Russian ethylene production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian ethylene production totalled 3.365 million tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 3.438 million tons in the same period in 2024.  All regions saw lower production, apart from the Volga region.

ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk reduced production from 1.173 million tons in January to September last year to 1.139 million tons in January to September 2025.  Production in the Volga region amounted to 1.635 million tons in January to September versus 1.649 million tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga region includes producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Kazanorgsintez, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez.  Only of the Volga plants Nizhnekamskneftekhim has increased output this year. 

Russian propylene production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian propylene production totalled 1.900 million tons in January to September 2025 against 1.933 million tons in January to September 2024.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 718,425 tons against 748,149 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga-Urals region increased production from a total of 709,847 tons in January to September 2024 to 715,241 tons in January to September 2025. 

Russian propylene sales Jan-Sep 2025

Russian sales of propylene on the domestic merchant market amounted to 171,330 tons in January to September against 249,094 tons in the same period in 2024.  The largest propylene supplier to the domestic market was Lukoil-NNOS, shipping 124,065 tons against 95,917 tons in January to September 2024. 

 SIBUR-Kstovo shipped only 29,189 tons to the domestic market in the first three quarter this year against 114,603 tons in January to September 2024.  Production was disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes on the complex in January.  As a result of the attack SIBUR-Kstovo stopped production in February creating supply problems for the Russian market.   SIBUR-Kstovo was struck again in early November at the same time as the Lukoil refinery at Kstovo, but no information is available yet about the impact on propylene supply from either plant. 

Most merchant consumers have reduced purchases in 2025.  ZapSibNeftekhim purchased 8.993 tons of propylene in January against 55,438 tons in January to September 2024, whilst Saratovorgsintez reduced purchases from 97,234 tons to 99,428 tons. 

Russian butadiene production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian butadiene production totalled 478,492 tons in January to September 2025 against 521,687 tons in January to September 2024.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 180,477 tons against 203,670 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga-Urals region decreased production from a total of 289,872 tons in January to September 2024 to 268,262 tons in January to September 2025.   

Russian plastics production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 8.022 million tons in the first three quarters in 2025 against 8.123 million tons in January to September 2024 and against 8.013 million tons in January to September 2023.  

Despite the stability in Russian polymer production, the industry faces some significant challenges focused on the stagnating domestic market   Weak domestic consumption has already led to a drop in prices to multi-year lows.  In 2023 and 2024 demand was aided significantly from the short-term benefits of spending in the military sector, but 2025 has given multiple indicative signs that the market has peaked.

Despite the provision of basic raw materials, Russia still has difficulties with many special grades and other low-tonnage chemical products. A significant reduction in investment in plastics processing is explained by the high base of 2023 after deferred demand, reduced demand in many segments, the low dollar exchange rate, as well as the prohibitive cost of lending due to the high key rate.

Price declines have been a feature of the main bulk polymers in 2025, with PVC and polystyrene witnessing the largest fall of around 11% against 2024.  Prices of polyethylene and PET fell by 8% in the first three quarters, whilst polypropylene dropped by 6%. 

The PVC segment also showed the strongest decline in production volumes, largely as a result of the drone attack on the RusVinyl plant at the end of January.  Another factor has been the slowdown in production at the Sayanskkhimplast plant in the Irkutsk Oblast since renationalisation of the assets took place in May this year.  Production at the 350,000 tpa plant dropped sharply in the third quarter, which was partly due to scheduled maintenance.  It is still not clear which state based holding company will hold the assets, Roskhim is the most likely beneficiary.  

The situation is exacerbated by the structural problems of the industry including a shortage of special raw materials, dependence on imports in some product areas and a shortage of engineering personnel. Additional pressure is created by the proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources to multiply the rates of the environmental fee, which, according to industry assessments, may lead to the closure of some plants.

