Czech crude imports Jan-Feb 25

Imports of Russian crude into the Czech Republic dropped from 568,200 tons in January to February 2024 against 462,500 tons this year`.  Azerbaijan increased crude shipments to the Czech Republic to 493,200 tons in January to February 2025 against 476,400 tons in 2024. 

Russian crude accounted for 41% of total Czech imports last year, down from 58% in 2023.   Due to the TAL project, it will be possible to end dependence on raw material from Russia after 60 years and thus represents a major change in the country's energy infrastructure.  The pipeline from the coast of Italy will pass through Austria and Germany before connecting to IKL in the Czech Republic.

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Feb 25

Russian crude oil flows into Hungary amounted to 956,500 tons in the first two months this year against 1.026 million tons in the same two-month period in 2024. 

Despite the slow transfer to alternative sources, Hungary has agreed an oil import deal to secure supplies for itself and Slovakia via Croatia as part of efforts to replace Russian oil pipeline shipments.  Croatia’s oil pipeline operator said it has agreed a transit shipment of 2.1 million tons of oil with MOL until the end of 2025. 

In addition to the transit agreement, Janaf said that it has inked a contract with MOL for storage of oil at the Omisalj terminal as well as at Croatia's Sisak terminal further along the pipeline route, until 31 December 2027.  

Serbia-Druzhba connection

Serbia could be connected to the Druzhba, via Hungary, in order to resolve the supply problems that could take place after the introduction of US sanctions.   At present, Serbia imports crude oil solely through Croatia’s JANAF pipeline and thus linking to Druzhba could bring both greater supply security and lower oil prices.  Yet, the move also carries political risks given the confrontational relations between the EU and Moscow.  Also economically, due to Druzhba’s aging infrastructure and uncertain maintenance, particularly in the Ukrainian segment.

Polish crude imports Jan-Feb 25

From the total of 4.143 million tons of crude imported into Poland in the first two months in 2025, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 2.258 million tons followed by Norway which provided 684,600 tons.  

Other suppliers included the US, UK and Nigeria.  Average prices for Polish crude purchases dropped from $567.4 per ton in the first two months in in 2024 to $536.7 per ton in the first two months in 2025.

Polish petrochemical production Jan-Feb 2025

Ethylene production in Poland dropped in the first two months 2024 to 45,900 tons against 58,500 tons in January to February 2025, whilst propylene rose from 55,900 tons to 65,500 tons.  The increase in propylene production is largely through the PDH plant of Polimery Police plant.  Butadiene production at Plock dropped slightly to 9,120 tons in the first two months in 2025 from 9,508 tons in 2024.  Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos.

In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 48,900 tons in January to February 2025 versus 54,700 tons in 2024.  Polypropylene production in Poland increased at the two plants at Plock and Police from 49,000 tons to 66,400 tons.  PVC production at Wloclawek decreased from 35,400 tons to 22,600 tons.

Orlen’s write-offs for 2024

Orlen estimated its profit for last year at zl 1.5 billion (€349.7 million) after taking into account write-downs of around zl 11.5 billion (€2.681 billion).  In the petrochemical segment, the impairment losses result partly due to writing off parts of the Olefiny III project and replacing it with the Nowa Chemia (New Chemistry) project.  The company is obliged to update the value of assets under construction of the Nowa Chemia project in the amount of zl 5.2 billion.

Capital expenditures incurred in 2024 for the Nowa Chemia project amounted to zl 4.8 billion (€1.119), and the total expenditures from the launch of the project in 2021 to the end of 2024 amounted to zl 14.1 billion (€3.287 billion).   In the refining segment, the impairment losses were caused by an increase in estimates of the value of capital expenditures and an increase in future operating costs for the 2G Bioethanol unit under construction at Orlen Poludnie. 

Orlen Unipetrol two month maintenance turnaround at Litvinov

Orlen Unipetrol started a planned turnaround at its chemical site in Litvinov on 11 April which is expected to last for around two months.  During the two-month operational shutdown, the petrochemical plant will undergo regular maintenance and modernisation of technologies, along with th?e implementation of investment projects. It is expected that the petrochemical production technologies will be put back into operation at the beginning of June. The refining part of the plant, including the refinery at Kralupy nad Vltavou will remain in full operation.   The refining segment underwent maintenance and modernization last year, and will now remain in full operation, including the refinery in Kralupy nad Vltavou, which will undergo a planned turnaround in 2026.

