Grupa Azoty reduces production in March and April after difficult first quarter in 2023 - Issue 391 || PKN Orlen-petrochemical production Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Central European styrene trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Polish polyethylene production & trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Polish polypropylene production & trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Polish synthetic rubber trade, Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Central European MDI trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Central European methanol trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Russian chemical industry-new terminals required to serve Chinese market - Issue 391 || Russian butadiene production Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Russian plastics and polyethylene production Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || PTA deliveries from China to Kaliningrad - Issue 391 || Russian methanol production Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Russian methanol exports, Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 391 || Methanol plant at Volgograd signs agreement with Chinese company - Issue 391 || Russian polyurethane raw materials 2023 - Issue 391 || Uzbek methanol island-Air Products - Issue 391 || Russian Methanol Production, exports and domestic sales 2023 - Issue 392 || Polish petrochemical production Jan-May 2023 - Issue 392 || Olefin 111 project outline - Issue 392 || Polimex Mostostal and Naftoremont-Naftobudowa-Olefin 111 project - Issue 392 || Hungarian propylene exports Jan-Apr 2023 - Issue 392 || Central European styrene trade Jan-May 2023 - Issue 392 || Czech petrochemical trade, Jan-May 2023 - Issue 392 || Polish rubber trade Jan-May 2023 - Issue 392 || Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Feb 2023 - Issue 392 || Russian propylene exports & sales Jan-May 2023 - Issue 392 || KPI polypropylene outage & exports - Issue 392 || Russian methanol producer operational balances 2023 - Issue 396 || Russian Methanol Exports October 2023 - Issue 396 || Polish Polyol Exports 2022-2023 - Issue 396 || Polish Polyol Imports 2022-2023 - Issue 396 || Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Sep 2023 - Issue 396 || Czech polyol imports Jan-Sep 2023 - Issue 396 || Polish polyol trade Jan-Sep 2023 - Issue 396 || Isocyanate/polyol imports from China into Russia - Issue 396 || Russian Methanol Market Analysis January to June 2024, including production and trade balances - Issue 405 || Polish synthetic rubber production and domestic market Jan-Jun 2024 - Issue 405 || Polish Methanol Trade Statistics - Issue 405 || Russian regional chemical production data - Issue 412 ||
 


CIREC News Central Europe first half of 2025

Czech crude imports Jan-Jun 2025

Imports of crude to the Czech Republic totalled 3.183 million tons in the first half of 2025 against 3.150 million tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from Russia dropped from 1.099 million tons in the first six months last year to 526,900 tons in January to June 2025, with the last deliveries of Russian crude made in April.  The Czech Republic will not purchase crude from Russia for the foreseeable future with all of its annual requirements facilitated through the expanded TAL pipeline. The pipeline which stretches from the coast of Italy passes through Austria and Germany before connecting to IKL in the Czech Republic. 

Czech Crude Imports (million tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Azerbaijan 1464.4 1244.6
Kazakhstan 549.7 501.5
Russia 526.9 1099.3
Norway 349.7 0.0
Saudi Arabia 206.6 0.0
Others 85.5 304.1
Total 3182.9 3149.5
Av € per ton 508.0 595.2

New suppliers to the Czech market this year include Norway and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the more established suppliers Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.  Azerbaijan was the largest supplier in the first half of 2025, shipping 1.464 million tons which was up from 1.245 million tons last year.

 

Hungarian crude imports Jan-Jun 2025

Russian crude oil flows into Hungary amounted to 2.572 million tons in the first six months this year from a total imported volume of 2.792 million tons.  This measures against 2.110 million tons in January to June 2024 from a total of 2.540 million tons.  Average prices for Russian crude dropped this year to €483.2 per ton from €509.6 per ton in 2025. 

Hungarian Crude Imports (kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Croatia 162.0 0.0
Iraq 0.0 126.9
Russia 2,572.0 2,109.8
Others 57.1 303.6
Total 2791.2 2540.3
Av € per ton 438.5 509.6

KazMunayGaz (KMG) started delivery of the first shipment of Kazakh oil to the Danube refinery in early August, amounting to 85,000 tons.  Sea transportation from the port of Novorossiysk to the Croatian port of Omisalj was provided by the Kazakh national carrier KazmorTransFlot (a subsidiary of KMG) on its tanker Alatau.  The oil will be delivered to the Szazhalombatta refinery through the Adriatic Oil Pipeline, which is operated by the Croatian company JANAF.  JANAF has agreed a total transit shipment of 2.1 million tons of oil with MOL until the end of 2025.  In addition to the transit agreement, JANAF has signed a contract with MOL for storage of oil at the Omisalj terminal as well as at the Sisak terminal further along the pipeline route until the end of 2027.  

 

To recap the EU and UK have lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel. This change is part of a broader effort to further restrict Russia s ability to finance its war in Ukraine by limiting its oil revenues.  The new price cap will take effect on 3 September 2025, with a wind-down period for existing trades.  The European Commission has outlined a roadmap to end Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, with plans to ban all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas imports to EU member states by the end of 2027. 

Polish crude imports Jan-Jun 2025

From the total of 11.982 million tons of crude imported into Poland in the first six months in 2025, supplies from Saudi Arabia totalled 5.550 million tons followed by Norway which provided 3.479 million tons.  Other suppliers included the US, UK and Nigeria.  Guyana has started supplying Poland this year, but no deliveries have been taken from Kazakhstan which has been more focused on the German market.  Average prices for Polish crude purchases dropped from $573.9 per ton in the first six months in in 2024 to $505.9 per ton in the first six months in 2025. 

Polish petrochemical production Jan-Jun 2025

Ethylene production in Poland dropped in the first half of 2025 to 154,500 tons against 177,000 tons in January to June 2024, whilst propylene dropped from 203,400 tons to 199,300 tons.  The increase in propylene production is largely through the PDH plant of Polimery Police plant. 

Polish Petrochemical Production

(unit-kilo tons)

 Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Ethylene 154.500 177.000
Propylene 199.400 203.400
Butadiene 29.080 29.442
Toluene 8.523 0.020
Phenol 19.586 21.799
Polyethylene 149.100 154.200
PVC 65.700 103.100
Polypropylene 215.300 166.800

Butadiene production at Plock dropped slightly to 29,.080 tons in the first six months in 2025 from 29,442 tons in 2024.  Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos. Toluene production at Plock was restarted in April for the first time in two years, with production amounting to 5,036 tons. 

In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 149,100 tons in January to June 2025 versus 154,200 tons in 2024.  Polypropylene production in Poland increased at the two plants at Plock and Police from 166,800 tons to 215,300 tons.  PVC production at Wloclawek decreased from 103,100 tons to 65,700 tons.

Unipetrol resumes petrochemical production after interrutions in July

Due to the technical issues the ethylene unit at Litvinov was forced to stop production on 13 August.   The technical malfunction has resulted in a force majeure announcement by Orlen Unipetrol.  This follows power supply problems in July which led to the emergency shutdown on 7 July, and the immediate cessation of all petrochemical and refinery production operations at the Litvinov production plant. 

Commissioning of the ethylene unit began on 23 July resulting in a start-up of production towards the end of the month and the force majeure was lifted on 31 July.  Further problems in August mean that petrochemical production is expected to be much lower in the third quarter.