Environmental fees could put some plastics processors at risk

In addition to the weak situation in the Russan polymer market, the increase in environmental fee rates proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources as part of the extended responsibility of producers may have a critical impact on their production and processing.  A 5-fold increase in rates for plastics is being discussed, i.e., from 3,840 roubles to 23,820 roubles.  Coupled with an increase in the recycling standard from 25% to 50%, and other factors related to waste, recovery, etc, could increase the environmental fee for manufacturers of polymer packaging significantly.  Not a single industrial company in Russia will be capable of covering such costs without major price changes.

Russian ethylene polymer production production Jan-Sep 2025

Production of ethylene polymers amounted to 2.800 million tons in January to September, slightly up from the 2.691 million tons last year.  The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District.  Production at ZapSibNeftekhim totalled 1.194 million tons in January to September this year against 1.152 million tons in the same period in 2024.  

The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 845,294 tons last year to 979,447 tons in January to September 2025.  The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

ZapSibNeftekhim plant has started the production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are necessary for water and gas supply systems.  ZapSibNeftekhim is the only enterprise in Russia capable of producing non-ferrous grades of polyethylene required for the production of water and gas supply pipes, covering the country's market needs in this segment.

Russian polyethylene trade Jan-Sep 2025

Russian polyethylene exports to China increased from 248,501 tons in January to September 2024 to 352,283 tons in the same period in 2025, with both HDPE and LDPE showing rises.   Average prices for Russian polyethylene exports to China dropped from $882.6 per ton to $835.1 per ton in 2025.  Exports to China amounted to around one seventh of total Russian polyethylene production.

Inward shipments of polyethylene from China into Russia dropped in the first nine months to 61,988 tons against 79,063 tons in January to September 2024.  Average prices rose to $1534.7 per ton from $1434.8 in 2024.  The largest volume of Chinese shipments to Russia consisted of ethylene-hexene copolymers where shipments into Russia amounted to 17,716 tons against 20,908 tons in the same period in 2024.  LLDPE shipments amounted to 16,383 tons in the first nine months, and EVA shipments amounted to 8,148 tons.  The new plant at Nizhnekamsk will allow the production of ethylene-hexene polymers in 2026, if not this year.  The first volumes have already been produced. 

Inward shipments of polyethylene from South Korea into Russia dropped in the first nine months to 46,782 tons against 91,252 tons in January to September 2024.  Average prices dropped to $1335.8 per ton from $1231.2 in 2024.

Russian polypropylene production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 1.619 million tons in January to September 2025 against 1.601 million tons in January to September last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk reduced production from 802,852 tons to 796,187 tons in January to September 2025. 

The Moscow refinery reduced polypropylene production in the first nine months this year to 124,161 tons from 125,716 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Ufaorgsintez, produced 329,195 tons against 319,223 tons.  The Siberian region, which includes Tomskneftekhim and Polyom at Omsk, reduced production to 251,769 tons from 252,739 tons.

Russian polypropylene trade Jan-Sep 2025

Revenues for Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China increased from $51.395 million in the first nine months last year to $92.707 million in January to September 2025.  Volumes increased from 60,474 tons to 111,176 tons.  

Chinese exports of propylene polymers dropped in value from $59.888 million in the first nine months last year to $47.532 million.  By volume, shipments declined from 30,084 tons to 24,133 tons.  Prices amounted to $1969.6 per ton in 2025, down from $1990.7 2024. 

South Korean exports of propylene copolymers to Russia dropped in the first nine months to 17,679 tons against 31,557 tons in the same period in 2024.  Prices for Korean propylene polymers dropped from $1405.7 per ton to $1241.7 per ton.

Russian PVC production and trade Jan-Sep 2025

Russian PVC suspension grade production totalled 536,071 tons in January to September 2025 against 580,228 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Volga region, which includes plants at Kstovo and Sterlitamak, accounted for 359,431 tons in January to September against 347,970 tons in the same period last year.   Sayanskkhimplast is the only PVC producer in Siberia, producing 120,478 tons in the first nine months against 175,073 tons in January to May 2024.  The plant is supplied with ethylene from the Angarsk Polymer Plant by pipeline.

