 tons in the same period in 2025. Germany was the largest supplier, increasing shipments to 5,811 tons whilst the Netherlands reduced deliveries from 4.523 tons to 6.100 tons.

Polyol import prices into Poland dropped from €1674.3 per ton to €1529.5 per ton. Despite the overall decline in average prices in 2026 for both exports and imports of polyols, prices in Europe did show a slight improvement in the latter part of the year even if there is no indication of a sustained rise. The European polyether market was fairly balanced in terms of supply and demand in 2025, but at the same production and consumption have both been lower than in 2024.

Polish polyol imports amounted to 147,825 tons in January to December against 141,516 tons in the same period in 2024. Germany was the largest supplier, increasing shipments to 34,137 tons whilst the Netherlands reduced deliveries from 33,807 tons to 29,550 tons.

Polish polyol exports amounted to 8,610 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 9,505 tons in the same period in 2025. Italy was the largest destination for Polish polyol exports, mainly produced by PCC Rokita, taking 7,503 tons in 2025 followed by Germany with shipments of 5,792 tons. Average prices dropped from €2098.5 per ton to €1929.0 in 2025.

Polish polyol exports amounted to 52,084 tons in 2025 against 53,190 tons in the same period in 2024. Italy was the largest destination for Polish polyol exports, mainly produced by PCC Rokita, taking 7,503 tons in 2025 followed by Germany with shipments of 5,792 tons. Average prices dropped from €2098.5 per ton to €1929.0 in 2025.

Poland’s main producer of polyols PCC Rokita exports around two thirds of production from the Brzeg Dolny site and mostly to European destinations. The company focuses essentially on two polyol groups, polyester and polyether. Sales of polyester polyols in the Polish market were higher for PCC Rokita in 2025, whilst demand for polyether polyols was more restricted. PCC Rokita has been close to using its full production capacity for polyester polyols which go mostly into polyurethane insulation panels. For polyether polyols, the key market is flexible foams which are used mainly in the furniture industry.

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungary exported 3,023 tons of maleic anhydride in January to February against 1,718 tons in January to February 2025. Average prices declined from €1157.9 per ton to €937.3 per ton. Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary dropped from 6,167 tons in 2024 to 2,106 tons in 2025.

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Feb 2026

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 469,045 tons in 2025, down from 579,296 tons in 2024. The largest commodity in the organic chemical sector is TDI, accounting for 41% of Hungarian organic chemical exports in January to February by volume and 33% by value. Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €1.346 billion in 2025 which was down from €1.249 billion in January to February 2024. Imports of organic chemicals dropped from 692,690 tons in 2024 to 653,540 tons in 2025, with values dropping from €1.524 million to €1.451 million.

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Feb 2026

Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 10,186 tons in January to February 2025 to 9,213 tons in January to February 2026. Inward shipments al came from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic. Cost prices of aniline imports rose from €1360.3 per ton to €1374.5 per ton.

Polish organic chemical imports Jan-Feb 2026

Exports of organic chemicals from Poland dropped by volume to 211,800 tons in January to February 2026 from 266,000 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst imports dropped from 743,300 tons to 592,200 tons. Export values dropped from €209.7 million to €196.1 million, whilst import values dropped from €584.4 million to €432.1 million.

Methanol is the largest organic chemical imported into Poland, with volumes totalling 96,439 tons in January to February 2025 against 1005,003 tons in the same period in 2025. For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 6,310 tons of acetic acid in January to February against 5,611 tons in January to February 2025. The US provided 28,772 tons in 2025 against 16,744 tons in the same twelve-month period in 2024.

Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 2,396 tons in January to February 2026 against 1,336 tons in January to February 2025. Belgium provided the largest share of imports. VAM imports into Poland increased to 29,170 tons versus 17,828 tons.

Maleic anhydride imports into Poland amounted to 1,702 tons in January-February 2026, versus 1,705 tons in the previous year. Imports are currently sourced from Germany, Hungary and South Korea. Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 2,358 tons in January-February 2026, down from 3,670 tons in the previous year. Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa.

Polish glycol/oxide imports Jan-Feb 2026

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland dropped in 2025 to 34,810 tons versus 54,753 tons in January to February 2024. Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market. DEG imports increased to 28,797 tons against 28,133 tons. Ethylene glycol production at Plock increased in 2025. PCC Exol is the main consumer of ethylene oxide in Poland.

Polish ethylene oxide market

The PCC Exol Group is the largest consumer of ethylene oxide in Poland. The company recorded margins of 17.3% in 2025 which was unchanged from 2024. Revenues also include sales of ethylene oxide to PCC Group companies, accounting for more than 40% of group revenues in the first three quarters in 2025.

PCC Exol s purchasing strategy for the strategic raw material ethylene oxide is based on long-term cooperation with the leading supplier, Orlen and short-term agreements with other contractors. In the event of short-term outages at Orlen’s Plock plant continuity of supply is typically ensured by diversifying supply sources. The current crisis in the Middle East threatens to disrupt the ethylene oxide chains that supply PCC Exol.

Orlen and PCC Exol currently work on a 25-year agreement that started in January 2024. Some ethylene oxide purchases are made for the needs of PCC Rokita. The agreement with Orlen provides for an increase in ethylene oxide supplies compared to the quantities previously purchased.

Last year saw an increase of PCC Exol’s non-ionic surfactants produced, based on ethylene oxide, at the expanded plant in Plock. Aside ethylene oxide the strategic raw materials used by PCC Exol in the production of surfactants include oleochemicals (natural fatty alcohols and oils), and synthetic alcohols.

Ethylene oxide prices are dependent on contract prices for ethylene, with the situation on the crude oil market having a significant impact on ethylene prices. In 2025, ethylene prices were on a downward trend, following crude oil prices on global markets. An additional factor contributing to the price reduction was the persistent oversupply coupled with relatively low demand. The current escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is causing a sharp increase in ethylene prices, which may impact ethylene oxide prices this quarter and beyond.

The European ethylene glycol market has seen prices surge due to potential supply disruptions and higher feedstock and energy prices stemming from the Middle East war.

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech organic chemical exports amounted in value to €174.1 in the first two months in 2026 against €188.7 million in 2025, with volumes dropping rising from 96,300 tons to 98,800 tons.

Imports of organic chemicals into the Czech Republic declined from €235.5 million to €186.3 million, whilst import volumes dropped from 110,100 tons to 100,300 tons. Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 12,057 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 8,055 tons in 2025. 2-EH imports amounted to 2,290 tons against 3,340 tons whilst imports of DINP plasticizers amounted to 1,235 tons.

Czech methanol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 12,057 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 8,355 tons in the same period in 2025. Prices per ton for methanol imports dropped from €530.0 to €340.3 per ton.