Central European petrochemical margins

Petrochemical margins for Orlen and the European market were generally lower in the first half of 2025 than in the same period in 2024.  However, there has been some improvement in the polyethylene market and margins are expected to improve for the rest of 2025.  Second quarter petrochemical margins increased to €192 per ton against €145 per ton in the first quarter. 

Petrochemical margins for MOL increased from €151 per ton in the first quarter this year to €234 in the second quarter, which is the highest figure since the second quarter in 2022 when margins were recorded at €387 per ton. 

Despite the rise in the second quarter this year petrochemicals remain loss-making due to the continuing stagnation and slowdown in European demand. In the second quarter of the year, MOL Group delivered $236 million profit before tax, marking a 56% decrease against the same period in 2024. 

Polish monomer imports, Jan-Jun 2025

Poland imported 46,601 tons of propylene in January to June this year against 52,566 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports declined last year due partly to higher domestic production. 

Polish Propylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Croatia 2.066 0.000
Germany 32.674 46.463
Hungary 3.103 0.000
Others 1.017 0.213
Total 46.601 52.566
Av € per ton 876.9 853.4
Polish Butadiene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 18.938 19.289
Germany 18.132 11.067
Hungary 14.215 20.700
Others 2.206 0.043
Total 52.585 51.099
Av € per ton 920.8 821.7

Average import prices rose from €853.4 per ton in the first six months in 2024 to €876.9 in 2025.  Germany was the main supplier to Poland, shipping 32,674 tons against 46,463 tons in January to June 2024.  Poland exported 10,571 tons of propylene in the first six months this year for a total value of €61.503 million. 

Butadiene import prices for Poland amounted to €920.8 in the first six months this year against €821.7 per ton for the whole of 2024.  Shipments totalled 52,585 tons against 51,099 tons in January to June 2024.  Germany increased exports in 2025 to 18,132 tons versus 11,067 tons in 2024, and Austria increased shipments to 18,938 tons against 19,289 tons. 

Polish Styrene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 16.314 15.770
Czech Republic 0.827 6.929
US 7.742 0.309
Netherlands 8.020 19.031
Germany 6.972 4.755
Saudi Arabia 12.369 7.578
Others 0.262 4.239
Total 52.507 58.611
Av € per ton 1185.7 1352.8

Styrene imports into Poland totalled 52,507 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 58,611 tons in the same period in 2024. Import prices dropped from €1352.8 per ton to €1185.7 per ton. 

Shipments from Saudi Arabia increased from 7,578 tons in the first six months last year to 12,369 tons in January to June 2025. The largest supplier to the Polish market in the first six months was Belgium which increased shipments from 15,770 tons to 16,314 tons. 

Hungarian olefin trade, Jan-Jun 2025

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to 48,401 tons in January to June this year against 57,050 tons in January to June 2024.  Shipments to Slovnaft in Slovakia were reduced from 56,014 tons to 38,582 tons, whilst smaller deliveries were made in the first half of 2025 to Poland (5,157 tons) and Germany (4,661 tons).   Prices averaged €1033.1 per ton in the first six months against €1037.5 per ton in January to June 2024. 

Hungarian Propylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 4.661 0.000
Poland 5.157 0.000
Slovakia 38.582 56.014
Others 0.000 1.036
Total 48.401 57.050
Av € per ton 1037.5 1033.1
Hungarian Butadiene Exports
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Total 21.958 33.140
Av € per ton 836.7 822.3

 Hungarian butadiene exports dropped to 21,958 tons in the first six months against 33,140 tons in the same period in 2024.  Butadiene is exported from MOL’s Tiszaujvaros complex, with Poland as the largest destination.   Prices rose in the first six months from €822.3 per ton to €836.7 in 2025.

MOL petrochemical production Jan-Jun 2025

MOL increased production of ethylene to 338,000 tons in the first half in 2025 against 325,000 tons in the same period last year.  Production takes place at its two sites at Tiszaujvaros and Bratislava whilst propylene increased from 171,000 tons to 173,000 tons.   Butadiene and raffinate production at Tiszaujvaros fell from 44,000 tons to 34,000 and from 56,000 tons to 26,000 tons respectively. 

MOL s Olefin Production

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Ethylene 338 325
Propylene 173 171
Butadiene 34 44
Raffinate 56 86

Hungarian styrene imports Jan-Jun 2025

Styrene imports dropped from 28,475 tons in the first half of 2024 against 28,161 tons in the same period this year.  Average prices fell this year to €1087.4 per ton against €1443.9 per ton in 2024. Imports are dominated by shipments from Italy where volumes amounted to 25,322 tons in the first six months this year.

Hungarian styrene imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 0.000 0.060
Italy 25.322 25.022
Netherlands 2.839 3.352
Others 0.000 0.041
Total 28.161 28.475
Av € per ton 1087.4 1443.9
 

Czech olefin monomer trade, Jan-Jun 2025

Czech ethylene imports amounted to 1,948 tons in the first six months in 2025, against only 975 tons in January to June 2024.  Czech propylene imports totalled 31,034 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 18,720 tons in the same period last year. 

Czech Olefin Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Ethylene 1.948 0.975
Propylene 31.034 18.720
Butadiene 41.318 22.186
Czech Imports of Propylene (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 18.312 16.666
Poland 9.426 2.046
Slovakia 0.776 0.000
Others 2.520 0.008
Total 31.034 18.719
 Av € per ton 898.5 858.4
Czech Olefin Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Ethylene 7.023 9.470
Propylene 0.078 5.389

Imports of olefin monomers have increased this year partly due to two-month operational shutdown which started on 11 April, during which the petrochemical plant underwent maintenance and modernisation of technologies, along with the?e implementation of investment projects.  Key actions included the replacement of high-pressure steam pipeline, replacing the inner floors of the four columns of the ethylene unit, and modernising the flare system.  

Czech Styrene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 0.385 0.000
Germany 8.757 3.665
Netherlands 10.413 4.009
Poland 0.000 1.105
Others 0.885 1.158
Total 20.439 9.937
Av price per ton 1219.0 1313.9

Germany supplied 18,312 tons of propylene to the Czech market in the first six months in 2025 against 16,666 tons in 2024, whilst imports from Poland rose from 2,046 tons to 9,426 tons.  Butadiene imports increased in the first six months last year from 22,186 tons to 41,318 tons.  Germany supplied 34,484 tons this year and Hungary 4,827 tons.

Styrene imports into the Czech Republic amounted to 20,439 tons in the first half of 2025 against 9,937 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Netherlands increased shipments from 4,009 tons to 20,439 tons whilst supplies from Germany increased to 8,757 tons against 3,665 tons. Average prices dropped to €1219 per ton in the first half in 2025 against €1314 per ton.

HIP-Petrohemija Jan-Jun 2025

HIP Petrohemija recorded a minor loss in the first half of 2025 but it was a weaker result compared to the same period in 2024.   Investments in the first half of the year dropped by 19% against the first half in 2024, and there seems to be only slow progress on the pending polypropylene project. 

In the first six months of 2025, Petrohemija’s production volume of petrochemical products amounted to 127,100 tons against 111,500 tons in the same period last year. 

Production includes ethylene, propylene, and benzene, in addition to polyolefins and rubber.  Sales in total increased from 113,900 tons to 122,000 tons in January to June 2025.  The refining of virgin naphtha in the first six months amounted to 162,200 tons, which is the increase of 5%.   Despite the increase in volume sales, sales revenues were 27% lower in the first half in 2025. 