Over the course of the two-mont?h shutdown, the ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene production units will undergo a wide range of maintenance and modernisation operations. Key actions include replacing the high-pressure steam pipeline, replacing the inner floors of the four columns of the ethylene unit, and modernising the flare system.  The steam cracker at Litvinov reduced operations for one day in late March due to issues concerning excess operating gases. Production of petrochemicals at Litvinov performed well in the fourth quarter last year, particularly for ethylene.

Polish propylene imports, Jan-Feb 2025

Poland imported 15,789 tons of propylene in January to February this year against 17,884 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports declined last year due to higher domestic production.  Average import prices rose from €802.9 per ton in the first two months in 2024 to €953.8 in 2025.  Germany was the main supplier to Poland, shipping 12,731 tons against 13,994 tons in January to February 2024.

Polish butadiene imports, Jan-Feb 2025

Butadiene import prices for Poland amounted to €914.9 in the first two months this year against €879.3 per ton for the whole of 2024.   Shipments totalled 19,698 tons against 15,910 tons in January to February 2024.  Synthos is the major importer of butadiene in Poland, whilst Austria was the largest supplier shipping 6,343 tons in the first two months. 

Hungarian propylene & butadiene imports, Jan-Feb  2025

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 14,873 tons in January to February this year against 22,063 tons in January to February 2024, most of which went to Slovakia.   Prices averaged €1067.2 per ton in the first two months against €1040.2 per ton in January to February 2024.  Hungarian butadiene exports dropped to 3,058 tons in the first two months against 12,209 tons in the same period in 2024.  Butadiene is exported from MOL’s Tiszaujvaros complex. 

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Feb 2025

Czech ethylene imports amounted to 1,556 tons in the first two months in 2025, against only 160 tons in January to February 2024.  Czech propylene imports totalled 13,155 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 5,369 tons in the same period last year. 

Butadiene imports more than doubled in the first two months from 4,148 tons to 9,967 tons.  Germany supplied 7,177 tons of propylene in the first two months in 2025 against 5,369 tons in 2024, whilst imports from Poland rose from just 20 tons to 4,704 tons.  Production of propylene in Poland increased in 2024 after the start-up of the new Azoty plant at Police.

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2025

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 53,130 tons in January to February 2025 against 52,510 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices of imports rose from €1436.0 per ton to €1472.6 per ton.  Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 59,491 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 67,195 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices increased from €1293.4 per ton to €1394.4 per ton. 

HDPE export shipments comprised 49,195 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 57,017 tons in the same period in 2024.  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-Feb 2025

Consumption of polyethylene increased in the first two months in 2025 to 241,000 tons against 231,700 tons in the same period in 2024.  Production of polyethylene at Plock was lower in the first two months, whilst imports increased.

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 242,140 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 226,127 tons in the same period in 2024, with average prices falling slightly from €1259.7 per ton to €1254.7 per ton.  HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 70,891 tons in January to February 2025 versus 69,378 tons in 2024.  Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market.  

LLDPE imports rose from 36,556 tons in January to February 2024 to 41,367 tons in the corresponding period in 2025.  Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced mostly from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany. 

LDPE imports rose to 59,698 tons in January to February 2024 to 62,988 tons in the corresponding period in 2025.    Imports from ethylene alpha olefins increased from 46,507 tons to 54,638 tons.

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 50,032 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 49,089 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices for polyethylene exports increased from €1116.2 per ton to €1378.0 per ton. 

Exports of HDPE from Poland amounted to 31,461 tons in January to February 2025 versus 32,132 tons in the same period in 2024 whilst LDPE exports rose from 6,646 tons to 10,502 tons.  Exports of ethylene alpha olefins amounted to 2,541 tons in the first two months in 2025.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of LDPE decreased from 11.801 kilo tons in the first two months in 2024 to 7.144 kilo tons in January-February 2025.  HDPE exports increased from 36.348 kilo tons to 41.294 kilo tons in in January-February 2025.  EAO and EVA exports were both negligible.

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 57,137 tons in January to February 2025 against 52,115 tons in January to February 2024.  Average prices of polyethylene exports increased from €1187.7 per ton to €1202.2 per ton.  Revenues for polyethylene exports in January to February this year totalled $68.8 million.