Production of emulsion grade PVC in Russia fell from 19,942 tons in the first nine months last year to 18,620 tons in the same period in 2025.  Production has been affected this year by ethylene shortages from the neighbouring Kstovo cracker that was inactive for over a month following a drone attack at the end of January.  As the year as progressed RusVinyl has gradually caught up last year’s volumes.

Imports of PVC from China into Russia increased to a total of 127,891 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 55,865 tons in the same period last year.  Shipments of PVC suspension grade increased from 47,436 tons to 67,573 tons whilst emulsion grade rose from 46,548 tons to 60,318 tons.

Russian PX-PTA-PET production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 153,066 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 192,322 tons in the same period last year.  Gazprom Neft at Omsk reduced production from 59,249 tons to 38,947 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim reduced production from 92,985 tons to 82,567 tons. 

Both Ufaneftekhim and Gazprom Neft at Omsk underwent planned maintenance in September, reducing country production to 3,591 tons.  At the start of October, the Kirishi refinery was struck by Ukrainian drones, and whilst units were forced to stop it is not clear if the damage affected the aromatics division. 

PTA production at Russia’s sole producer Polief amounted to 236,665 tons in the nine months which against 243,393 tons in January to September 2024.  Polief underwent a maintenance shutdown in September, reducing production to 175 tons against 27,769 tons in August.  Polief coordinated its shutdown with its main feedstock supplier Ufaneftekhim.   

The Russian government has proposed amendments to the Tax Code regarding the tax deduction for paraxylene, with the aim of stimulating the development of PTA production.  The government has recognised that Polief’s capacity of 376,000 tpa does not cover Russian consumption and imports from China are necessary to meet demand.  However, it is unclear when new capacity will be added, with Tatneft the only company known with a plan. 

Russian PET production rose from 476,794 tons in January to September 2024 to 484,864 tons in the first nine months this year of which Polief produced 146,103 tons.  Despite the PTA shutdown, Polief continued to produce PET in September. 

Ekopet at Kaliningrad produced 180,099 tons of PET in January to September making it Russia’s largest producer, whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 158,663 tons.

Russian PTA-PET-MEG imports Jan-Sep 2025

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 239,012 tons in the first nine months in 2025 versus 216,845 tons in the same period in 2024.  Higher PTA imports have been to support PET production against slightly lower production of PTA at Polief in the first nine months. 

Chinese shipments of PET to Russia amounted to 210,280 tons in January to September this year against 221,345 tons in the first nine months in 2024.  Costs of Chinese PET import shipments into Russia rose from $165.015 million to $165.633 million.  Average prices increased from $745.5 per ton to $787.7 per ton. 

Chinese shipments of MEG to Russia amounted to 55,374 tons in January to September this year against 54,549 tons in the first nine months in 2024.  Average prices dropped slightly from $579.3 per ton to $578.7 per ton.

Russian synthetic rubber production and market Jan-Sep 2025

Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 1.064 million tons in January to September 2025 against 1.032 million tons in January to September last year.  The slight increase in Russian synthetic rubber production in 2025 has been driven largely through the increase in export activity to China.  Exports to China accounted for 49.8% of total Russian production in the first three quarters, thus depicting how pivotal and important the Chinese market has become to Russian producers. 

Production at the synthetic rubber plants in the Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Togliattikaucuk and Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant, totalled 799,472 tons in the first three quarters against 726,959 tons in the same period in 2024.  The Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant was struck by drones in early November, causing a fire, but it is not yet evident if isoprene rubber production has been affected. 

By contrast production in the Central region dropped from 217,571 tons to 175.938 tons in January to September 2025.  This was due to the drop in production at Voronezhsintezkaucuk following some damage from drone attacks earlier this year. 