HIP Petrohemija Petrochemicals Production and Sales

(unit-kilo tons)

  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Production  127.1 111.5
Sales 122.0 113.9
Naphtha 162.2 153.9

Czech polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2025 

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 162,209 tons in January to June 2025 against 155,801 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices of imports rose from €1489.5 per ton to €1541.5 per ton.  Germany was the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium.

Czech Polyethylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LDPE 59.477 55.239
LLDPE 11.415 11.680
HDPE 64.237 61.839
EVA 7.928 5.684
Other 19.152 21.358
Total 162.209 155.801
Av € per ton 1541.5 1489.5
Czech Polyethylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LDPE 16.241 18.551
LLDPE 3.500 2.554
HDPE 138.529 173.812
EVA 2.023 2.101
Other 6.926 7.373
Total 167.219 204.391
Av € per ton 1403.1 1392.7

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 167,219 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 204,391 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices increased from €1392.7 per ton to €1403.1 per ton. 

HDPE export shipments comprised 138,529 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 173,812 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-Jun 2025

Consumption of polyethylene increased in the first six months in 2025 to 718,400 tons against 688,400 tons in the same period in 2024.  Production of polyethylene at Plock was lower in the first six months, whilst imports increased.  Polyethylene production dropped by 1.2% to 149,100 tons.

Polish PE Supply/Demand Balance 

(unit-kilo tons)

  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Production 149.1 154.2
Exports 158.0 160.3
Imports 727.3 694.5
Market Balance 718.4 688.4
Polish PE imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LDPE 178.653 177.939
LLDPE 126.140 110.616
HDPE 230.952 219.862
EVA 10.820 10.536
EAO 154.292 146.221
Others 26.412 29.279
Total 727.269 694.453
Av € per ton 1268.6 1270.6

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 727,269 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 694,453 tons in the same period in 2024, with average prices falling from €1314.9 per ton to €1285.6 per ton.  HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 148,815 tons in January to June 2025 versus 141,812 tons in 2024.  Germany is the largest supplier of HDPE to the Polish market. 

Polish PE Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LDPE 33.301 27.385
LLDPE 9.415 13.349
HDPE 101.051 99.684
EVA 0.969 1.907
EAO 7.690 14.293
Other 5.530 3.685
Total 157.956 160.302
Av € per ton 1140.0 1126.3

LLDPE imports rose from 110,616 tons in January to June 2024 to 126,140 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 177,939 tons in January to June 2025 from 178,653 tons in the corresponding period in 2024.    Imports from ethylene alpha olefins increased from 146,221 tons to 154,29200 tons. 

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 157,956 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 160,302 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices for polyethylene exports increased from €1126.3 per ton to €1140.0 per ton. 

Exports of HDPE from Poland amounted to 101,051 tons in January to June 2025 versus 99,684 tons in the same period in 2024 whilst LDPE exports rose from 27,385 tons to 33,301 tons.  Exports of ethylene alpha olefins amounted to 7,690 tons in the first six months in 2025.

Hungarian polyethylene trade Jan-Jun 2025

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 86,271 tons in January to June 2025 against 106,576 tons in January to June 2024.  Hungarian import prices for polyethylene dropped on average from €1584.1 per ton to €1556.8 in January to June 2025.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which dropped from 45,846 tons to 39,159 tons.

Hungarian Polyethylene Exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LLDPE 21.635 2.617
LDPE 23.603 37.820
HDPE 115.219 113.254
Total 163.709 161.647
Av € per ton 1197.5 1239.3

Exports of LDPE from Hungary decreased from 23,838 kilo tons in the first six months in 2024 to 13,890 tons in January-April 2025. HDPE exports increased from 72.748 kilo tons to 76,346 tons in January-April 2025.  EAO and EVA exports were both negligible.

Hungarian Polyethylene Imports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LLDPE 12.704 13.023
LDPE 17.282 22.731
HDPE 39.159 45.846
EAO 8.945 6.665
EVA 3.302 3.254
Other 4.879 16.497
Total 86.271 106.576
Av € per ton 1556.8 1584.1

MOL s Polyolefin Production

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
LDPE 105 76
HDPE 151 138
Polypropylene 250 232
PE Total 256 214

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 163,709 tons in January to June 2025 against 161,547 tons in January to June 2024.  Average prices of polyethylene exports dropped from €1239.3 per ton to €1197.5 per ton.  Revenues for polyethylene exports in January to June this year totalled $196.044 million.

MOL produced a total of 256,000 tons of polyethylene in the first half of 2025 at its two sites at Tiszaujvaros and Bratislava against 214,000 tons in the same period in 2024.  LDPE is produced at both sites, rising to 105,000 tons in the first six months 2025, whilst HDPE is produced solely at Tiszaujvaros increased from 138,000 tons in the first half of 2024 to 151,000 tons in the first six months in 2025.  

Sales of polyolefins by MOL amounted to 260,000 tons in the second quarter in 2025 against 246,000 tons in the first quarter and 236,000 tons in the second quarter last year.  Higher production at the two sites in Hungary and Slovakia enabled an increase in polyolefin sales to 506,000 tons in the first half of 2025 against 447,000 tons in the same period in 2024 and 516,000 tons in 2023.   All these numbers were well down on the 590,000 tons sold in the first half of 2021. 

Polish PP Trade Jan-Jun 2025

In the first half of this year, polypropylene production increased by 32.1% against the same period in 2024 to 215,300 tons.  Consumption of polypropylene increased in the first six months to 541,500 tons against 447,100 tons last year, with imports accounting for the largest share of purchases. Due to major disruptions in power supplies, the PDH unit of the Polimery Police project was shut down at the start of June.  As a result, the production of polypropylene was suspended for more than a week with repairs lasting up until 18 June. 

Polish PP Supply/Demand Balance 

(unit-kilo tons)

  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Production 215.3 166.8
Exports 158.9 195.7
Imports 485.2 476.0
Market Balance 541.5 447.1
Polish Polypropylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Category Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP homo 312.658 298.799
Polyisobutylene 1.344 1.622
Propylene copolymers 159.322 162.872
Other 11.842 12.733
Total 485.166 476.026

In July, freight costs for imported polypropylene from China and East Asia to Europe increased. This situation may limit the scale of price reductions on the European market, including Poland.

Polish Polypropylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Category Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP homo 111.682 142.292
Polyisobutylene 0.282 0.907
Propylene copolymers 40.655 47.976
Other 6.315 4.552
Total 158.934 195.727
Av € per ton 1320.0 1506.7

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, increased to 485,166 tons in the first six months against 476,026 tons in the same period in 2024.   Average prices for all types of polypropylene imports increased from €1439.6 per ton to €1459.3 per ton.  Homo grade polypropylene imports rose slightly from 298,799 tons in January to June 2024 to 312,658 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst copolymer imports amounted to 159,322 tons against 162,872 tons.   

Export shipments from Poland rose to 158,934 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 195,727 tons in January to June 2024.  Homo polymer grades comprised the main category of Polish polypropylene exports, where Germany was the largest destination.  Average export prices dropped from €1506.7 per ton in 2024 to €1320.0 in 2023. 