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 26,733 tons in January to February 2025 against 33,478 tons in January to February 2024.  Hungarian import prices for polyethylene rose on average from €1551.6 per ton to €1606.6 in January to February 2025.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which dropped from 13,215 tons to 9,287 ton

Polish PP Trade Jan-Feb 2025

In contrast to the improvement in the Polish polyethylene market last year, polypropylene consumption tended to fall, and increased production was channelled into exports.  In early 2025 production has continued to increase and based on export-import data the market has shown a slight rise in consumption.   

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, dropped to 159,093 tons against 162,529 tons in the same period in 2024.   However, the key to lower consumption in Poland has been the significant rise in export activity.

Average prices for all types of polypropylene imports increased from €1371.0 per ton to €1440.0 per ton.  Homo grade polypropylene imports dropped slightly from 104,849 tons in January to February 2024 to 103,366 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst copolymer imports dropped from 54,149 tons to 51,812 tons. 

Export shipments from Poland rose to 54,554 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 47,149 tons in January to February 2024.  Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination.  Average export prices dropped from €1371.0 per ton in 2024 to €1310.7 in 2023. 

Exports of homo polymer grade polypropylene from Poland rose from 33,003 tons in the first two months last year against 42,083 tons this year.  The rise being attributed mainly due to the start-up of the Polimery Police plant.  its limited operation has already helped to affect the ratio between imports and exports. 

EU tariffs on polyethylene US trade

As a result of US trade measures, the EU is considering tariffs on polyethylene trade with the US.  Central European countries carry a small trade deficit with the US on polyethylene, but it is the wider significance of protectionist policies.  Trade wars could create difficulties for global polyethylene trade and could lead to higher prices. 

Orlen-Azoty discussions for Polimery Police extended to 12 May

The deadline for the agreement between Orlen and Grupa Azoty regarding Polimery Police has been extended until 12 May.  The main target of the talks is aimed at Orlen taking over the majority of shares in Grupa Azoty Polyolefins.  At the end of last year Grupa Azoty and Orlen confirmed their willingness to continue analysing strategic options as part of the letter of intent of September 2024 regarding Grupa Azoty Polyolefins.  The document focused on the possibility of concluding potential transactions in the polymer area, with particular emphasis on Grupa Azoty Polyolefins.  Aside the PDH and PP units, assets for Polimery Police include the Marine Gas Terminal, a gas terminal with a transshipment and storage terminal, which will enable the delivery of propane and ethylene necessary for production, by sea.

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 38,207 tons in January to February 2025 versus 41,215 tons in the corresponding period in 2024, with average prices rising to €1363.3 per ton.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 19,713 tons in the first two months this year versus 22,408 tons in January to February 2024.   Exports from propylene copolymers rose to 17,502 tons to 12,368 tons.

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Hungarian inward shipments declined to 28,218 tons in January to February 2025 from 35,732 tons in 2024, with average prices rising from €1319.7 per ton to €1537.8 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers into Hungary reduced from 14,548 tons to 12,916 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 30,852 tons to 26,527 tons.    

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 282,425 tons in January to December 2024 versus 299,002 tons in the same period in 2023.  Average prices rose from €1368.3 per ton in 2023 to €1475.5 per ton in 2024.   Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Czech polypropylene exports, amounting to 228,898 tons last year versus 224,071 tons in 2023.   For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 524,503 tons in January to December 2024 from 525,443 tons in 2023, with average prices dropping from €1584.8 per ton to €1577.6 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers increased fractionally from 214,690 tons to 214,751 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 295,929 tons to 291,665 tons. 

Czech synthetic rubber trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of synthetic rubber amounted to 25,106 tons in January to February 2025 versus 23,428 tons in the same period in 2024.  At the same time imports declined from 24,224 tons to 24,084 tons in 2024.

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Feb 2025

The Czech Republic exported 20,878 tons of butadiene rubber in the first two months in 2025 against 19,881 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices rose from €1561.2 per ton to €1914.8 per ton.  

Czech exports of butadiene rubber to India amounted to 2,929 tons in January to February 2025 against 2,392 tons in the same period in 2024.  Other important markets included Poland where exports amounted to 2,179 tons against 2,201 tons.   Besides exports the Czech Republic also imported 4,751 tons of butadiene rubber in the first two months in 2025 against 5,144 tons in 2024.  Imports were sourced largely from Germany and the US.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Feb 2025

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 31,125 tons in January to February against 28,960 tons in January to February 2024.  Average prices increased from €2392.2 per ton to €2795.4 in 2025.  Prices for SBR were the main cause of the main cause the higher overall prices.

Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary increased from 5,016 tons in the first two months last year to 31,125 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports dropped from 9,271 tons to 8,863 tons.  

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 11,134 tons in the first two months this year of which SBR grades accounted for 11,001 tons.  MOL is close to completing the sale of its 49% stake in ENEOS MOL Synthetic Rubber Kft.  Following the transaction, ENEOS will become the 100% owner of the company at Tiszaujvaros.  MOL will remain a key raw material supplier, providing butadiene and C4 fractions, trading and service partner of the company in the future.

Polish rubber trade Jan-Feb 2025

For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices increased from €1625.5 per ton in January to February 2024 to €2304.5 in the first two months in 2025.  Poland reduced imports to 32,955 tons in the first two months against 47,010 tons in the same period last year.

By category, butadiene rubber was the largest product, accounting for 7,395 tons against 12,922 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst EPDM imports dropped slightly from 6,868 tons to 6,516 tons.  Imports of emulsion SBR dropped from 3,987 tons to 1,074 tons.

Overall Russia was the leading supplier of synthetic rubber to the Polish market in 2024, until the full sanctions took legal effect from 18 June last year.  Before that date Russia accounted for 81,748 tons of synthetic rubber shipped to Poland which was up from 50,562 tons in 2023.  Sanctions on Russian synthetic rubber came into full force in June 2024, which is more two years after the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine. 

Regarding other suppliers, Germany supplied 35,658 tons of synthetic rubber to the Polish market in 2024, with South Korea supplying 34,726 tons and Saudi Arabia 16,176 tons.  Volumes from these countries are expected to increase this year.

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 54,129 tons in January to February 2025 against 53,001 tons in the same period in 2024.   Exports continue to edge upwards based on the increase in production by Synthos at Oswiecim.  Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 8,103 tons in January to February 2025 versus 10,282 tons in the same period in 2024.   The largest category of rubber exports focuses on SBR grades. 

Prices of synthetic rubber exports from Poland increased from €1578.5 per ton in the first two months in 2024 to €1694.8 per ton this year.  Although both import and export volumes for synthetic rubber have been very similar, the prices for imported grades mostly exceed export prices.  The trend for all forms of trade have been downward since the start of 2023. 

Polish synthetic rubber production and domestic market Jan-Feb 2025

Synthetic rubber production at Oswiecim for Synthos amounted to 48,100 tons in January to February 2025 against 42,700 tons in 2024.  Synthos has managed to diversify its export markets, which has allowed the company to increase production over 2023. 

Although synthetic rubber production increased in 2024 the extra output was channelled into export activity rather than domestic consumption.

For the whole of 2024 the production of rubber products in Poland amounted to 906,649 tons against 990,932 tons in 2023 and 1.119 million tons in 2022.   The downward trend continued into the first two months in 2025, where rubber consumption of all types (including natural) fell against 2024 and 2023.  Rubber is primarily consumed by industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing.  Some companies involved in the processing and use of synthetic rubber in Poland include Reka Rubber Polska, Woburg Rubber and Mesko Polska.  These companies cater to diverse sectors, including automotive, industrial machinery, and consumer goods.

Polish aromatic exports Jan-Feb 2025

Polish exports of benzene totalled 29,893 tons in January to February 2025 against 25,404 tons in the same period in 2024.  Exports to Germany increased from 19,844 tons to 24,727 tons in 2025, with average prices rising slightly from €817.6 per ton to €824.4 per ton.  Benzene exports from Poland are supplied largely from Petrochemia Blachownia at Kedzierzyn-Kozle. 

PTA is the only other aromatic product where exports are shipped in significant volume from Poland, amounting to 48,976 tons in January to February.  PTA is also imported into Poland, amounting to 4,193 tons in the first two months in 2025.

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Feb 2025

Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 16,444 tons in January to February 2025 which was up from 15,171 tons in the same period in 2024.  Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 13,974 tons against 11,202 tons in the same period in 2023.    Spain and Finland accounted for smaller shipments.