The US supplied 6,122 tons in January to February 2026, whilst the other sources of supply come from Estonia and Germany.

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Methanol imports into Hungary in January to February increased to 19,016 tons against 17,495 tons in January to February 2025. Imports from Germany increased from 9,439 tons to 10,184 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia.

Imports from Slovenia into Hungary amounted to 2,214 tons in January to February 2026 against 3,123 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €456.5 per ton against €425.2 per ton in 2024.

Polish methanol trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 96,439 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 105,003 tons in January to February 2025. Average prices dropped to €283.0 per ton against €403.7 per ton in 2025.

The US supplied 33,300 tons of methanol to Poland in the first two months in 2026 against 19,525 tons in 2025. Venezuela was the next largest supplier, shipping 27,325 tons followed by Norway with 17,135 tons. Imports from Belgium declined from 20,358 tons to 3,352 tons in January to February 2026.

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 661,182 tons in 2025 against 627,119 tons in January to December 2024. Average prices in amounted to €364.1 per ton against €327.9 per ton in 2024.

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 33,772 tons in January to February 2026, rising from 31,385 tons in the same period in January to February 2025. Polish methanol export prices dropped from €338.4 to €480.7 per ton.

At the start of 2025 there was a considerable price gap between export and import prices for methanol into and out of Poland, but from the third quarter onwards prices narrowed sharply to some degree of parity.

The largest destination for Polish exports was Germany which took 14,242 tons in January to February 2026 against 16,387 tons in the same period in 2025. Ukraine imported 6,684 tons in against 5,402 tons last year.

Central Asian polymer imports from China Jan-Feb 2026

China exported 74,349 tons of PVC to Central Asia in the first two months in 2026, including 40,966 tons to Uzbekistan and 26,171 tons to Kazakhstan. Currently the only PVC producer in Central Asia is Navoiazot in Uzbekistan. The production of suspension PVC with a capacity of 100,000 tpa was launched at the end of 2019 as part of the caustic soda and methanol production complex.

PET shipments from China to Kazakhstan dropped from 17,515 tons in 2026 to 13,445 tons in 2025 whilst shipments to Uzbekistan decreased from 19,642 tons to 10,800 tons.

Uzbek MTO project-HDPE unit

A new batch of oversized equipment, including a high-pressure separator produced by the Italian company Luigi Resta, was delivered to the construction site of the MTO Gas Chemical Complex located in the "Karakul" free economic zone. The separator is a key component of the HDPE production unit and will be responsible for separating various components such as unreacted ethylene, hydrogen, and other gases from the liquid fraction (polymerized polyethylene) for later reuse.

The separator travelled nearly 6,000 kilometres using nearly all existing modes of transport (except air). Initially, it was delivered from the production facility to the Italian port of Trieste, from where it was shipped to the Black Sea port of Poti (Georgia). It was then transferred to land transport, crossed the Caucasus Mountains, and reached Baku, where it was loaded onto a barge and delivered to Turkmenistan. For the final leg of its journey, the equipment was placed on special cargo platforms and transported by land to the construction site of the MTO GCC in the Bukhara region.

RUSSIA

Drone Attacks on Russian Ammonia Plants Feb-Apr 2026
Date	Plant	Location
14-Apr	Phosagro	Vologda Oblast
07-Apr	Minudobreniya	Voronezh Oblast
04-Apr	Kuibyshevazot	Samara Oblast
29-Mar	Togliattiazot	Samara Oblast
21-Mar	Kuibyshevazot	Samara Oblast
19-Mar	Azot Nevinnomyssk	Stavropol Krai
11-Mar	Kuibyshevazot	Samara Oblast
08-Mar	Akron	Veliky Novgorod
17-Feb	Metafrax Chemicals	Perm Oblast

Russian fertiliser capacity restricted from increasing sales

Due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, urea and ammonia shortages have appeared in the global market. Russian producers are unable to exploit this crisis in the short term due to the inability to increase the production from current levels. Whilst Russian capacities are many times higher than the needs of domestic farmers, in the short-term namely the sowing season supply bottlenecks emerge preventing further export.

Russian production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate

Russian Petrochemical Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Product*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ethylene	745.082	738.379
Propylene	462.752	435.189
Benzene	226.815	213.304
Toluene	66.565	54.247
Xylenes	78.054	78.835
Orthoxylene	32.836	29.289
Paraxylene	42.511	47.219
Styrene	125.155	135.695
Ethylbenzene	142.897	150.998
Methanol	712.473	687.433
Isopropanol	13.047	8.639
Ethylene Glycol	72.765	54.709
N-butanol	26.435	26.993
Phenol	54.294	39.610
Acetic Acid	32.803	37.450
Phthalic Anhydride	9.367	14.761
Maleic Anhydride	6.668	7.455

The Ministry of Agriculture suspended the export of ammonium nitrate from 21 March to 21 April 2026. Some plants such as Kuibyshevazot and Minudobreniya have been forced to stop the production of ammonium nitrate. Thus, even the ban may be extended into May and June due to the successful Ukrainian drone attacks on ammonia and ammonium nitrate plants, which have been targeted due to their role in the production of explosives.

Russia produces a quarter of the world’s ammonium nitrate. The Russian market is saturated with urea, which is used by farmers as an alternative or supplement to ammonium nitrate. Production of ammonia, ammonium and nitrate all fell in March due mainly to the drone attacks. Kuibyshevazot has been targeted three times for instance over the period March to April. Drones attacked Togliattiazot in March, the third time since December 2025, and there are unconfirmed reports of the disabling of several ammonia production units, in particular the synthesis column, and the water treatment system was destroyed. The production of ammonia at Togliattiazot, is currently stopped, and is not expected to restart at least until May.

Russian chemical production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian ethylene production amounted to 745,082 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 738,379 tons in January to February 2025, whilst propylene production increased from 435,189 tons to 462,752 tons. Benzene production increased from 213,304 tons to 226,877 tons, whilst a drop was recorded in styrene production from 135,695 tons to 125,155 tons.

In other area of aromatic production toluene rose from 54,247 tons to 66,565 tons, whilst orthoxylene rose from 29,289 tons to 32,836 tons and paraxylene dropped from 47,219 tons to 42,511 tons. Ethylene glycol production increased from 54,709 tons to 72,765 tons. Acetic acid production dropped from 37,450 tons in the period January to February 2025 to 32,803 tons in 2026. Methanol production increased from 687,433 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 712,473 tons in 2026.

Russian petrochemical industry-payment arrears

Petrochemical players in Russia are waiting longer to be paid by customers such is the state the economy at present. According to Rosstat, for the first quarter the volume of overdue debts of customers and buyers reached a record 8 trillion roubles (about 4% of GDP), which is a quarter more than a year ago. Thus, there are growing concerns that non-payment could destroy small and medium-sized businesses.