Grupa Azoty Polyolefins-Orlen new memorandum

A new agreement was signed at the start of August between Grupa Azoty, Grupa Azoty Polyolefins and Orlen to override the previous expired cooperation agreement from 31 July.  Grupa Azoty had hoped that Orlen would place an offer for Grupa Azoty Polyolefins, in order to take control over the Polimery Police plant.  The new agreement does not impose an obligation on either Orlen or Azoty to conclude a transaction or make a binding offer.  A failed sale of Polimery Police leaves Grupa Azoty overexposed to a division plagued by technical debt and declining margins in a sluggish European market.  Whereas prior to August this year, Orlen was the only company allowed to submit a bid for Grupa Azoty Polyolefins, but it now means that bids can be received from other players. 

Grupa Azoty Polyolefins withdraws from contract with Hyundai

Grupa Azoty Polyolefins has decided to withdraw from the turnkey contract with Hyundai Engineering for the Polimery Police project due to dissatisfaction over the contractor’s performance.  As a result, Grupa Azoty Polyolefins charged Hyundai Engineering contractual penalties worth €107.5 million which was paid on 7 August 2025.  The withdrawal from the agreement has been made due to a number of delays in certain milestones by Hyundai.  This included the failure to successfully complete test moves on time, and failure to reach an agreement on the parties' mutual claims or to continue further talks based on the standstill agreement.

Hungarian polypropylene trade Jan-Jun 2025

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 122,041 tons in January to June 2025 versus 118,169 tons in the corresponding period in 2024. 

Hungarian Polypropylene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP homo 63.506 65.281
Propylene copolymers 54.933 41.359
Others 3.603 11.679
Total 122.041 118.669
Av € per ton 1307.0 1341.2
Hungarian Polypropylene Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP homo 67.472 72.422
Propylene copolymers 22.172 26.944
Others 6.557 10.912
Total 96.201 110.278
Av € per ton 1449.5 1368.5

Average prices of exports dropped from €1341.2 per ton to €1307.0.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 63,506 tons in the first six months this year versus 65,281 tons in January to June 2024. Exports from propylene copolymers increased from 41,359 tons to 54,933 tons.

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Hungarian inward shipments declined to 96,201 tons in January to June 2025 from 110,278 tons in 2024, with average prices rising from €1368.5 per ton to €1449.5 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers into Hungary reduced from 26,944 tons to 22,172 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 72,422 tons to 67,472 tons.   

Czech polypropylene trade Jan-Jun 2025

Orlen Unipetrol s polypropylene plant suffered an outage in early August with no indication yet of a restart date.  Combined with maintenance being undertaken at competitors like Bulgaria s Neftokhim and Israel s Haifa refinery, this has led to tightened regional PP supplies and upward price pressure.

Czech Polypropylene Exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP Homo 114.954 119.443
Propylene Copolymers 26.392 24.607
Other 2.520 3.054
Total 143.865 147.105
Av € per ton 1501.0 1465.8

Czech polypropylene imports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
PP Homo 141.088 145.952
Propylene Copolymers 115.160 109.647
Other 5.984 7.770
Total 262.231 263.369
Av € per ton 1524.4 1576.7

The broader European market is already struggling with supply chain fragility.  Orlen Unipetrol s ability to stabilize its operations will be pivotal in determining whether Europe s polypropylene market can avoid prolonged shortages or price spikes. 

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 143,865 tons in January to June 2025 versus 147,105 tons in the same period in 2024. 

Average prices rose from €1465.8 per ton in 2024 to €1501.0 per ton in 2025.   Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Czech polypropylene exports, amounting to 114,954 tons in the first six months in 2025 versus 119,443 tons in the same period in 2024.  

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 262,231 tons in January to June 2025 against 263,369 tons in the same period in 2024, with average prices dropping slightly from €1576.7 per ton to €1524.4 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers increased from 109,647 tons to 115,160 tons whilst homo grade polypropylene imports dropped from 145,952 tons to 141,088 tons. 

Rompetrol Rafinare-polymer production Jan-Jun 2025

Rompetrol Rafinare processed 40,000 tons of propylene into polypropylene in the six months this year against 33,000 tons in the same period in 2024.  The polypropylene (PP) plant operates with raw material produced and delivered internally by the Petromidia.  The petrochemical segment is the only producer of polypropylene and polyethylene in Romania.  In 2024, the petrochemical division processed 83,000 tons of propylene, with a total polymer production of around 60,000 tons.  

Rompetrol Rafinare Polyolefin Production 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Polypropylene 40.0 33.0
Polyethylene 13.0 0.0

The LDPE unit was successfully restarted on 30 April this year contributing to the improved output of polyolefins in the second quarter. The increase in total polymer production in the petrochemical segment was mainly caused by the continuous operation of both the PP and LDPE units. 

HIP Petrochemija polypropylene project

One of the obligations of NIS following the takeover in 2022 is to build a polypropylene production plant with a capacity of at least 140,000 tpa in the next six years, but there seems little progress on this project.  The government is reminding NIS of its obligations to construct the plant.  NIS has been focusing on stabilising the production facilities, after the ethylene plant suffered unplanned outages six times in 2024. 

Although the construction of a new polypropylene factory would double the volume of polymer production and increase the export capability it is unlikely that NIS will invest large funds in Petrohemija at this time. Especially since the financial results have already shown that investments have been decreasing in the last two years.  Thus, at this stage it is hard to say when the polypropylene project will start. 

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Jun 2025

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 48,502 tons in January to June against 53,131 tons in January to June 2024.  Average prices increased from €2451.2 per ton to €2491.2 in 2025.  Prices for SBR were the main cause of the main cause the higher overall prices.

Hungarian synthetic rubber Imports

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Butadiene Rubber 15.081 12.444
SBR 26.232 28.157
Other 6.578 11.127
Total 48.602 53.131
Revenues €mil 81.521 91.388
Av € per ton 2491.2 2451.7

Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary increased from 12,444 tons in the first six months last year to 15,081 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports dropped from 28,157 tons to 26,232 tons. 

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 29,165 tons in the first six months against 35,862 tons in the same period last year. Prices for exports increased from €2594.8 per ton to €2822.1 per ton in 2025.  SBR exports amounted to 28,779 tons in the first six months this year.

Czech Rubber Prices (€ per ton)
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Exports Synthetic 2035.8 1708.1
Imports Synthetic 2155.3 2064.5
Natural 2231.0 1703.0

Czech rubber trade Jan-Jun 2025

Exports of synthetic rubber from the Czech Republic amounted to 68,765 tons in January to June 2025 versus 68,602 tons in the same period in 2024.  At the same time imports declined from 71,799 tons to 72,272 tons in 2024.  The country is a net importer of natural rubber, with imports projected to reach $107 million by value by 2026.  

Czech Rubber Trade (unit-kilo tons)
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Exports Synthetic 68.765 68.602
Imports Synthetic 72.272 71.799
Natural 41.640 45.846

Rubber prices increased this year for both synthetic and natural rubber.  Czech synthetic rubber export prices jumped from €1708.1 per ton in the first six months last year to €2035.8 per ton in 2025 whilst import prices jumped from €2064.5 per ton to €2155.3. Natural rubber prices increased this year to €2231.0 per ton from €1703.0 per ton in January to June 2024. 

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Jun 2025

The Czech Republic exported 57,510 tons of butadiene rubber in the first six months in 2025 against 55,032375 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices rose from €1661.6 per ton to €1912.9 per ton.  

