EU PMMA net imports fall in January 2021 compared to January 2020, according to the latest trade data from Eurostat.
With shipping disruptions, good demand in the region, and supply shortages, volumes from Asia have been declining during the past few months.
Moreover, market conditions lately ensured much higher import offers and extended lead times, which for some many European buyers are unworkable.
As there is little to suggest an improvement in market conditions, subsequent data in February and March will most likely show the same trend.
Nevertheless, the increase in imports from 2019 to 2020 was significant, which can be largely attributed to production disruptions in Europe coupled with high demand for protective sheets and most important for January figures was the low demand in Asia during the first wave of the pandemic.
However, lately demand for protective sheets have been declining, owing to ongoing lockdowns and therefore less need for public places to continue to implement protective measures.