EU PMMA imports decrease in 2021 for the period of January to February compared to a year ago, according to the latest Eurostat data.
However, during the past year, the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) market has been distorted by the pandemic. For example, during the start of the pandemic in Asia last year, there would have been an initial reduction in demand. As such export export efforts from the region to Europe likely increased.
But the reverse seems to be happening this year, with good demand in Asia and high freight costs making imports uncompetitive compared to a year ago.
Nonetheless, the numbers show that compared to 2019, imports are higher this year. However, 2019 was also a period of slow demand from the automotive sector.
Overall, monthly data indicates a clear decrease in imports. Subsequent data will most likely continue to show the same trend. This is because market feedback in May suggests that at €2,400/mt, PMMA imports remain uncompetitive in Europe.