Czech Butadiene Rubber Exports 

(unit-kilo tons) 

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
France 0.525 2.262
Germany 3.155 3.379
Hungary 4.314 4.005
India 7.791 8.205
Italy 2.863 2.930
Poland 7.311 6.360
Romania 5.726 4.505
Serbia 5.395 2.540
Slovakia 2.480 3.807
South Korea 3.261 2.226
Spain 3.206 2.949
Turkey 4.506 4.457
US 0.520 0.164
Others 6.457 7.244
Total 57.510 55.032
Revenues 110.197 91.439
Av € per ton 1912.9 1661.6

Czech exports of butadiene rubber to India amounted to 7,791 tons in January to June 2025 against 8,205 tons in the same period in 2024.  Other important markets included Poland where exports amounted to 7,311 tons against 6,360 tons.   Besides exports the Czech Republic also imported 13,575 tons of butadiene rubber in the first six months in 2025 against 15,804 tons in 2024.  Imports were sourced largely from Germany and the US.

Polish rubber trade Jan-Jun 2025

For all types of synthetic rubber imports into Poland average prices increased from €1642.7 per ton in January to June 2024 to €2360.8 in the first six months in 2025. Whilst prices rose Poland reduced volume imports to 113,020 tons in the first six months against 197,465 tons in the same period last year.  By category, butadiene rubber was the largest product, accounting for 25,840 tons against 48,773 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst EPDM imports dropped from 22,063 tons to 15,509 tons.  Imports of emulsion SBR dropped from 13,354 tons to 3,634 tons.

Polish Synthetic Rubber Imports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
ESBR 3.634  13.354 
Block SBR 15.708  27.202 
S-SBR 13.449  15.899 
Butadiene Rubber 25.840  48.773 
Butyl Rubber 1.794  2.417 
HBR 6.492  4.328 
NBR 2.541  5.612 
Isoprene Rubber 1.038  32.987 
EPDM 15.509  22.063 
Others 27.014  24.829 
Total 113.020  197.465 
Av € per ton 2318.3 1784.2

Germany supplied 17,165 tons of synthetic rubber to the Polish market in the first six months in 2025, with South Korea supplying 15,809 tons and Saudi Arabia 8,217 tons.  Volumes from these countries are expected to increase this year.

Polish Exports of Synthetic Rubber

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
SBR 100.699 111.509
Butadiene Rubber 25.161 46.326
Isoprene Rubber 0.827 30.636
Others 9.776 11.344
Total 136.462 199.814
Av € per ton 1740.6 1609.3

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to 54,129 tons in January to June 2025 against 199,814 tons in the same period in 2024.   Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland amounted to 25,161 tons in January to June 2025 versus 46,326 tons in the same period in 2024.   The largest category of rubber exports focuses on SBR grades. 

The largest European market for Polish synthetic rubber exports was Germany which took 10,732 tons in the first six months in 2025.   This was followed by the Czech Republic which took 10,531 tons in the first half of 2025.  Volumes increased last year to compensate for the closure of the ESBR plant at Kralupy. The largest non-European destination for Polish synthetic rubber exports in the first six months this year was Brazil which took 9,590 tons.

 

 Prices of synthetic rubber exports from Poland increased from €1609.3 per ton in the first six months in 2024 to €1740.6 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-Jun 2025

Synthetic rubber production at Oswiecim for Synthos amounted to 134,500 tons in the first half of 2025 against 134,000 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.

Polish Synthetic Rubber Supply/Demand Balance 

(unit-kilo tons)

  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Production 134.5 134.0
Exports 136.5 199.8
Imports 113.0 197.5
Market Balance 111.0 131.7
Synthos Production (unit-kilo tons)
 Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
 Polystyrene  34.300 37.000
 EPS  46.500 43.500
 Synthetic Rubber  134.500 134.000

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 six months in 2025, where rubber consumption of all types (including natural) fell against 2024 and 2023.  In terms of synthetic rubber consumption Poland reduced usage to 111,000 tons in the first half against 131,700 tons in the same period in 2024. 

Rubber is primarily consumed by industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing.  Some of the major companies involved in the processing and use of synthetic rubber in Poland in operate in diverse sectors, including automotive, industrial machinery, and consumer goods.  The predominant trend for processors continues to indicate lower orders.  India took 13,796 tons of Polish synthetic rubber in the period January to May 2025 against 2,405 tons in the first five months in 2024. Exports to Thailand totalled 7,072 tons January to May 2025 and to Brazil 7,785 tons.  The largest European destinations for exports include Germany where shipments totalled 9,254 tons versus 1,575 tons in the same period last year and to Italy where shipments increased to 8,512 tons. 

Polish benzene exports Jan-Jun 2025

Polish exports of benzene totalled 85,234 tons in January to June 2025 against 91,486 tons in the same period in 2024.  Exports to Germany dropped from 66,603 tons to 62,337 tons in 2025, with average prices dropping from €869.8 per ton to €778.4 per ton.  Benzene exports from Poland are supplied largely from Petrochemia Blachownia at Kedzierzyn-Kozle. 

Polish Benzene Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Czech Republic 9.863 13.575
Germany 62.337 66.603
Others 13.034 11.308
Total 85.234 91.486
Av Price € per ton 778.4 869.8

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Jun 2025

Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 50,455 tons in January to June 2025 which was down from 53,163 tons in the same period in 2024.  Germany was the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 42,300 tons against 39,540 tons in the same period in 2024.    Spain and Finland accounted for smaller shipments. 

Polish Aromatic Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Adipic Acid 7.817 6.295
Bisphenol A 6.774 4.231
Caprolactam 6.215 6.798
Ethylbenzene 43.704 48.300
Paraxylene 2.966 15.169
Phenol 50.455 53.163
Phthalic Anhydride 14.517 19.155
PTA 22.930 5.226
Styrene 52.507 58.611
TDI 34.451 38.499
Toluene 12.169 11.518

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €936.9 per ton against €1349.6 per ton in the first six months in 2024.  

Polish Phenol Imports (unit-kilo tons)

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Finland 1.170 3.472
Germany  42.300 39.540
Spain 2.632 4.752
Others 4.352 5.398
Total 50.455 53.163
Av Price € per ton 936.9 1349.6

In other product areas, styrene imports into Poland amounted to 52,507 tons in the period January to June 2025 against 58,611 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 €1353.5 per ton in the first six months last year to €1165.8 per ton.

Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 43,704 tons against 48,300 tons in the same period last year.  All the ethylbenzene was shipped from Kralupy to Oswiecim, all within the structures of the Synthos Group.

Grupa Azoty’s caprolactam plant at Tarnow produced 46,400 tons in the first six months against 48,400 tons in the same period in 2025.  Due to the idle production at Pulawy Poland has become a net importer of caprolactam in the past few years.  Caprolactam imports into Poland amounted to 6,215 tons in the first six months in 2025 versus 6,798 tons in the same period in 2024. 

Polish PTA exports Jan-Jun 2025

PTA exports amounted to 144,211 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 172,628 tons in the same period in 2024.  Exports to Germany dropped from 150,022 tons to 132,485 tons.  Average prices for PTA changed from €792.2 per ton to €719.9 per ton this year. 