In view of the difficult economic situation facing Russia the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS of Russia) has recommended that petrochemical manufacturers use domestic price indicators when forming the cost of products in the domestic market. Particular attention is paid to the impact of prices for petrochemical products on related industries, including construction, housing and communal services and agriculture, where raw materials occupy a significant share in the cost structure.

Russian polymer production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Polymer Production (unit-kilo tons)
Product	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ethylene polymers	660.783	616.313
PE	646.666	599.319
Styrene Polymers	147.328	106.239
PVC	134.643	127.893
Propylene Polymers	385.838	373.977
Polyamide	15.535	22.181
PET	113.761	115.085
Synthetic Rubber	256.242	256.289
Polycarbonate	18.305	16.891

Polyethylene production in Russia rose from 599,319 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 660,783 tons in the same period this year, boosted at the end of the year by the start-up of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant. The production of propylene polymers increased from 373,977 tons to 385,838 tons in 2026. Products that saw a decline in 2025 included styrene polymers, PVC and polyamide. The production of synthetic rubbers in primary forms dropped slightly from 1.437 million tons to 1.432 million tons. PET production dropped slightly from 115,085 tons to 113,761 tons. PET is the one main polymer where Russia is dependent on imports. Most imports into Russia originate from China which amounted to 283,000 tons in 2025 which was 11.7% down against 2024.

Around 50% of Russian synthetic rubber production is already shipped to China and its ability to increase volumes in the short-term are now restricted by the partial stoppage at Nizhnekamskneftekhim complex on 31 March, involving the death of twelve people.

South Korea-emergency naphtha supplies from Russia

The Russian Ministry of Industry of South Korea confirmed that 27,000 tons of Russian naphtha arrived in the country on 30 March. South Korea stopped importing Russian crude oil and petroleum products since December 2022 following Russia s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A number of producers have suspended production at some units in order to preserve naphtha inventory. Hanwha TotalEnergies recently declared force majeure on its supply of paraxylene (PX). LG Chem decided to halt operations on 23 March at its No. 2 plant in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, which has an ethylene production capacity of 800,000 tpa. Lotte Chemical moved up its major maintenance shutdown by three weeks from its original schedule.

Despite stability in production numbers the Russian polymer market has been facing a stagnating economy since the latter part of 2024. Polymer consumption in main application areas such as car production and construction suffered significantly in 2025. Interruptions in the production of auto components due to the Hormuz crisis moreover could start to affect the Russian market. The danger for car factories is that almost no manufacturer keeps stocks of plastic parts for assembly production. Neither auto component manufacturers nor car factories have stocks of plastic parts.

Russian naphtha exports March

Taking advantage of the surge in demand in Asia against the backdrop of interruptions in the supply of raw materials from the Middle East, Russia sharply increased naphtha exports to a range of countries in March including Singapore, India and Indonesia. Brazil was among the largest buyers of Russian naphtha in March, even if shipments decreased by 18% compared to February to 125,000 tons.

South Korea’s domestic petrochemical industry relies on naphtha imports, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. As logistical instability in the region has become prolonged, the disruption in raw material imports has directly led to production disruptions. Desperate circumstances led to South Korea asking Russia for supplies.

Monomers

Russian Ethylene Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
North Caucasus Federal District	0.000	55.456
Volga Federal District	389.166	343.558
Ural Federal district	264.397	260.849
Siberian Federal District	91.518	78.516
Total	745.081	738.379

Russian ethylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian ethylene production totalled 745,081 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 738,879 tons in January to February 2025.

ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 264,397 tons in January to February 2026, up from 260,849 tons from January to February 2025. Stavrolen at Budyennovsk did not produce ethylene in the first two months due to necessary repairs following drone attacks. Production in the Volga region increased from 343,558 tons in 2024 to 389,166 tons in 2026.

Russian Propylene Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
North Caucasus Federal District	0.903	23.995
Volga Federal District	186.389	162.514
Ural Federal district	187.671	166.972
Siberian Federal District	88.691	81.696
Total	463.654	435.177

Russian propylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Butadiene Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Volga Federal District	67.998	56.553
Urals	44.576	47.891
Siberian Federal District	4.268	5.189
Total	116.843	109.633

Russian propylene production totalled 463,654 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 435,177 tons in the same period in 2025. ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased production from 166,972 tons in January to February 2025 to 187,671 tons in 2026, whilst the plants in the Volga region increased production from 166,972 tons to 187,671 tons. Production at the Budyennovsk plant in the North Caucasus dropped from 23,995 tons to 903 tons whilst in Siberia the combined production of the Tomsk and Angarsk plant resulted in 88,691 tons versus 81,596 tons in 2025.

Russian butadiene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Benzene Production by Region (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	17.003	19.522
Northwestern Federal District	12.256	16.852
North Caucasus Federal District	0.000	0.355
Volga Federal District	158.090	131.648
Ural federal district	6.002	6.805
Siberian Federal District	33.465	38.123
Total	226.815	213.304

Russian butadiene production increased in the first two months to 116,843 tons versus 109,633 tons in the same period in 2025. Production at the three sites in the Volga region increased from 56,553 tons to 67,998 tons.

Russian benzene-toluene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Toluene Production by Region
Region	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	12.610	11.025
Northwestern Federal District	2.786	6.747
Volga Federal District	25.041	21.525
Siberian Federal District	26.127	14.950
Total	66.565	54.247

Benzene production amounted to 226,815 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 213,304 tons in the same period in 2025. The Volga region for benzene production is the largest in Russia, increasing production from 131,648 tons in 2025 to 158,090 tons in the same period in 2026.

Russian toluene production increased from 54,247 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 66,565 tons in 2026.

Russian Styrene Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	4.110	5.520
Volga Federal District	59.129	69.596
Siberian Federal District	3.004	2.324
Total	66.243	77.440

Russian styrene production amounted to 66,243 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 77,440 tons in the same period in 2025. Production in the Volga region takes place at Nizhnekamsk and Salavat, and the region accounted for 59,129 tons in the period January to February 2026, down from 69,596 tons in the same period in 2025.

Russian Bulk Polymers

Russian plastics production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 1.828 million tons in January to February 2026 against 1.818 million tons in the same period in 2025.

The effects of the Hormuz crisis have been felt on the Russian market although it turned out to be smoother in comparison with the global jump in costs. Accordingly in the first two weeks in March the Russian market saw prices for high-density polyethylene increase by 11%, and for low-density polyethylene by 7%. Linear low-density polyethylene rose in price by 12%. Despite these increases polyethylene prices in Russia remain 20-25% below the level of March last year, after being dragged down by low demand.

