TURKEY DATA: August PE imports drop 13.33% on month, 22.11% on year

Turkish polyethylene imports totaled 75,713 metric tons in August, down 13.33% from 87,362 t in July and lower 22.11% on the year, according to Turkish Statistical Institute data released Sept. 27.

Saudi Arabia overtook Iran as the leading PE supplier into Turkey, accounting for 31.25% of imports at 23,663 metric tons in August, up 34.70% from July but largely unchanged on the year.

Iran fell to second place, shipping 13,445 metric tons in August, down 29.16% on the month and up 3.83% year on year.

Uzbekistan remained in third place, with shipment volume down 20.32% on the month and 19.44% on the year to 8,630 metric tons.

The US too remained in fourth place, shipping 6,554 metric tons -- down 10.89% month on month but up 34.16% on the year.

The UAE overtook South Korea and became the fifth-largest PE supplier, with volumes jumping 83.58% from July and 21.78% from the previous year to 4,331 metric tons.

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, last assessed the CFR Turkey HDPE injection grade spot price at $965/t Sept. 25, down $5/t on the week.