Polish Exports of PTA (unit-kilo tons)
Producer Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belarus 0.267 0.000
Belgium 1.113 1.525
France 0.000 2.508
Germany 132.485 150.022
Lithuania 1.461 5.254
Switzerland 0.455 0.000
Turkey 1.763 3.561
Others 6.667 9.758
Total 144.211 172.628
Av Price € per ton 719.9 792.2

Regarding PTA feedstocks, Poland imported 2,966 tons of paraxylene in the first six months this year against 15,169 tons last year.  Due to lower PTA production at Wloclawek imports of PTA amounted to 22,930 tons in the first six months in 2025. 

Czech aromatic exports Jan-Jun 2025

Czech aniline exports amounted to 39,250 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 61,560 tons in the same period in 2024.  Hungary is the largest destination for Czech aniline exports, amounting to 30,723 tons in the first six months in 2025 versus 54,204 tons in the same period in 2025.

Czech Aromatic Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Aniline 39.250 61.560
Benzene 9.564 5.276
Toluene 2.345 5.162
Ethylbenzene 42.584 40.735
Styrene 0.926 6.977
Czech Aromatic Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Benzene 15.950 30.218
Toluene 2.466 2.927
Styrene 20.440 9.635
Bisphenol A 16.163 16.073

Czech benzene exports increased to 9,564 tons in January to June 2025 against 5,276 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst toluene exports dropped from 5,162 tons to 2,345 tons.  2024.

Czech aromatic imports Jan-Jun 2025

Czech imports of styrene amounted to 20,359 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 3,902 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from the Netherlands increased from 2,976 tons to 5,176 tons.  Average prices paid for styrene imports amounted to €1200.4 per ton against €1287.9 in 2024.  Benzene imports into the Czech Republic in the first six months in 2025 amounted to 8,418 tons against 23,760 tons in January to June 2024.  Benzene imports are sourced from Poland, Hungary and Serbia.  Toluene imports dropped from 2,093 tons to 1,690 tons.

Czech Bisphenol A imports & epoxy resin exports 

Bisphenol A imports into the Czech Republic totalled 17,175 tons in January to June 2025 against 16,073 tons in the same period in 2024.  South Korea increased shipments from 11,740 tons to 16,624 tons. The largest user of bisphenol A in the Czech Republic is Spolchemie at Ust nad Labem, where epoxy resins are produced. 

Czech Bisphenol A Imports
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Total Ktons 17.175 16.073
Av Price per ton 1326.8 1358.1
Czech Epoxy Resin Exports
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Total Ktons 26.973 25.444
Av Price per ton 2662.0 2531.8
Czech Epoxy Resins (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 1.836 2.006
Germany 10.477 9.062
Spain 2.216 2.157
France 2.311 2.153
Italy 2.775 2.688
Poland 1.426 0.991
Others 5.932 6.386
Total 26.973 25.444
Av Price per ton 2662.0 2531.8

Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 18,525 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 17,147 tons in 2024.  Prices rose from €2518.1 per ton to €2643.6 per ton in 2025.  Germany remains the largest market for Czech epoxy resins, accounting for 7,131 tons in the first six months in 2025 which was up from 5,790 tons in same period in 2024. 

European anti-dumping measures on epoxy resins

The European Commission imposed anti-dumping measures in August on imports of epoxy resins originating in China, Taiwan and Thailand.   The imposition of measures follows an investigation which found that dumped imports of epoxy resins from China, Taiwan and Thailand were harming the EU industry.  The investigation initially also covered imports of epoxy resin originating in Korea, but this part was terminated due to a lack of evidence of dumping.

Hungarian aromatics Jan-Jun 2025

The balance in Hungarian benzene trade has changed this year, with exports falling and at the same time imports increasing.  Exports dropped from 24,643 tons in the first six months in 2024 to 7,884 tons in the same period last year.  At the same time imports of benzene increased from 11,499 tons to 24,610 tons in January to June 2025.  Imports from Poland increased from 7,457 tons to 11,408 tons whilst shipments arrived from Serbia this year, amounting to 8,299 tons in the first six months.

Hungarian Benzene Imports

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Czech Republic 1.209 1.017
Germany 0.681 2.998
Poland 11.408 7.457
Serbia 8.299 0.000
Others 3.014 0.027
Total 24.610 11.499
Av € per ton 653.8 882.4

Toluene imports into Hungary amounted to 19,384 tons in the first six months this year against 23,538 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices dropped from €1064.2 per ton to €972.0 per ton. 

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Jun 2025

Hungarian TDI exports January to June 2025 amounted to 139,805 tons against 137,916 tons in January to June 2024.  Average prices dropped from €1962.0 per ton to €1837.9 per ton. 

Exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium amounted to 21,355 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 22,237 tons in January to June last year, whilst volumes to Italy rose from 16,173 tons to 17,604 tons. 

Hungarian TDI Exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 1.494 1.642
Belgium 21.355 22.237
Germany 8.284 6.100
Italy 17.604 16.173
Poland 17.629 15.151
Portugal 5.802 4.195
Romania 4.527 6.731
Spain 6.393 5.417
Turkey 16.014 22.666
Others 40.702 37.604
Total 139.805 137.916
Av € per ton 1837.9 1962.0

Hungarian MDI Exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

 Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 1.894 1.071
Switzerland 1.941 1.931
Czech Republic 4.531 5.488
Germany 12.283 12.538
Algeria 2.407 2.299
Italy 10.103 1.931
France 2.367 4.724
Spain 3.417 2.460
Latvia 0.410 1.863
Netherlands 1.328 3.089
Poland 29.676 20.972
Romania 12.437 10.237
Slovakia 1.944 0.226
Serbia 3.052 0.200
Turkey 9.272 1.365
Ukraine 2.469 16.000
Others 23.096 23.730
Total 123.543 110.730
Av € per ton 1845.6 1925.8

Shipments to Poland increased from 15,151 tons to 17,629 tons and dropped to Turkey from 22,666 tons to 16,014 tons. Shipments to Romania dropped from 6,731 tons to 4,527 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.

Polish TDI Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 0.306 4.245
Germany 11.106 7.752
Hungary 19.725 15.717
Netherlands 0.306 4.241
Saudi Arabia 0.942 0.128
South Korea 1.769 3.503
Others 1.654 2.108
Total 39.180 37.694
Av € per ton 1898.7 2031.0

MDI exports from Hungary amounted in January to June to 123,543 tons against 110,730 tons in January to June 2024.  MDI export prices dropped to €1845.6 per ton against €1925.8 per ton in 2024.     

Poland was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports, taking 29,676 tons in the first six months in 2024 versus 20,972 tons in January to June 2025.  Exports to Italy increased from 1,931 tons to 10,103 tons.

Central European isocyanate trade Jan-Jun 2025

TDI prices have recently experienced a complex interplay of factors, including seasonal demand shifts, supply chain disruptions, and trade-related uncertainties. While there have been instances of price declines, particularly in Europe, driven by weaker demand, other reports suggest rising prices due to supply chain issues and heightened demand in certain regions. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about dumping and potential anti-dumping investigations, particularly impacting TDI imports from specific countries.

TDI imports into Poland amounted to a total of 39,180 tons in January to June 2025 against 37,694 tons in January to June 2024.   Prices of TDI imported into Poland dropped from €2031.0 per ton in 2024 to €1898.7 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier in the first six months in 2025, shipping 19,725 tons to Poland versus 15,717 tons in January to June 2024.   