Production of five key polymers in Russia increased by 2.4% in 2025 and amounted to 7.47 million tons. Consumption of five large-tonnage polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, polystyrene and PVC) in Russia in 2025, according to preliminary data, dropped by 2.3% compared to 2024. In absolute terms, it amounted to 6.69 million tons. The only polymer where consumption increased in 2025 was PET, which rose 7.1% up over 2024. Exports, on the other hand, represent the essential outlet for Russian polymer producers and particularly to the Chinese market. Exports at the same time continue to face financial and logistical barriers.

Russian Ethylene Polymer Production by Region (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	15.708	16.383
Northwestern Federal District	3.698	5.063
Southern Federal District	7.269	6.808
North Caucasus Federal District	0.747	48.261
Volga Federal District	221.631	212.092
Ural Federal District	272.670	266.457
Siberian Federal District	138.417	61.242
Far East	0.822	0.022
Total	660.962	616.330

Russian polethylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Production of ethylene polymers in Russia amounted to 660,962 tons in January to February 2026, up from 616,330 tons in the same period in 2025. Production was boosted towards the end of 2025 by the start-up of HDPE production at the new unit at Irkutsk Polymer Plant.

Polyethylene prices in the Russian Federation in 2026 show high volatility, having risen significantly in price (by 16%+ per month). The market is dominated by demand for domestic HDPE at prices 20% lower than global LDPE and HDPE quotations ranging at $1150-$1350 per ton.

The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District. ZapSibNeftekhim produced 272,670 tons in January to February 2026 against 266,457 tons in January to February 2025, nearly all of which comprised main polyethylene grades HDPE and LLDPE.

The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 212,092 tons in January to February 2025 to 221,631 tons in January to February 2026. The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Tatarstan Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

Chinese Polyethylene Imports from Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	154.457	84.287
$ million	111.865	71.013
$ per ton	724.2	842.5

Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian polyethylene exports to China increased from 84,287 tons in January to February 2025 to 154,276 tons in the same period in 2026, with both HDPE and LDPE showing rises. HDPE from the new plant at Irkutsk has been targeted on the Chinese market. Average prices for Russian polyethylene exports to China dropped from $842.5 per ton to $724.2 per ton in 2026. Inward shipments of polyethylene from China into Russia dropped in 2025 to 75,548 tons against 101,763 tons in January to February 2024. Average prices increased from $rose slightly from 8,695 tons to 8,378 tons. The largest volume of imports consisted of ethylene-hexene copolymers.

Chinese Polyethylene Exports to Russia (unit-kilo tons)
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	9.378	8.695
$ mil	11.232	10.72
$ per ton	1197.6	1232.4

Russian polypropylene production Jan-Feb 2025

Russian Propylene Polymers Production by Region (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	25.611	25.222
Northwestern Federal District	0.214	0.095
Southern Federal District	2.626	0.853
North Caucasus Federal District	20.552	22.293
Volga Federal District	78.384	76.724
Ural Federal district	195.207	189.671
Siberian Federal District	63.244	58.536
Total	385.838	373.394

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 385,838 tons in January to February 2026 against 373,394 tons in 2025.

ZapSibNeftekhim increased production from 189,671 tons to 195,207 tons in January to February 2026, whilst Stavrolen at Budyennovsk reduced production slightly from 22,293 tons to 20,552 tons. The Siberian Federal District includes polypropylene plants at Omsk and Tomsk, where production rose from 373,394 tons to 385,838 tons.

Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Revenues from Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China increased from $27.608 million in the first two months in 2026 to $16.399 million in the same period in 2025. Russian polypropylene exports increased from 19,258 tons to 41,636 tons.

Chinese Imports of PP Homo from Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	41.636	19.258
$ million	27.608	16.399
Av $ per ton	663.1	851.5

Chinese exports of propylene polymers dropped to 5,293 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 4,500 tons in 2025. Prices amounted to $1936.4 per ton in 2026, down from $2256.0 in 2025. Chinese exports usually consist of higher-grade copolymers.

Chinese Exports of PP from Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	5.293	4.500
$ million	10.248	10.153
Av $ per ton	1936.4	2256.0

Russian PVC production and trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PVC suspension grade production totalled 774,063 tons in January to February 2025 against 745,421 tons in the same period in 2024. The Volga region, which includes plants at Kstovo and Sterlitamak, accounted for 476,204 tons in January to February against 450,375 tons in the same period in 2024. Sayanskkhimplast is the only PVC producer in Siberia, producing 220,163 tons in the against 225,826 tons in January to February 2024. The plant is supplied with ethylene from the Angarsk Polymer Plant by pipeline.

Chinese Exports of PVC to Russia (unit-kilo tons)
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
PVC Total	22.335	28.076
PVC S	11.703	11.441
PVC E	10.532	16.635

Russian PVC market Jan-2026

Imports of PVC from China into Russia increased to a total of 22,335 tons in January to February 2026 against 28,076 tons in 2025. Shipments of PVC suspension grade increased from 11,441 tons to 11,703 tons whilst emulsion grade dropped from 16,635 tons to 10,532 tons. PVC emulsion imports from China into Russia increased from 51,783 tons in 2024 to 64,356 tons in the same period in 2025.

Suspension grade imports increased from 49,607 tons to 72,312 tons. Overall PVC shipments from China to Russia increased from 101,390 tons in 2024 to 136,668 tons in the same period this year. Overall, the production of PVC suspension grade in Russia amounted to 626,655 tons in 2025 against 745,421 in the same period in 2024. Production of PVC suspension grade in Siberia decreased from 225,826 tons to 171,965 tons in the first ten months this year. Emulsion grade PVC production dropped from 24,860 tons in January to February 2024 to 21,122 tons in the same period in 2025.

Russian PX-PTA-PET

Russian Paraxylene Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Kirishinefteorgsintez	9.628	8.598
Ufaneftekhim	20.853	27.620
Gazprom Neft	12.030	11.002
Total	42.511	47.219

Russian PX-PTA production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 42,511 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 47,219 tons in the same period in 2025. Gazprom Neft at Omsk increased production from 11,002 tons to 12,030 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim reduced production from 27,620 tons to 20,853 tons. Polief gets around 75% of paraxylene from Bashneft and the remainder from Gazprom Neft.

Russian PTA Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Volga Federal District	59.242	57.265
Total	59.242	57.265

PTA production at Polief amounted to 59,242 tons in January to February 2026 against 59,242 tons in 2025. Regarding Polief, SIBUR does not plan to expand its capacity and considers its PX-PTA chain to be balanced. Polief provides PTA for further after processing into PET in the Tver region as in Bashkortostan.