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €1054.1 per ton against €1240.4 per ton in the first two months in 2024.  Higher phenol imports partly offset the drop in phenol production at Plock in the first two months in 2025.

In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 15,982 tons in the period January to February 2025 against 12,236 tons in the same period in 2024.  Aside the Netherlands and Belgium, other supplies came from the US and Saudi Arabia.  Both US and Saudi shipments represent new sources of product for the Polish market.  Average prices for styrene imports into Poland dropped from €1120.5 per ton in the first two months last year to €1066.1 per ton.

Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 95,704 tons against 117,818 tons in the same period last year.  All the ethylbenzene was shipped from Kralupy to Oswiecim, all within the structures of the Synthos Group.

Caprolactam imports into Poland amounted to 2,274 tons in the first two months in 2025 versus 1,706 tons in the same period in 2024.  Caprolactam production remains idle at Pulawy, operated by Grupa Azoty, although the Tarnow plant is working. 

PTA exports amounted to 48,576 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 56,066 tons in the same period in 2024.  Exports to Germany dropped from 48,047 tons to 45,744 tons.  Average prices for PTA changed from €784.6 per ton to €708.0 per ton this year.  Regarding PTA feedstocks, Poland imported 2,980 tons of paraxylene in the first two months this year.  Poland imported over 42,563 tons of paraxylene in 2024.  France was the main supplier followed by the Netherlands.

Czech aromatic exports Jan-Feb 2025

Czech aniline exports amounted to 13,455 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 20,466 tons in the same period in 2024.  Hungary is the largest destination for Czech aniline exports, amounting to 10,083 tons in the first two months in 2024.

Czech benzene exports increased to 9,564 tons in January to February 2025 against 9,564 tons in 2024, whilst toluene exports dropped from 1,735 tons to zero.   

Czech caprolactam exports fell from 4,612 tons in the first two months in 2024 against 706 tons in 2025 as Spolana winds down production at Neratovice.  Average prices dropped from €1455.9 per ton last year to €1433.9 in 2025.  Spolana assessed that its plants for caprolactam and PVC were unprofitable to continue operating and staff numbers are already being laid off.

Czech aromatic imports Jan-Feb 2025

Czech imports of styrene dropped from 29,375 tons to 16,171 tons.   Imports from the Netherlands dropped from 16,197 tons to 10,646 tons.  Average prices paid for styrene imports increased in 2024 to €1147.0 against €1081.4 in 2023. 

Benzene imports into the Czech Republic increased in the first two months in 2025 to 40,008 tons against 25,656 tons in January to December 2023, whilst toluene imports dropped from 6,446 tons to 5,662 tons.  Benzene imports are sourced from Poland, Hungary and Serbia. 

Czech Bisphenol A imports & epoxy resin exports  

Bisphenol A imports into the Czech Republic totalled 5,187 tons in January to February 2025 against 5,120 tons in the same period in 2024.  South Korea increased shipments from 2,544 tons to 5,120 tons.  The largest user of bisphenol A in the Czech Republic is Spolchemie at Ust nad Labem, where epoxy resins are produced. 

Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 9,789 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 8,155 tons in 2024.  Prices rose €2413.4 per ton to €2569.4 per ton in 2025.  Germany remains the largest market for Czech epoxy resins, accounting for 3,461 tons in the first two months in 2025 which was up from 2,325 tons in same period in 2024.  Spolchemie’s capacity for epoxy resin production amounts to 100,000 tpa. 

Hungarian aromatic trade Jan-Feb 2025

Hungarian benzene exports amounted to 2,552 tons in January to February against 12,209 tons in the same period in 2024.  Benzene production in Hungary takes place at Szazhalombatta.  Whereas last year exports exceeded imports last year this trend have reversed itself in the first two months this year with exports totalling 6,658 tons against 4,217 tons in January to February 2024. 

Toluene imports into Hungary amounted to 8,310 tons in the first two months this year against 9,415 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices dropped from €958.6 per ton to €932.9 per ton.  Styrene imports into Hungary dropped to 2,568 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 12,429 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from Italy dropped from 11,495 tons in the first two months last year to 2,012 tons due to lower processing into polystyrene.  Average prices increased from €1291.6 per ton to €1326.0 per ton.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Feb 2025

Hungarian TDI exports January to February to 55,688 tons against 55,242 tons in January to February 2024.  Average prices dropped from €1917.9 per ton to €1837.9 per ton despite some market tightness.    Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium amounted to 8,776 tons in the first two months in 2025 to 8,682 tons in January to February last year, whilst volumes to Italy fell from 6,231 tons to 5,980 tons. 