MDI imports into Poland totalled 84,883 tons in January to June 2025, up against 80,013 tons in January to June 2024.  Average prices were down slightly in the first six months against last year, amounting to €1893.6 per ton.

Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 17,704 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 16,034 tons in January to June 2024, whilst imports from Hungary increased to 17,609 tons against 13,446.  Belgium shipped 11,178

Polish MDI Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 26.767 22.909
Netherlands 7.180 8.307
Hungary 26.681 20.534
Belgium 16.339 18.158
South Korea 6.876 5.021
Others 1.039 5.084
Total 84.883 80.013
Av € per ton 1893.6 1925.3

tons of MDI to Poland in the first six months, down from 11,383 tons whilst South Korea increased shipments from 3,691 tons to 4,496 tons.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 21,354 tons in January to June 2025 against 20,564 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices declined from €2095.7 per ton last year to €2021.4 per ton.    The leading supplier so far this year was Belgium which shipped 5,312 tons against 4,444 tons in January to June 2024. 

Czech MDI imports
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Kilo tons 21.354 20.564
Av Price €per ton 2021.4 2095.7

Czech polyol imports Jan-Jun 2025

Czech polyol imports amounted to 25,404 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 23,769 tons in the same period in 2024.  Belgium supplied 7,421 tons against 6,873 tons last year, whilst average prices dropped to €2112.9 per ton against €2313.5.  Other suppliers included Germany which shipped 4,194 tons against 4,046 tons last year and the Netherlands increased shipments from 2,494 tons to 3,973 tons.

Czech Polyol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Total  25.404 23.679
Av € per ton 2112.9 2313.5

Hungarian polyol imports Jan-Jun 2025

Imports of polyols into Hungary dropped in the first six months this year to 20,238 tons against 15,334 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from China amounted to 7,318 tons in the period January to June 2025 against 3,958 tons in January to June 2024.  The largest supplier to the Hungarian market in the first half of 2025 was the Netherlands which provided 4,900 tons against 3,812 tons in the same period last year.

Hungarian Polyol Imports

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 0.227 0.377
Belgium 0.730 0.883
China 7.318 3.958
Germany 2.355 1.641
Italy 0.071 0.166
Netherlands 4.900 3.812
Poland 0.958 0.330
Romania 1.475 1.180
Others 2.203 2.912
Total 20.238 15.334
Av Price 1630.0 1796.6

Polish polyol trade Jan-Jun 2025

Polish polyol exports amounted to 26,798 tons in the first half of 2025 against 28,069 tons in the same period in 2024.  Italy was the largest destination for Polish polyol exports, mainly produced by PCC Rokita.  Average prices dropped from €2129.6 per ton to €1958.4 in 2025. 

Polish Polyol Exports 2024 (unit-kilo tons)
  Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Total ktons 26.798 28.069
Av € per ton 1958.4 2129.6

The European polyether market has been fairly balanced in terms of supply and demand in 2025, but at the same production and consumption have both been lower than last year.    

Polish polyol imports amounted to 74,752 tons in January to June against 69,949 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Netherlands supplied 14,778 tons against 19,679 tons last year, whilst Germany increased supplies to 17,746 tons against 17,045 tons. Polyol import prices into Poland dropped from €1865.3 per ton to €1728.5 per ton. 

Polish Polyol Imports

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 12.322 9.465
China 5.977 2.977
France 3.150 2.408
Germany 17.746 17.045
Netherlands 14.778 19.679
Romania 6.381 7.453
South Korea 6.638 4.128
Others 7.265 5.908
Total 74.752 69.949
Av € per ton 1728.5 1865.3

Despite the decline in average prices in the first half of the years for both exports and imports of polyols, prices in Europe did show an increase in July.  This was due to increased demand from the construction sector, partly seasonal, and some tightening of supply.  Producers are tentatively cautious though about a sustained upward period for pricing.    

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports Jan-Jun 2025

Hungary exported 6,983 tons of maleic anhydride in January to June against 12,630 tons in January to June 2024.  Average prices rose from €1182.2 per ton to €1356.9 per ton.  Exports of maleic anhydride to Poland from Hungary dropped from 4,065 tons in the first six months in 2024 to 1,120 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Austria 0.832 0.290
Germany 1.184 1.237
Italy 0.671 1.813
Poland 1.120 4.065
Slovenia 0.302 0.979
Others 2.874 4.247
Total 6.983 12.630
Av € per ton 1356.9 1182.2

  

Hungarian organic chemical exports Jan-Jun 2025

Exports of organic chemicals from Hungary totalled 278,107 tons in the first six months this year, down from 333,696 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 June by volume and 33% by value.  Overall, the value of organic chemical exports from Hungary amounted to €762.209 million in the first six months which was down from €829.241 million in January to June 2024. 

BorsodChem s new aniline plant at Kazincbarcika, opened in 2023, has a production capacity of 200,000 tons per year.

Hungarian Aniline Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 0.000 7.942
Czech Republic 31.665 55.102
Others 0.204 0.024
Total 31.869 63.068
Av € per ton 1375.2 1433.6

Import volumes for organic chemicals into Hungary in the first six months this year amounted to 362,410 tons against 366,100 tons last year, with import costs rising from €798.180 million to €840.860 million. 

Imports of organic chemicals into Hungary amounted to 188,460 tons in the period January to June 2025 against 238,660 tons in the same period in 2024, with values dropping from €560.210 million to €450.620 million.  The major organic chemical imports include methanol, toluene, aniline and acrylonitrile. 

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports Jan-Jun 2025

Aniline imports into Hungary dropped from 63,068 tons in January to June 2024 to 31,665 tons January to June 2025.  Inward shipments from BorsodChem-MCHZ in the Czech Republic amounted to 31,665 tons against 55,102 tons in January to June 2024.  Cost prices of aniline imports dropped from €1433.6 per ton to €1375.4 per ton. 

Hungarian Acrylonitrile Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 1.457 1.504
Netherlands 9.440 4.289
Total 11.455 5.699
Av € per ton 1781.6 1528.7

Acrylonitrile imports into Hungary rose in the first six months to 11,455 tons from 5,699 tons in the same period in 2024.  Imports from the Netherlands increased from 4,289 tons to 9,440 tons.  Average prices for acrylonitrile imports rose from €1528.7 per ton to €1781.6 in 2025.

Polish organic chemical imports Jan-Jun 2025

Exports of organic chemicals from Poland dropped by volume to 755,900 tons in January to June 2025 from 802,500 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst imports rose from 1.973 million tons to 2.145 million tons.  Export values increased from €635.0 million to €643.2 million, whilst import values rose from €1.371 billion to €1.479 billion.    Trade volumes are still lower than before the Ukrainian war started but are showing an upward trajectory. 

Polish Organic Chemical Trade
Exports Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Vol (kilo tons) 755.9  802.5 
Value (€million) 643.2  635.0 
Imports Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Vol (kilo tons) 2,144.9  1,972.9 
Value (€million) 1,478.8  1,371.0 

Polish Organic Chemical Imports

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Acetic Acid 20.294 17.406
Acetone 5.874 3.690
Butadiene 52.572 49.760
DINP/DOP 8.161 9.116
Ethyl Acetate 6.293 7.944
Isopropanol 8.272 6.063
Maleic Anhydride 5.651 5.598
Methanol 299.395 336.288
Propylene 46.613 49.214
VAM 21.360 10.932

In some of the product areas, such as oxo-alcohols (octanol, n-butanol and iso-butanol) the Central European market has seen increased competitiveness this year from imports from Asia and the US.