Russian PET Production by Region (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	34.246	33.415
Northwestern Federal District	39.330	41.186
Volga Federal District	40.185	40.484
Total	113.761	115.085

Russian PET production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PTA Imports from China
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	50.441	58.224
€ mil	31.680	36.517
Av $ per ton	628.1	627.2

Ekopet produced 39,330 tons of PET in the first two months in 2026 against 41,186 tons in January to February 2025, whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 34,246 tons against 33,415 tons. Polief reduced PET production slightly to 40,185 tons versus 40,484 tons last year. PET production in Russia amounted to a total of 113,761 tons in the first two in 2026 against 115,080 tons in the same period in 2025.

Although PET prices have risen sharply since the US began its attacks on Iran, but the share of the cost of PET packaging (bottle, preform) in the retail price of a product unit is only about 1-3%. Raw materials have risen in price due to the current situation in international markets and logistics, but the contribution of this factor to the final price tag is incomparably less than the impact of logistics and trade format.

Russian PET Imports from China (unit-kilo tons)
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	36.997	43.445
€ mil	28.385	35.083
Av $ per ton	767.2	807.5

Russian PTA-PET-MEG imports Jan-Feb 2026

Russian MEG Imports from China (unit-kilo tons)
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	10.661	17.046
€mil	5.103	10.331
Av $ per ton	478.7	606.1

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 50,441 tons in the first two months in 2026 versus 58,224 tons in the same period in 2025. The PTA imports from China are shipped to Ekopet at Kaliningrad by a combination of rail direct and by sea and rail. PTA import prices averaged $628.1 in 2026 which was up from $627.2 in 2024. Values of PTA imports amounted to $31.680 million against $36.517 million in 2025.

Chinese shipments of PET to Russia amounted to 36,997 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 43,445 tons in the same period in 2025. Costs of Chinese PET import shipments into Russia dropped from $35.83 million to $28.385 million, which meant that average prices fell from $807.5 per ton to $767.2 per ton. Besides some small volumes from Belarus, China is almost the only source of PET imports into Russia. Russia imported 10,661 tons of MEG from China in 2026 against 17,046 tons in 2025. Ethylene glycol production in Russia fell in 2025 to 229,843 tons against 317,118 tons in 2024. Production is divided mainly between SIBUR-Neftekhim at Dzerzhinsk and Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Polief buys MEG from both plants. Production of MEG in Russia was affected in 2025 by the shortages of olefins in the first quarter, after the Kstovo cracker was seriously damaged by drone attacks.

Synthetic Rubber

Russian Synthetic Rubber Production by Region (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	43.608	41.984
Northwestern Federal District	0.208	0.134
Volga Federal District	196.936	196.167
Siberian Federal District	16.060	18.004
Total	256.812	256.289
Exports to China	51%	39%

Russian synthetic rubber production Jan-Feb 2026

Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 256,812 tons in January to February 2026 against 256,289 tons in the corresponding period in 2025. Exports of synthetic rubber to China accounted for 51% of total production in January to February 2025 against 39% in 2024.

The Siberian region decreased production from 18,004 tons in January to February 2025 to 16,050 tons in the same period in 2026. Voronezhsintezkaucuk is the main producer of synthetic rubber in the Central Federal District of Russia, where volumes increased from 41,984 tons to 43,608 tons in January to February 2026. The Volga region accounted for 196,936 tons of Russian synthetic rubber production in 2026 against 196,197 tons in 2025. This region provides the main basis for synthetic rubber production in Russia.

Russian Synthetic Rubber Production by Category
*Product*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Butadiene Rubber	49.165	44.304
Isoprene Rubber	48.170	51.435
SBR SKS-SKMS	47.930	39.910
NPR	8.982	7.802
EPDM	0.282	0.435
Butyl Rubber	19.544	26.716
HBR	19.320	15.743
SBR	19.679	23.007
Other	43.741	47.038

Synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Feb 2026

Isoprene rubber amounted to 48,170 tons in the first two months against 51,435 tons in the same period last year. Butadiene rubber production amounted to 49,165 tons against 44,304 tons in January to February 2025. The production of butadiene methylstyrene rubber rose to 47,930 tons against 39,910 tons whilst butyl rubber production reduced from 26,716 tons to 19,544 tons. The highest value rubber sold by Russia is halogenated butyl rubber where production increased from 15,743 tons in 2025 to 19,320 tons.

Chinese Imports of Synthetic Rubber from Russia (unit-kilo tons)
*Product*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
SBRs	30.150	27.650
Butadiene Rubber	35.230	27.666
Butyl Rubber	15.367	24.879
HBR	14.990	12.827
NBR	8.921	3.136
Isoprene Rubber	26.576	26.835
Others	24.405	14.096
Total	155.639	137.089
Av $ per ton	1198.9	1628.8

Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $216.690 million in January to February 2026 against $218.687 million in the same period in 2025.

By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 155,639 tons in the first two months in 2026, which was up from 137,089 tons in 2025. Butadiene rubber exports represented the largest category, rising from 27,666 tons in January to February 2025 to 35,230 tons. Exports of thermoplastic elastomers increased from 27,650 tons to 30,150 tons. Isoprene rubber exports declined from 26,835 tons to 26,576 tons.

Serious fire at Nizhnekamskneftekhim

A serious fire at Nizhnekamskneftekhim broke out at the synthetic rubber plant on 31 March, resulting in twelve fatalities together with an enforced stoppage. Nizhnekamskneftekhim was forced to stop the production of the neodymium SKD (SKDN) line, accounting for around 180,000 tpa of capacity. In addition to NKNK, SIBUR produces SKD on two types of catalytic systems (neodymium and titanium) at the Voronezhsintezkaucuk site where the capacity is estimated at about 140,000 tpa. SIBUR should be able to replace NKNK s supplies with the volumes of the Voronezh site, including through the development of formulation solutions with the support of SIBUR Polylab.

Methanol

Russian methanol production Jan-Feb 2026

Russia produced 712,473 tons of methanol in the first two months in 2026 against 687,433 tons in the same period in 2025. The Volga region, including Metafrax Chemicals, Tomet and Ammoni, reduced production from 329,741 tons to 249,893 tons in the first two months in 2025. The reduction was due to predominantly on the attack on Metafrax on 17 February which disabled production.

Russian Methanol Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	248.418	169.796
Northwestern Federal District	16.320	18.701
North Caucasus Federal District	12.934	20.437
Volga Federal District	249.893	329.741
Ural Federal District	20.609	15.073
Siberian Federal District	164.299	133.684
Total	712.473	687.433

The Siberian Federal District (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 133,684 tons to 164,299 tons. However, Gazprom Methanol at Tomsk was forced to reduce production in February and March due to poor quality catalysts impacting on the production process.