Synthetic rubber plants have become entangled in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine in supplying products for the military sector and thus could represent a target for more drone attacks.  For the third quarter most synthetic rubber grades in the Volga region showed a decline in production, largely due to lower domestic demand. 

The Siberian Federal District recorded a slight increase in synthetic rubber production in the first three quarters in 2025 to 87,762 tons against 86,062 tons in 2024.  All of the production undertaken in Siberia is from Omsk Kaucuk which focuses on butadiene-based rubber grades. 

Russian tyre sector Jan-Sep 2025

Consumption of rubber in Russian tyre production dropped from 256,500 tons in the first nine months last year to 244,500 tons in the same period in 2025.  Domestic demand in the economy has been affected by the drop in car sales in 2025.   Over the course of the current year decrease in tyre production in almost all segments has seen a steady acceleration, with the exception of agriculture.  

Aside the slowdown in the economy, the Russian tyre industry has been undergoing significant transformations in recent years against the backdrop of a global shortage of natural rubber.  Other important factors include the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the strengthening of the position of Chinese brands.  

Russian synthetic rubber production by category Jan-Sep 2025

Isoprene rubber production in Russia amounted to 216,705 tons in January to September 2025 against 197,034 tons in January to September 2024 whilst butadiene rubber production increased from 146,113 tons to 146,029 tons.  The highest value rubber produced by HBR where production dropped from 77,858 tons in January to September last year to 72,016 tons this year of which most was exported to China.  Butyl rubber production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Togliattikaucuk increased from 86,399 tons in the first nine months last year to 100,501 tons in 2025, with almost all production exported to China.

Russian Chinese rubber trade Jan-Sep 2025

Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $817.213 million in January to September 2025 against $627.499 million in the same period in 2024. 

The largest category purchased by China was for isoprene rubber with costs rising to $165.385 million against $82.415 million in the same period in 2024, followed by butadiene rubber where costs amounted to $151.052 million against $130.943 million. 

By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 530.747 tons in the first nine months in 2025, which was up from 380,258 tons in the same period in 2024.  The increase in export volumes compensated for the drop in consumption in the domestic market. 

Isoprene rubber exports more than doubled from 52,282 tons to 108,258 tons whilst butadiene rubber rose from 86,547 tons to 96,511 tons and butyl rubber from 70,567 tons to 93,850 tons.    Butyl rubber is produced at Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Tatneft at Togliatti. Nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and halogenated butyl rubber (HBR) saw minor falls. 

Nizhnekamskneftekhim is the largest exporter of synthetic rubber to China, supplying a wide range of grades.  Niznekamskneftekhim is the largest producer, followed by Togliattikaucuk and the smallest producer Sterlitamak Petrochemical Combine.  The Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant wants to increase the production of neodymium polyisoprene from the current 28,000 tpa to 96,000 tpa.   This increase will take place in several steps, rising to 40,000 tpa in the first stage.  

Catalyst development for butadiene rubber production at Nizhnekamsk and Voronezh

SIBUR is upgrading its neodymium synthesis unit at Nizhnekamskneftekhim (NKNK) to fully meet internal demand for neodymium catalyst used in high-quality synthetic rubber production. The 28% capacity increase to 485 tpa will supply both Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Voronezhsintezkaucuk with enough catalyst for up to 250,000 tpa of polybutadiene rubber. Tests at SIBUR Polylab and industrial sites confirmed the catalyst meets industry standards and is ready for use.

Russian methanol production Jan-Sep 2025

Russia produced 2.892 million tons of methanol in January to September 2025 against 2.758 million tons in January to September 2024.  Production in the Central region, which includes Shchekinoazot and Azot at Novomoskovsk, fell from 904,698 tons to 824,949 tons.  The plant at Novomoskovsk operated in 2024 but has not worked in 2025 and is reported to have been dismantled.  The Volga region increased production from 1.126 million tons to 1.278 million tons, whilst the Siberian region (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 508,796 tons to 548,618 tons.   