Methanol imports into Poland totalled 299,395 tons in January to June 2025 against 336,288 tons in the same period in 2024.   For other organic chemical imports Poland imported 20,294 tons of acetic acid in January to June against 17,406 tons in January to June 2024.  The US provided 16,370 tons in the first six months, replacing the UK as the leading supplier in 2024.

Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 6,293 tons in January to June 2025 against 7,944 tons in January to June 2024.  Belgium provided the largest share of imports.  VAM imports into Poland increased to 21,360 tons versus 10,932 tons.   

Maleic anhydride imports into Poland amounted to 5,651 tons in January-June 2025, versus 5,598 tons in the previous year.  Imports are currently sourced from Germany, Hungary and South Korea.  Isopropanol imports into Poland amounted to 8,272 tons in January-June 2025, up from 6,063 tons in the previous year.  Aside Germany, imports come from the Netherlands and South Africa. 

Polish glycol/oxide imports Jan-Jun 2025

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland dropped in the first six months this year to 12,725 tons from 28,664 tons in the same period in 2024.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  DEG imports dropped to 16,076 tons against 16,286 tons.

Polish EO/PO Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
DEG 16.076 16.286
Ethylene Glycol 12.725 28.664
Ethylene Oxide 12.730 11.037
Propylene Glycol 17.797 11.293
Propylene Oxide 8.806 3.632

Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 12,730 tons in January to June 2025 versus 11,037 tons in January to June 2024.   Germany currently represents the main source of inward shipments. 

Polish organic chemical exports Jan-Jun 2025

Regarding export activity in organic chemicals, Polish shipments of monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) amounted to 19,664 tons in the first six months in 2025.   

Polish Organic Chemical Exports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Product Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Acetic Acid 0.735 0.945
Acetone 5.281 5.275
2-EH 2.762 0.049
Ethylene Glycol 13.873 10.615
Glycerol 19.063 16.520
Methanol 82.413 85.026
Monochloroacetic Acid 19.664 15.478
N-Butyl Acetate 2.882 3.496
Propylene 9.525 2.144

MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny.  Other organic chemical exports from Poland include glycerol where shipments amounted to 19,063 tons in January-June 2025 versus 16,520 tons in January to June 2024.   The main markets for Polish acetone exports included Italy, Germany, Romania and Lithuania.  Methanol exports amounted to 82,413 tons in the first six months this year against 85,026 tons in January to June 2024.  Butyl acetate exports dropped from 3,496 toons in January to June 2024 to 2,882 tons in the same period this year.  Solvent Wistol is the sole producer of n-butyl acetate in Poland. The Polish market for butyl acetate is relatively stable, with production expected to remain around 18,000 tons. 

Czech organic chemical trade Jan-Jun 2025

Czech organic chemical exports amounted in value to €592.5 million in the first six months in 2025 against €659.7 million in the same period in 2024, with volumes dropping from 295,600 tons to 259,500 tons.  Imports increased from €673.0 million to €697.6 million.  Import volumes increased slightly from 347,600 tons to 347,900 tons.   Czech imports of organic chemicals are led by methanol where volumes amounted to 25,836 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 36,817 tons in the same period in 2024.  Other products imported include oxo alcohols, both in butanols and 2-EH where inward shipments dropped to 9,737 tons in January to June this year.  Most of the 2-EH imports come from the Azoty plant at Kedzierzyn-Kozle. Plasticizer imports increased in the first six months to 6,131 tons against 3,824 tons in the same period last year.

Czech Organic Chemical Trade
Exports Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Value (€million) 592.5  659.7 
Vol (kilo tons) 259.5  295.6 
Imports Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Value (€million) 697.6  673.0 
Vol (kilo tons) 347.9  347.6 

Czech methanol imports Jan-Jun 2025

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 25,836 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 36,817 tons in the same period in 2024.  Prices per ton for methanol imports increased from €382.4 to €475.0 per ton. 

Czech Methanol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 3.135 3.535
Norway 0.328 0.080
Estonia 3.944 3.262
Poland 8.923 27.543
US 4.944 0.000
Others 3.400 2.397
Total 26,997 36.817
Av € per ton 475.0 382.4

Poland supplied 8,923 tons to the Czech Republic in the first six months in 2025 against 27,543 tons in the same period in 2024.  The US supplied 4,944 tons in June this year, whilst the other sources of supply come from Estonia.

The Dutch company Power2X has withdrawn from its plans to build a methanol plant in Estonia, in which it planned to invest €1 billion.  Power2X stated that the decision was made "under the influence of several factors."  The establishment of a methanol plant in Parnu with a capacity of up to 500,000 tpa was announced last spring.

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-Jun 2025

Methanol imports into Hungary in January to June increased to 55,430 tons against 54,197 tons in January to June 2024.  Imports from Germany decreased from 32,685 tons to 22,066 tons, replacing sources from Poland and Slovakia.  Imports from Slovenia into Hungary amounted to 6,995 tons in the first six months, against 10,602 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices of methanol imports into Hungary amounted to €484.7 per ton against €438.3 per ton in 2024.

Hungarian methanol imports 

(unit-kilo tons)

Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Germany 22.066 32.685
Netherlands 16.647 8.579
Poland 5.080 1.070
Estonia 2.161 0.000
Slovenia 6.995 10.602
Others 1.485 1.035
Total 55.430 54.197
Av € per ton 484.7 438.3

Polish methanol trade Jan-Jun 2025

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 299,395 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 336,288 tons in January to June 2024.    Average prices in the first six months amounted to €487.5 per ton against €317.5 per ton last year. 

Polish Methanol Imports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Belgium 30.000 104.258
Estonia 5.306 3.910
Germany 33.040 50.276
Netherlands 18.065 39.994
Norway 34.547 42.397
Russia 1.046 0.000
US 69.715 0.000
Trinidad 74.881 0.000
Venezuela 26.842 94.154
Others 5.952 1.273
Total 299.395 336.288
€ price per ton 487.5 317.5

Trinidad was the largest supplier of methanol to Poland in the first six months in 2025, shipping 74,881 tons followed by the US which shipped 69,715 tons.  The US has been a new supplier in recent months. 

Poland Methanol Exports (unit-kilo tons)
Country Jan-Jun 25 Jan-Jun 24
Czech Republic 14.058 23.716
Germany 52.928 51.559
Slovakia 17.953 14.938
Ukraine 10.866 12.129
Others 1.392 0.530
Total 97.574 103.662
Av € per ton 437.2 374.4

Venezuela reduced shipments from 94,154 tons in January to June 2024 to 26,842 tons whilst imports from Belgium declined from 104,258 tons to 30,000 tons. 

Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 97,574 tons in January to June 2025, declining from 103,662 tons in the same period in January to June 2024.  Polish methanol export prices increased in the first six months this year to €437.2 per ton measured against last year’s €374.4 per ton in 2024.  The largest destination for Polish exports was Germany which took 52,928 tons in the first six months in 2025 against 51,559 tons in the same period in 2024.  Ukraine imported 10,866 tons in the first six months, against 12,129 tons last year. 



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