Russian Methanol Exports by Producer (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Azot Nevinnomyssk	0.000	2.342
Metafrax	29.825	56.618
Gazprom Methanol	76.708	66.767
Tomet	2.042	41.288
Shchekinoazot	137.294	83.344
Total	245.869	250.359

The Central region, which includes Shchekinoazot, showed a sharp rise in production from 169,796 tons to 248,418 tons in the first two months in 2026. Azot at Nevinnomyssk in the North Caucasus has also been affected by drone attacks, reducing production in the first two months from 20,437 tons in 2025 to 12,934 tons this year. Azot provides essential raw materials such as used in the manufacture of explosives and a wide range of ammunition compositions. Its role in sustaining Russia s frontline firepower makes it a high-value target within the broader campaign to degrade military logistics. Azot also provides acetic acid to the Sverdlov explosive plant at Dzerzhinsk in the Nizhniy Novgorod region.

Russian methanol exports Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Methanol Exports to China (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Metafrax Chemicals	21.448	37.478
Gazprom Methanol	46.467	46.289
Tomet	7.258	8.593
Shchekinoazot	114.496	44.732
Total	189.669	137.092

Russian methanol exports amounted to 245,869 tons in January to February 2026 versus 250,359 tons in the same period in 2025. Shchekinoazot increased exports from 83,344 tons to 137,294 tons, whilst Metafrax Chemicals reduced shipments from 56,618 tons to 29,825 tons. Tomet at Togliatti reduced exports from 41,288 tons to 2,042 tons in January to February 2026. Gazprom Methanol increased exports to 46,467 tons from 46,289 tons in 2024.

Summary of Russian Methanol Export Destinations (unit-kilo tons)
*Country*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Azerbaijan	0.129	0.000
Belarus	14.097	16.518
Brazil.	12.451	21.972
China	189.669	137.092
Kazakhstan	9.050	8.160
Kyrgyzstan	0.000	0.408
UAE	0.000	15.102
Turkey	20.474	51.107
Total	245.870	250.359

Russian exports to China amounted to 189,669 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 137,092 tons in the same period in 2025. Average prices for methanol imports amounted to $239.8 per ton against $307.3 per ton in the same period in 2025. Export volumes to Turkey fell from 51,107 tons in the first two months last year to 20,474 tons in 2026. Shipments to Brazil dropped from 21,972 tons to 12,451 tons in the first two months in 2026.

Can Russia sell more methanol to China

Russian methanol producers have the capacity to increase supplies to China, which faces a serious shortage of this product due to the war in the Middle East. However, there are also accumulated problems on this path, which first need to be solved.

Chinese Methanol Imports from Middle East 2025
*Country*	*Ktons*	*$ mil*
Bahrain	68.7	19.9
Iran	814.7	224.6
Oman	2991.1	800.2
Qatar	193.4	5.3
Saudi Arabia	3288.8	885.7
UAE	2678.7	735.1
Others	4369.9	1261.5
Total	14405.4	3932.2

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has effectively halted the export of 18-20 million tons of methanol from the region, leading to a serious increase in prices. Since the beginning of the conflict, methanol prices in China have already increased by a third.

Russian producers could partially replace methanol supplies from the Middle East to China, but this is only in theory. Hypothetically, Russian producers have the opportunity to increase supplies by around 0.7 million tons, but there are difficulties that producers are now facing both in the production of methanol and in its shipment for export. These include the reduced efficiency of import-substituted catalysts as opposed to sanctioned Western catalysts, as well as shutdowns for unscheduled repairs due to attacks by Ukrainian drones.

Russian Methanol Domestic Sales (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Azot Nevinnomyssk	1.000	0.122
Metafrax	67.235	86.965
Gazprom Methanol	69.740	56.450
Tomet	64.844	48.572
Shchekinoazot	58.564	59.828
Ammoni (Mendeleevsk)	2.377	4.172
Total	263.760	256.109

Russian exports to China rose by 1.5% in 2025 over 2024, which tends to indicate a plateau with current production and logistics capabilities. The Nakhodka Mineral Fertilizer Plant with a capacity of 1.8 million tpa of methanol should reach its design capacity in 2027.

Taking into account its own sea terminal for transshipment of products, a short transport leg and cheap raw materials, Nakhodka methanol could become attractive to consumers from the Asia-Pacific region. In particular the launch of this plant could result in a significant increase in exports to China.

Russian Formaldehyde Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Pigment	5.902	5.941
Shchekinoazot	5.668	6.461
Akron	24.576	27.843
Metafrax	46.002	54.487
Sverdlov Plant	0.003	0.004
Khimsintez	7.963	4.287
Uralkhimplast	6.996	7.139
Nizhnekamskneftekhim	38.909	12.975
Metadynea	4.350	3.579
Total	140.369	122.716

Russian methanol domestic sales Jan-Feb 2026

Domestic merchant sales of methanol dropped from 1.561 million tons in January to February 2024 to 1.484 million tons in January to February 2025. Metafrax Chemicals reduced domestic merchant sales to 490,161 tons in January to February 2025 against 494,966 tons in January to February 2024, whilst Gazprom Methanol reduced domestic merchant sales to 304,870 tons which was down from 322,043 tons. Shchekinoazot shipped 375,470 tons in January to February 2025 against 411,513 tons in 2024.

Russian Formaldehyde Derivative Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Category*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*	*Jan-Feb 24*
Urea-formaldehyde concentrate	45.689	50.455	48.454
Urea-formaldehyde resins	155.003	179.461	182.146
Phenol-formaldehyde resins	58.343	62.054	67.824

Formaldehyde production has been over the past two years as demand for urea-formaldehyde resins and phenol-formaldehyde resins has been weakening. However, production increased in the first two months this year to 140,369 tons against 122,716 tons in the same period in 2025.

The increase was solely attributable to the increase at Nizhnekamskneftekhim where production increased from 12,975 tons to 38,909 tons. Around 44% of methanol consumed was processed into formaldehyde-containing products in 2025, including resins and isoprene. This compares against 54% in 2020. All products including formaldehyde concentrate, and resins saw reduced production in the first two months in 2026.

Organic chemicals

Russian N-Butanol Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
North Caucasus Federal District	2.307	2.064
Volga Federal District	18.930	21.833
Siberian Federal District	5.198	3.096
Total	26.435	26.993

Russian butanol production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Acetic Acid Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Azot Nevinnomyssk	26.454	29.198
Volga region	5.710	7.895
Others	0.639	0.411
Total	32.803	37.504

Russian normal butanol production amounted to 26,435 tons in January to February 2026 versus 26,993 tons in the same period in 2025. The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom, reduced production from 26,993 tons to 26,435 tons.

Russian solvent production Jan-Feb 2026

Acetate solvent prices rose in April despite low demand in the Russian market. Imports from countries such as China and India have started to fall due to the ongoing energy crisis. As a result, the cost of all products of further oil and gas processing also increased, which made it less competitive in the Russian market, which uses its own energy resources.