Azot at Nevinnomyssk produced 77,952 tons of methanol in the first nine months in 2025 against 89,360 tons in the same period this year.  Similarly to Shchekinoazot some facilities at the Nevinnomyssk complex were forced to stop after a significant attack in July and August but the overall effects on production volumes for methanol and derivatives has thus far been marginal. 

Russian methanol exports Jan-Sep 2025

Russian methanol exports amounted to 948,579 tons in January to September 2025 against 738,342 tons in the same period in 2024.  Shchekinoazot increased exports from 284,478 tons to 333,940 tons, whilst Metafrax Chemicals increased shipments from 126,725 tons to 246,327 tons.   Tomet exported 131,081 tons versus 93,418 tons in January to September 2024.  Gazprom Methanol increased exports to a total of 231,535 tons from 177,887 tons in the first nine months in 2024. 

Prior to the full invasion of Ukraine, the geography of methanol exports was extensive, supplying to almost 30 countries.  The list of countries was reduced in 2022-2023 and by 2024 had fallen to less than ten, including Turkey, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates.  Other countries included Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.  Brazil has emerged in 2025 as a new consumer.  Turkey has seen shipments from Russia increased from 86,600 tons in the first nine months in 2024 to 153,397 tons in 2025.   Export sales to Brazil were undertaken for the first time this year and amounted to 144,274 tons in the first nine months.   Exports to China amounted to 503,894 tons in January to September 2025 against 503,421 tons in January to September last year. 

Shipments to China continue to remain the most important destination for Russian methanol exports but did drop from 68% of total shipments in January to September 2024 to 53% in the same period in 2025.  Moreover, these exports also remain borderline profitable for Russian producers, due to lower prices in China combined with expensive logistics and railway congestion in the eastern direction.  Prices in the first nine months averaged $299.9 per ton against $283.4 in 2024.

Russian butanol production Jan-Sep  2025

Russian normal butanol production dropped fractionally from 101,675 tons in January to September 2024 to 101,219 tons in the first nine months this year.  The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat, increased production from 70,839 tons to 80,315 tons.  Angarsk Petrochemical Company reduced production from 19,256 tons in January to September 2024 to 12,235 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Russian acetic acid production Jan-Sep 2025

Russian acetic acid production amounted to 144,641 tons in January to September 2025 against 176,272 tons in the same period in 2024.  The largest producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, reduced production from 134,226 tons to 103,543 tons.  Production was affected in July by drone attacks at the complex. 

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) production in Russia amounted to 41,618 tons in January to September 2025 against 50,447 tons in the same period last year.  Omsk Kaucuk reduced production from 33,047 tons to 19,278 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk increased production from 17,399 tons to 22,340 tons.  Omsk Kaucuk is expanding its raw material base for isopropanol production, including an increase in capacity from 490 to 530 tons of cumene per day.

Russian phthalic and maleic production Jan-Sep 2025

Phthalic anhydride production in Russia totalled 65,627 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 71,574 tons in the same period in 2024.  Kamteks-Khimprom at Perm is the largest producer followed by Gazprom neftekhim Salavat.  Maleic anhydride production in Russia totalled 32,120 tons in the first nine months in 2025, against 32,329 tons in the same period in 2024.  Consumption of maleic anhydride in the Russian market in 2024 in amounted to 11,200 tons against 11,000 tons in the previous year. 

Russian TDI imports Jan-Sep 2025

TDI imports into Russia from South Korea amounted to 13,381 tons in January to September 2025 against 23,383 tons in January to September 2024.  Prices of imports from South Korea amounted to $1729.3 per ton against $1902.7 per ton in 2024.

TDI imports from China into Russia amounted to 21,401 tons in January to September 2025 against 21,184 tons in the same period in 2024.  Due to much lower prices, costs of Chinese imports dropped from $55.024 million to $40.225 million in 2024. 

