In January 2024, Uzbekistan exported 21,900 tons of polyethylene, valued at $17.3 mn. This marked an increase of 4,800 tons compared to the same period in 2023, the State Statistics Agency reported.
In January 2023, Uzbekistan’s polyethylene was exported to nine countries. The top five importers were:
- Türkiye: 12,500 tons
- China: 2,300 tons
- Russia: 2,300 tons
- Latvia: 2,200 tons
- Kazakhstan: 1,800 tons
The global market volume of polyethylene was nearly 110.13 mn m³ in 2022. By 2030, it is expected to rise to around 135.08 mn m³.
Natural gas prices have a significant impact on the cost of polyethylene. Many chemical industry companies hedge their natural gas prices 2-3 years in advance to reduce potential risk. Therefore, a surge in natural gas prices can lead to higher contract prices for polyethylene in the following year.
About polyethylene
Environmental impact
1. Persistent pollution. Polyethylene is notorious for its resistance to natural degradation. Once it infiltrates the environment, it can endure for centuries, accumulating in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. This endurance significantly contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis.
2. Threat to marine life.
Plastic waste, inclusive of polyethylene, when discarded in the oceans, poses a grave threat to marine life. Marine creatures can ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury, suffocation, or death. Microplastics, minuscule fragments of degraded plastic, are also prevalent in marine environments and can infiltrate the food chain, potentially impacting human health.
3. Habitat disruption. Polyethylene pollution disrupts ecosystems by modifying natural habitats. Plastic waste can suffocate aquatic environments, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic flora and fauna. The repercussions reverberate through the food chain, affecting various species.
Human health concerns
1. Toxic chemicals. Polyethylene itself is deemed relatively inert and non-toxic. However, during its lifecycle, from production to disposal, it can interact with and absorb harmful chemicals. These chemicals, such as plasticizers and additives, can leach into food, beverages, and the environment, potentially posing health risks.
2. Microplastic ingestion. Microplastics, inclusive of those from degraded polyethylene products, have been detected in various food items and drinking water sources. The long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are not yet fully comprehended but are a cause for concern.
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