Costs of acetate solvents in Russia increased in early April, including 23-25% for butyl acetate and 24-28% for ethyl acetate. During March, due to the growth of oil prices, the average cost of ethyl acetate in China increased by almost 40%, with the rise in price about 3% in just one day from 31 March to 1 April. The situation is similar in India, where the rise in prices is comparable to the rise in prices for Chinese producers.

Russian acetic acid production amounted to 32,803 tons in January to February 2026 against 37,504 tons in the same period in 2025. The largest and most important producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, reduced production from 29,198 tons to 26,454 tons. The Azot complex was struck by drones in March again.

Russian Isopropanol Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Producer*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Plant of Synthetic Alcohol	7.763	7.199
Omsk Kaucuk	5.284	2.516
Total	13.047	9.715

Isopropanol production in Russia amounted to 13,047 tons in January to February 2026 against 9,715 tons in the same period in 2025. Omsk Kaucuk increased production from 2,516 tons to 5,284 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk increased production from 7,199 tons to 7,763 tons. Omsk Kaucuk only started isopropanol production in 2020 and only achieved high utilisation rates in 2023.

Kamteks-Khimprom orthoxylene shortages

Kamteks-Khimprom reported a loss of 461.5 million roubles at the end of 2025. The company s revenue decreased by 20% compared to 2024 and amounted to 4.9 billion roubles.

The explanations indicate that the key reason for the losses was the cessation of orthoxylene supplies in the fourth quarter of 2025. Also, the financial indicators were affected by a decrease in world prices for products, the strengthening of the rouble and a decrease in domestic production of orthoxylene. The document notes that the shortage of raw materials for the production of phthalic anhydride arose due to a lack of oil refining capacities.

Phthalic anhydride production in Russia totalled 75,508 tons in 2025 against 96,323 tons in 2024. Kamteks-Khimprom at Perm is the largest producer followed by Gazprom neftekhim Salavat, and together these two plants produced 75,446 tons in 2024. Kamteks-Khimprom produces phthalic anhydride and dioctyl phthalate, as well as fumaric and benzoic acids. Maleic anhydride production dropped from 53,419 tons to 43,247 tons in 2025.

Russian Polyacrylate Production (unit-kilo tons)
*Region*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Central Federal District	14.387	13.670
Volga Federal District	4.492	6.129
Others	0.472	0.387
Total	19.352	20.186

The Roskhim holding considered the possibility of acquiring Kamteks-Khimprom in 2024. However, after the audit, the parties could not agree on the terms of the deal, and the negotiations were paused.

Russian polyacrylate production Jan-Feb 2026

In other product areas, Russian polyacrylate production totalled 19,352 tons in the first two months 2026, down from 20,186 tons in 2025. The largest region in Russia for the production of polyacrylates is the Central Federal District where SIBUR-Neftekhim produces at Dzerzhinsk. Currently SIBUR is the only producer of these light esters in Russia, as well as the heavy ester of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

South Korean Exports of TDI to Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
TDI	7.168	1.696
MDI	6.008	1.017
Av Price $/ton	1754.3	1886.8

Russian isocyanate market

TDI imports into Russia Jan-Feb 2026

TDI imports into Russia from South Korea amounted to 7,168 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 1,696 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices dropping to $1826.0 per ton from $1925.1 per ton.

MDI imports from South Korea to Russia amounted to 6,008 tons in the first two months in 2026 against 1,017 tons in the same period in 2025. Prices dropped from $2229.2 per ton to $1732.3 per ton. Russia imported 19,158 tons from South Korea in 2025.

Chinese Exports of TDI-MDI to Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
TDI	1.777	2.170
MDI	3.453	14.628

TDI imports from China into Russia dropped in the first two months in 2026 to 1,777 tons versus 2,170 tons in the same period in 2025. Prices rose slightly from $2140.0 per ton in January to February 2025 to $2141.2 per ton in 2026.

Chinese Exports of Polyols to Russia
	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Ktons	20.457	16.084
$ million	26.066	21.908
Av Price $/ton	1274.1	1362.1

MDI exports from China to Russia dropped from 14,628 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 3,453 tons in the same period in 2026. Prices actually increased from $1691.4 per ton to $2029.8 per ton.

Russian isocyanate consumption 2026

The Russian polyurethane market is now facing difficulties of a stagnant domestic economy with the problems of lower demand coupled with growing issues around payment arrears. The volume of domestic consumption in 2024-2025 reached between 480-500,000 tons each year, but 2026 is expected to see a fall of around 10%.

The building industry in Russia is suffering from a shortage of raw materials. Many types of raw materials are still imported, for example, chloride grades of titanium dioxide, polyesters, polyurethanes, and a number of functional additives.

Polyol exports from China to Russia rose in the first two months in 2026 to 20,457 tons against 16,084 tons in the same period in 2025 and by value to $26.066 million versus $21.908 million. Total consumption of polyols in Russia ranges from 210-220,000 tpa at present.

More than 65% of all polyurethanes in Russia are consumed by three industries: mechanical engineering (23%), furniture manufacturing (24%) and the construction industry (19%). Russia consumes a lot of polyurethane foam, but the production of the raw material base is still a weak link.

Elastokam integrated into Nizhnekamskneftekhim

SIBUR has decided to integrate Tatar polymer producer Elastokam into the full structure of Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Due to the failure to achieve the planned business result in 2025, the founder decided to change the management system and organisational structure of Elastokam by integrating the business into the perimeter of Nizhnekamskneftekhim.

Elastokam was registered in 2015 in equal shares by Nizhnekamskneftekhim and BASF Polyurethanes in order to produce polyurethane foam systems for a wide range of applications. The Elastokam plant, together with Nizhnekamskneftekhim, became part of SIBUR Holding after a deal with TAIF. Between 2020-2024 the company recorded a profit but encountered a 29% drop in revenue in 2025 to 5.7 billion roubles and a loss of 275 million roubles. The Elastokam plant is engaged in the manufacture of polyurethane systems, multicomponent polymer materials for various sectors of Russian industry.

After the departure of BASF from the Russian market, Elastokam lost the supply of components, production was under the threat of stopping. With SIBUR s support, the plant found new sources of raw materials in two months, rebuilt logistics, developed its own formulations for PU systems, and restarted production.

Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan

Kazakh Polypropylene Exports Jan-Feb 2026
*Country*	*Ktons*	*$ million*
Russia	13.485	14.693
Turkey	1.912	1.379
Others	1.824	1.155
Total	17.221	17.227

Kazakh polypropylene production suspension

Exports of polypropylene from Kazakhstan in the first two months in 2026 amounted to 17,221 tons of which 13,485 tons went to Russia. Due to production issues related to feedstock problems no shipments were made to China in the first two months this against 18,340 tons in the period January to February 2025. Kazakhstan exported a total of 45,744 tons in the first two months last year, more than double the volume in 2026.