Russian MDI imports Jan-Sep 2025

MDI imports from China into Russia amounted to 59,438 tons in January to September 2025 against 68,585 tons in the same period in 2024.  Prices decreased from $2106.2 per ton to $2039.3 per ton in 2025.  MDI is the main isocyanate imported into Russia with China account for nearly two thirds of Russian total consumption. 

Chinese exports of polyols to Russia Jan-Sep 2025

Polyol imports into Russia from China fell from 96,901 tons in January to September 2024 to 81,288 tons in the first nine months in 2025.    Import costs dropped from $137.235 million in the first nine months in 2024 to $104.778 million in the same period this year.  Average prices for Chinese polyols into Russia dropped from $1416.2 per ton to $1287.6 in 2025.

Kazakh exports of paraxylene and imports of PET from China Jan-Sep 2025

Kazakh exports of paraxylene amounted to 60,246 tons in the first three quarters against 115,400 tons in the same period in 2024, all of which in both years were delivered to China. 

PET exports from China to Kazakhstan amounted to 80,997 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 54,104 tons in the same period in 2024, whilst exports to Uzbekistan increased from 111,205 tons to 166,014 tons. 

Uzbekistan LAB project

KazMunayGaz and Uzbekneftegaz have signed a contract for undertaking a feasibility study for a joint project for the production of linear alkylbenzene (LAB).  Linear alkylbenzene is used in the production of synthetic detergents with biodegradability of at least 95%.  This is the third attempt by Uzbekistan to launch the production of LAB.  In 2020, Uzkimyosanoat signed a memorandum on the joint implementation of a similar project with the Turkish company Çalik Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.  Another project was planned with Honeywell UOP, which also failed to progress.  This new feasibility study for this project is considering a 50,000 tpa plant, aimed mainly at the domestic market and regional export market. 

Air Products MTO project in Uzbekistan

Together with Uzbekneftegaz, Air Products recently agreed to accelerate the construction of a gas chemical complex in the Bukhara region, in addition to other projects including coal gasification and the production of environmentally friendly aviation fuel.  The MTO complex will process 1.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas and 430,000 tpa of naphtha, with the production of 1.1 million tpa of polymer products with the possibility of export.  This project, known as "Methanol Island", will be the core of a new gas chemical complex in the Bukhara region, focused on the production of olefins from methanol. This initiative is part of the government's long-term strategy to transition from the export of raw natural gas to the production of petrochemical products with high added value.

SOCAR methanol production and exports Jan-Sep 2025

Azerbaijan produced 336,825 tons of methanol in January to September 2025 versus 373,200 tons in January to September 2024.  Azerbaijan exported 336,800 tons of methanol in the first nine months against 367,100 tons in the same period last year, whilst export revenues dropped slightly from $75.2 million to $70.0 million.   

Kazakh methanol project

The construction of a gas chemical complex for the production of 130,000 tpa of methanol in west Kazakhstan has begun, according to reports.  The project which has been under review for several years appears to have seen the first physical steps towards construction.  The project is being undertaken at the initiative of Zhaik Petroleum Ltd.   The complex is scheduled to be commissioned and achieved full capacity in late 2027.  Kazakhstan currently relies on Russia for methanol imports and the 130,000 tpa plant will amount to around double domestic consumption.

Kazakh urea project

A new gas chemical complex focused on the production of urea is planned for the Aktobe region in Kazakhstan. The project, which is being implemented by KMG PetroChem, is designed to cover the needs of the domestic market for nitrogen fertilisers in addition to strengthening the country's export potential. The proposed production capacity is expected to comprise 880,000 tpa of urea.

A new gas chemical complex focused on the production of urea is planned for construction in the Aktobe region in Kazakhstan. The project, which is being implemented by KMG PetroChem, is designed to cover the needs of the domestic market for nitrogen fertilisers in addition to strengthening the country's export potential. The proposed production capacity is expected to comprise 880,000 tpa of urea.