In Central Europe shipments to Poland increased from 5,631 tons to 6,904 tons and dropped to Turkey from 10,905 tons to 8,198 tons.  Shipments to Romania dropped from 2,284 tons to 1,855 tons.  Although growth rate for polyurethane consumption has been sluggish in the past few years, the market continues to expand.  The construction sector remains the dominant consumer, accounting for nearly 35% of total polyurethane consumption, particularly for insulation applications. Additionally, the automotive industry continues to adopt polyurethane for lightweighting and energy-efficient solutions

MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to February to 40,713 tons against 49,259 tons in January to February 2024.  MDI export prices increased to €2221.9 per ton against €1926.6 per ton in 2024.     

Switzerland was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports, taking 4,176 tons in the first two months in 2024 versus 4,034 tons in January to February 2024.  Exports to the Netherlands increased from 2,338 tons to 3,083 tons, whilst falling to France from 4,021 tons to 1,813 tons.

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Feb 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.  The European market has been helped to some extent by tightness in the US market and continued logistical problems for supplying isocyanates from Asia.

TDI imports into Poland amounted to 14,277 tons in January to February 2025 against 13,786 tons in January to February 2024.   Prices of TDI imported into Poland dropped from €1988.6 per ton in 2024 to €1911.3 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier in the first two months in 2025, shipping 7,968 tons to Poland versus 5,277 tons in January to February 2024.   

MDI imports into Poland totalled 26,187 tons in January to February 2025, up against 25,845 tons in January to February 2024.  Average prices were up very slightly in the first two months against last year, amounting to €1842.8 per ton over January and February.

Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 8,809 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 8,274 tons in January to February 2024, whilst imports from Hungary increased to 7,843 tons against 6,826.  Belgium shipped 4,908 tons of MDI to Poland in the first two months, down from 5,312 whilst South Korea increased shipments from 1,578 tons to 2,501 tons.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 5,102 tons in January to February 2025 against 5,372 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices rose from €2006.5 per ton last year to €2018.1 per ton.    The leading supplier so far this year was Belgium which shipped 1,584 tons against 1,137 tons in January to February 2024. 

European polyol market challenges

Market size of polyether polyols in Europe (calculated excluding polyurethane products 33%), with the distribution of polyol consumption Russia and Turkey) is estimated at about 1.2 million tons.  PCC Rokita has a 4-5% market share of polyether polyols in Europe. 

Czech polyol imports amounted to 8,086 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 7,999 tons in the same period in 2024.  Belgium supplied 2,481 tons against 2,003 tons last year, whilst average prices dropped to €2108.4 per ton against €2234.0.

PCC Rokita Jan-Dec 2024

Polish polyol producer PCC Rokita recorded lower sales revenues in 2024 due to lower pricing across the range of its products.  Overall polyol sales were down slightly on volume, but more significantly in the chloro-alkali sector.  PCC Rokita recorded zl 143.04 million of consolidated net profit in 2024 compared to zl 267.84 million profit in 2023.  The operating profit amounted to zl 194.41 million compared to zl 342.87 million a year earlier.  The EBITDA amounted to zl 373.96 million compared to zl 518.56 million a year earlier. 

Around two thirds of polyol production for PCC Rokita are exported 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 2024, whilst demand for polyether polyols was more restricted.  The main sales application for polyester polyols is polyurethane insulation panels, and due to good demand PCC Rokita has been close to using its full production capacity.  For polyether polyols, the key market is flexible foams which are used mainly in the furniture industry.  

The market has been experiencing lower demand over the past few years affected by events such as COVID and the ongoing in Ukraine.   Difficult consumer markets have meant that PCC Rokita has to started lean towards the production of mass polyols rather than focusing on its mainstream higher quality polyols.  

The polyol segment's EBITDA in 2024 amounted to zl 63.4 million, against zl 41.516 in 2023.  The margins increased from 4.1% in 2023 to 7.4% in 2024, although margins still remain lower than average over the past decade.   Around 50% of PCC Rokita’s polyol sales were sold last year on the Polish market.  The investment activities of the PCC Rokita Group include the construction of a new universal plant at Brzeg Dolny. The project is being carried out by PCC BD, in which PCC Rokita and PCC Exol each hold 50% of the shares.   The company has completed the technological start-up of a new unit for the production of sodium hypochlorite, which is expected to significantly increase the production and sales of this product.