The PP plant at Atyrau, which cost $2.6 billion to build, was commissioned at the end of 2022 and has helped transform the dynamics of the domestic processing market. The company set plans at the start of 2026 to produce 487,500 tons of polypropylene, with around 20% being sold in the domestic market. The production of polypropylene at the KPI plant, was completely suspended in late January due to an emergency situation at Tengizchevroil LLP which suspended deliveries of propane.

Kazakh Polyethylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
*Product*	*Ktons*	*$ per ton*
LLDPE	3.107	959.8
LDPE	5.012	1131.8
HDPE	21.764	1020.0
EVA	0.376	2420.7
EAO	1.948	998.5
Other	4.347	1117.5
Total	36.555	1054.1

Kazakh polyethylene imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polyethylene imports into Kazakhstan totalled 36,555 tons in the first two months in 2026, including 21,764 tons of HDPE. Russia is the main supplier of polyethylene to the Kazakh market.

Silleno-polyethylene logistics and feedstocks

The Kazakh company Silleno and the German Karl Schmidt Spedition (KSS) have signed an EPC contract for the construction of a logistics complex in the Atyrau region. The facility will become a key infrastructure for the future polyethylene plant. The complex is designed to receive, package, store and ship 1.25 million tpa of polyethylene. Deliveries will go both to the domestic market and for export by rail and road. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2028.

Silleno is implementing a project for the construction of an ethylene and polyethylene production facility. Its shareholders are NC KazMunayGaz (40%), Sinopec Overseas Investment Holding (30%), and SIBUR Holding (30%). The project is financed by shareholders funds and loans from international banks. The volume of investments is $7.4 billion, and the construction of the complex started in September 2024. Completion of construction is scheduled for 2029.

Kazakh switch from raw materials to petrochemicals

Kazakhstan is making a strategic turn from a raw material model to processing whereby the production of petrochemical products is planned to double by 2030. This is one of the key elements of the country s new industrial policy aimed at creating products with high added value. The volume of petrochemical production increased from 358,000 tons in 2023 to 619,000 tons in 2025. In addition to the Silleno polyethylene project with a capacity of 1.250 million tpa, Kazakhstan is constructing projects for 880,000 tpa of urea and 340,000 tpa of butadiene.

Chinese companies replace Tatneft from butadiene project in Kazakhstan

Subsidiaries of the Chinese company Sinopec have become EPC contractors for the butadiene project in the Atyrau region, after Tatneft had withdrawn recently. Samruk-Kazyna has signed an EPC contract with Sinopec Guangzhou Engineering (the contractor is undertaking a turnkey project, including design, procurement of materials, construction and commissioning of the facility) for butane separation, isobutane dehydrogenation, butadiene extraction and off-site facilities.

Another company, Sinopec Ningbo Engineering, will become the EPC contractor for the rubber and styrene butadiene rubber production plants from butane. The butadiene joint venture was established by the Tatneft (75%) and KazMunayGaz (25%) in November 2021. A subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna, Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu, has since become the owner of KMG s share.

Lummus Technology was chosen as the licensor of the technology in 2025, and the engineering and basic design was carried out by the Chinese Tianchen Engineering Corporation. Production was intended to start in 2026, but sanctions on Russian companies have delayed the project and Tatneft withdrew completely at the beginning of the year.

Due to sanctions Tatneft could not take loans from Western banks and, more importantly, to buy the necessary technologies from foreign licensors such as Lummus Technology. The second serious factor was the sharp increase in the cost of the project. The actual construction costs turned out to be much higher than planned, the start date of construction was postponed.

The butadiene project, worth about $1 billion, provides for the construction of a petrochemical complex for the production of butadiene in the Atyrau region. Raw materials for the complex are to come from the Tengiz field. The derivatives of the butadiene project include 60,000 tpa of divinylstyrene synthetic rubber (DSSK) for use in the rubber industry, 40,000 tpa of styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber (SBS) necessary for road surfaces and plastics, as well as 40,000 tpa of MTBE.

Chinese Exports of PVC to Central Asia Jan-Feb 2026
*Country*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Kazakhstan	26.171	21.634
Kyrgyzstan	1.180	1.029
Tajikistan	5.162	3.985
Turkmenistan	0.870	1.624
Uzbekistan	40.966	28.821
Total	74.349	57.093

Central Asian polymer imports from China Jan-Feb 2026

Chinese Exports of PET to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (unit-kilo tons)
*Country*	*Jan-Feb 26*	*Jan-Feb 25*
Kazakhstan	13.445	17.515
Uzbekistan	10.800	19.642

PET shipments from China to Kazakhstan dropped from 17,515 tons in 2026 to 13,445 tons in 2025 whilst shipments to Uzbekistan decreased from 19,642 tons to 10,800 tons.

Czech crude imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish crude imports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Feb 2026

Druzhba oil deliveries to Germany could stop in May

Orlen-Hyundai agreement

Polish petrochemical production Jan-Feb 2026

Nowa Chemia-revised budget

Polish monomer imports, Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian monomer trade, Jan-Feb 2026

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Feb 2026

HIP-Petrohemija 2025

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish PP Trade Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Polish rubber exports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish benzene exports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish PTA exports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Feb 2026

Czech aromatic trade Jan-Feb 2026

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech polyol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish polyol trade Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish organic chemical imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish glycol/oxide imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish ethylene oxide market

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Feb 2026

Czech methanol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Feb 2026

Polish methanol trade Jan-Feb 2026

Central Asian polymer imports from China Jan-Feb 2026

Uzbek MTO project-HDPE unit

RUSSIA

Russian fertiliser capacity restricted from increasing sales

Russian production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate

Russian chemical production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian petrochemical industry-payment arrears

Russian polymer production Jan-Feb 2026

South Korea-emergency naphtha supplies from Russia

Russian naphtha exports March

Monomers

Russian ethylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian propylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian butadiene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian benzene-toluene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Bulk Polymers

Russian plastics production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian polethylene production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian polypropylene production Jan-Feb 2025

Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PVC production and trade Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PVC market Jan-2026

Russian PX-PTA-PET

Russian PX-PTA production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PET production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian PTA-PET-MEG imports Jan-Feb 2026

Synthetic Rubber

Russian synthetic rubber production Jan-Feb 2026

Synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Feb 2026

Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Feb 2026

Serious fire at Nizhnekamskneftekhim

Methanol

Russian methanol production Jan-Feb 2026

Can Russia sell more methanol to China

Russian methanol domestic sales Jan-Feb 2026

Organic chemicals

Russian butanol production Jan-Feb 2026

Russian solvent production Jan-Feb 2026

Kamteks-Khimprom orthoxylene shortages

Russian polyacrylate production Jan-Feb 2026