Kazakh polypropylene exports Jan-Sep 2025

Kazakhstan increased exports of polypropylene in the first three quarters in 2025 against 171,574 tons in the same period last year.  Exports were largely divided between Russia, China and Turkey.  Exports to Russia increased from 56,380 tons to 70,980 tons, whilst shipments to China dropped from 80,908 tons to 62,792 tons.  This year Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries (KPI) has increased its polypropylene sales volumes in the domestic market, bringing its share to 70% against 40% last year. Other countries of importance in Kazakh exports include Russia and Turkey.  Whilst Kazakhstan now possesses a larger surplus in homo grade exports, propylene copolymers are mostly imported.

Czech butadiene rubber trade Jan-Sep 2025

The Czech Republic exported 79,790 tons of butadiene rubber in January to September this year against 80,823 tons in the same period in 2024.  India was the largest destination for Czech exports, amounting to 9,894 tons in the first nine months this year against 13,003 tons in the same period in 2024.  Average prices for butadiene rubber rose from €1701.5 per ton to €1889.0 per ton.  Besides exports the Czech Republic also imported 19,915 tons of butadiene rubber in January to September 2025, sourced largely from Germany and the US.

In general synthetic rubber trade the Czech Republic imported a total of 102,612 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 101,187 tons in the same period in 2024.  Exports at the same time dropped from 99,202 tons to 96,759 tons, which were supplemented by imports of natural rubber where imports increased from 67,402 tons to 77,588 tons.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade Jan-Sep 2025

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 56,927 tons in January to September 2025 against 62,050 tons in January to September 2024.  Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary increased from 21,066 tons to 22,867 tons, with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports into Hungary dropped from 43,228 tons to 39,846 tons.  

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 44,629 tons in the first nine months this year of which SBR grades accounted for 40,707 tons.  Prices rose from €2631.1 per ton last year to €2832.1 per ton. 

Polish synthetic rubber imports Jan-Sep 2025

Poland imported a total of 170,085 tons of synthetic rubber in January to September 2025 against 262,911 tons in January to September 2024.  

By category, butadiene rubber was the largest product to be imported into Poland in the nine months, although dropping from 61,131 tons last year to 37,618 tons.  Block SBR was the second largest product but still dropping to 24,532 tons against 33,537 tons in the same period last year.   The largest suppliers of all grades of synthetic rubber included Germany and South Korea, in addition to the US, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. 

Polish synthetic rubber exports Jan-Sep 2025

Synthetic rubber exports from Poland amounted to a total of 190,270 tons in the first nine months in 2025 against 264,734 tons in the same period in 2024.  Export prices rose to €1715.3 per ton to €1651.7 per ton.

In contrast to the rise in 2024 this year exports of butadiene rubber from Poland dropped in the first nine months to 35,748 tons against 58,607 tons.  At the same time SBR exports dropped from 160,076 tons to 141,124 tons. 

Polish benzene exports Jan-Sep 2025

Polish exports of benzene totalled 130,842 tons in January to September 2025 against 117,955 tons in January to September last year.  Benzene exports from Poland are supplied largely from Petrochemia Blachownia at Kedzierzyn-Kozle. Benzene exports to Germany dropped from 102,667 tons to 95,597 tons in the first nine months in 2024.

Polish PTA exports Jan-Sep 2025

Exports of PTA from Poland amounted to 231,007 tons in January to September this year against 285,144 tons in January to September 2024.  Germany took 211,394 tons against 231,470 tons last year.  Prices fell from €775.4 per ton in the nine months last year to €701.3 per ton. 

Regarding Orlen’s performance on PTA, production, export volumes and export revenues both declined in the first three quarters to €160.9 million against €220.1 million in the same period in 2024.  Demand for PTA has remained low since the beginning of 2025, which was partly due to production shutdowns at PET processors, and partly to weak demand for its derivatives.  Increased demand for bottled beverages did not lead to an upward turn in the overall level of demand for PTA. 