PCC Rokita’s company in Thailand (IRPC) recorded positive sales results in 2024.  IRPC Polyol is also affected by competition from China which poses serious challenges for the polyol business in the medium and long term.

Polish polyol trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of polyols from Poland in the first two months in 2025 amounted to 9,505 tons against 9,516 tons in the same period in 2024.  Destinations for deliveries were focused mostly on Europe, led by Italy taking 1,702 tons followed by Germany with 884 tons.  Nearly all of Poland’s polyol exports are supplied by PCC Rokita from the Brzeg Dolny plant.  Average export prices for Polish polyols dropped from €2212.2 per ton to €2101.8 per ton.

Polish polyol imports amounted to 23,853 tons in January to February against 21,686 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Netherlands supplied 4,523 tons against 5,766 tons last year, whilst Germany supplied 5,031 tons against 4,608 tons.  Polyol import prices into Poland dropped from €1865.3 per ton to €1674.3 per ton. 

For the whole of 2024 Polish polyol imports amounted to 141,516 tons 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. 

PCC Exol Jan-Dec 2024

The PCC Exol Group generated a net profit of zl 35.6 million in 2024, lower by over 15% than in 2023.  Despite lower profits, the increase in sales volumes amounted to over 15,000 tons which represented an increase of over 15% compared to 2023.  It translated into an increase in revenues from the sale of products by over zl 9 million.

The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly successful for the PCC Exol Group, both compared to the first three quarters in 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023. 

One of the most important raw materials for PCC Exol is ethylene oxide.  Therefore, the main element of the agreed ethylene oxide price formula is the contract quotations of ethylene in West Europe. This method of calculation ensures that the level of raw material prices is maintained in line with the market trend.

For cosmetic applications, sales in 2024 amounted to 72,600 tons which is 67,400 tons higher than in 2023.  Detergents and cosmetics market experienced very high price pressure, mainly due to the oversupply of mass surfactants in Europe and consumer expectations regarding further price declines.  

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Feb 2025

Imports of polyols into Hungary dropped in the first two months this year to 5,565 tons against 7,728 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from China amounted to 2,537 tons in the period January to February 2025 against 2,564 tons in January to February 2024.  MOL’s new plant at Tiszaujvaros is not yet operational but should impact on import volumes in 2025 as the more domestic customers switch to local supply.  Exports of polyols to Hungary amounted to 1,784 tons in the first two months in 2025.

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Feb 2025

Hungary exported 3,196 tons of maleic anhydride in January to February against 5,753 tons in January to February 2024.  Average prices rose from €1141.6 per ton to €1401.0 per ton.  Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary dropped from 2,663 tons in the first two months in 2024 to only 560 tons in the same period in 2025.    

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 98,159 tons in the first two months this year, down from 122,343 tons in the same period in 2024.  The largest commodity in the organic chemical sector is TDI, accounting for 41% of Hungarian organic chemical exports in January to February last year by volume and 33% by value.   Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €269.703 million in the first two months which was down from €281.814 million in January to February 2024.

Imports of organic chemicals into Hungary amounted to 120,920 tons in the period January to February 2025 against 125,750 tons in the same period in 2024, with values rising from €300.860 million to €304.480 million.  The major organic chemical imports include methanol, toluene, aniline and acrylonitrile. 

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Feb 2025

Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 23,322 tons in January to February 2024 to 10,390 tons January to February 2025.  Inward shipments from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic amounted to 10,186 tons against 20,074 tons in January to February 2024.  Cost prices of aniline imports dropped from €1352.0 per ton to €1332.8 per ton.

Acrylonitrile imports into Hungary rose in the first two months to 4,127 tons from 1,314 tons in the first two months in 2024.  Imports from the Netherlands increased from 1,260 tons to 2,829 tons.  Average prices for acrylonitrile imports dropped from €1849.2 per ton to €1570.4 in 2025.

Polish organic chemical trade Jan-Feb 2025

Exports of organic chemicals from Poland increased by volume to 266,000 tons in January to February 2025 from 250,300 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst imports rose from 422,700 tons to 486,300 tons.  