Polish aromatic imports Jan-Sep 2025

Styrene imports into Poland totalled 77,525 tons in the period January to September 2025 against 50,213 tons in the same period in 2024.  The largest supplier was Saudi Arabia which shipped 17,889 tons against 7,578 tons in the same seven months last year.  Belgium reduced shipments to Poland from 15,770 tons in the nine months last year to 19,139 tons this year.  Average prices for imports into Poland dropped from €1294.2 per ton in the nine months last year to €1205.0 ton this year.

Ethylbenzene imports amounted to 62,554 tons in January to September 2025 against 73,365 tons in January to September 2024.  In other areas of aromatic derivatives, imports of caprolactam increased in the first nine months to 6,228 tons versus 9,512 tons in the same period last year.  Imports of phthalic anhydride dropped from 30,141ons to 25,013 tons, whilst TDI inward shipments remained virtually unchanged at 56,302 tons.  PTA imports into Poland increased from 11,090 tons to 30,884 tons due to lower production at Wloclawek, which reduced the demand for imported paraxylene dropping from 36,254 tons to 2,966 tons. 

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €900 per ton in the first nine months this year measured against €1293.9 per ton in January to September 2024.  Phenol imports into Poland amounted to a total of 79,217 tons in January to September 2025 which was up from 73,366 tons in the same period in 2024.  Germany remains the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland, shipping 63,286 tons in the nine months against 61,632 tons in the same period in 2024.    Spain and Finland accounted for smaller shipments. 

Czech aromatic trade Jan-Sep 2025

Benzene imports into the Czech Republic dropped in January to September this year to 19,246 tons against 34,500 tons in January to September 2024, whilst exports increased from 5,276 tons to 17,724 tons.  Toluene imports rose from 6,935 tons to 10,058 tons. 

Imports of Bisphenol A amounted to 23,547 tons in the first three quarters against 24,160 tons in the same period last year.  South Korea is the dominant supplier to the Czech Republic, providing 21,945 tons in the first three quarters in 2025.Imports of bisphenol A into the Czech Republic increased from 19,199 tons last year to 19,332 tons in January to September 2025.  South Korea accounted for most of the imports. 

Aniline exports shipped from the Czech Republic amounted to 74,956 tons in the first three quarters, of which 64,524 tons were delivered to Hungary.  Ethylbenzene exports from the Czech Republic decreased from 52,938 tons in the first nine months last year to 49,571 tons

Czech epoxy resin exports Jan-Sep 2025

Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 39,193 tons in January to September against 37,831 tons in January to September 2024.  Prices rose from €2520.1 per ton to €2678.5 per ton.  Germany remains the largest market for Czech epoxy resins, accounting for 15,715 tons in January to September 2025 which was up from 13,997 tons in January to September 2024.  Czech exports of epoxy resins amounted to 49,063 tons in the twelve months of 2024 against 46,888 tons in 2023.  The European Commission imposed anti-dumping measures on 28 July 2025 for five years concerning imports of epoxy resins originating in China. 

Hungarian aromatic trade Jan-Sep 2025

Hungarian benzene exports dropped in the first nine months to 29,514 tons in January to September 2025 against 30,856 tons in the same period in 2024.  Benzene production in Hungary takes place at the Danube refinery at Szazhalombatta where a fire took place in October, causing a minor disruption. 

Imports of benzene into Hungary increased in the first nine months to 33,277 tons against 14,537 tons in the same period last year.  Poland increased shipments to 15,718 tons against 9,596 tons in 2024. 

Toluene imports into Hungary amounted to 22,962 tons in January to September this year for costs of €21.082 million.  This represented a fall from 31,284 tons in the first nine months in 2024 for costs of €30.596 million.  The main source of toluene supply includes Germany, followed by Romania and Slovakia.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports Jan-Sep 2025

Hungarian TDI exports fell from 184,151 tons in January to September in 2024 to 178,774 tons in the same period this year.  Average prices dropped from €1958.8 per ton in 2024 to €1906.6 per ton.  For raw materials for TDI production BorsodChem sources toluene from MOL which is supplemented by imports.