Export values increased from €205.3 million to €209.7 million, whilst import values rose from €584.4 million to €743.3 million.    Trade volumes are still lower than before the Ukrainian war started but showing an upward trajectory. 

Methanol imports into Poland totalled 105,003 tons in January to February 2025 against 103,422 tons in the same period in 2024.   For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 5,487 tons of acetic acid in January to February against 3,973 tons in January to February 2024.  The UK replaced the US as the largest supplier in 2024, but the US restored its position as the leading producer in the first two months in 2025 accounting for around 80% of imports.  This market share could be threatened by US trade policy. 

Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 1,336 tons in January to February 2025 against 2,987 tons in January to February 2024.  Belgium provided the largest share of imports.  VAM imports into Poland increased to 6,311 tons versus 3,261 tons.    

Maleic anhydride imports into Poland amounted to 1,884 tons in January-February 2025, versus 1,698 tons in the previous year.  Imports are currently sourced from Germany, Hungary and South Korea.  Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 2,112 tons in January-February 2025, up from 2,011 tons in the previous year.  Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa. 

 Ethylene glycol imports into Poland dropped in the first two months this year to 6,954 tons from 7,919 tons in the same period in 2024.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  DEG imports increased to 5,122 tons against 4,677 tons.

Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 3,149 tons in January to February 2025 versus 2,918 tons in January to December 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 5,864 tons in the first two months in 2025.   MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny. 

Other organic chemical exports from Poland include glycerol where shipments amounted to 6,437 tons in January-February 2025 versus 7,301 tons in January to February 2024.   The main markets for Polish acetone exports included Italy, Germany, Romania and Lithuania. 

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Feb 2025

Czech organic chemical exports amounted in value to €188.7 million in the first two months in 2025 against €220.3 million in the same period in 2024, with volumes dropping from 110,000 tons to 96,300 tons.

Imports increased from €211.9 million to €235.5 million.  Import volumes declined from 110,800 tons to 110,100 tons.   Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 64,513 tons in 2024 against 76,290 tons in 2023. 

Other products imported include oxo alcohols, both in butanols and 2-EH.  Most of the 2-EH imports come from the Azoty plant at Kedzierzyn-Kozle.  Plasticizer imports increased in the first two months to 2,416 tons.

Czech methanol imports Jan-Feb 2025

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 8,355 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 11,815 tons in the same period in 2024.  Prices per ton for methanol imports increased from €389.5 to €530.0 per ton.

Poland supplied 3,951 tons to the Czech Republic in the first two months in 2025 against 7,696 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst the second largest source of supply came from Estonia supplying 1,488 tons against 2,197 tons last year.

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Feb 2025

Methanol imports into Hungary in January to February increased to 17,495 tons against 15,411 tons in January to February 2024.  Imports from Germany decreased from 11,608 tons to 9,439 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia. 

Imports from Slovenia into Hungary amounted to 3,123 tons in the first two months, against 2,374 tons in the same period in 2024.  Methanol production in Slovenia takes place at the Lendava plant.  Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €517.3 per ton against €426.6 per ton in 2024.

Polish methanol trade Jan-Feb 2025

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 105,003 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 103,422 tons in January to February 2024.    The market has adjusted completely to non-Russian sources of methanol which has meant generally higher prices.  Average prices in the first two months amounted to €403.7 per ton against €395.6 per ton last year. 

Trinidad was the largest supplier of methanol to Poland in the first two months in 2025, shipping 24,732 tons followed by Belgium which increased shipments from 16,782 tons to 20,358 tons.

Venezuela supplied 18,926 tons to Poland in February after not supplying in January.  The US has been a new supplier in recent months, shipping 19,525 tons so far this year. 

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 31,385 tons in January to February 2025, declining from 35,752 tons in the same period in January to February 2024. 

Polish methanol export prices increased in the first two months this year to €480.7 per ton measured against last year’s €378.8 per ton in 2024. 

The largest destination for Polish exports was Germany which took 16,387 tons in the first two months in 2025 against 17,260 tons in the same period in 2024.  Ukraine imported imported 5,402 tons in the first two months, slightly up on last year.  A total of 25,932 tons of methanol fwas imported by Ukraine from Poland in 2024 against 25,175 per ton tons in 2023. 

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