Bisphenol-A (BPA) imports into the key China market surged to 52,329 tonnes in March 2009, an increase of 8,128 tonnes, or about 18%, from the previous month according to statistics released by the Chinese customs late last week. The increase in imports dampened fresh spot BPA negotiations on Monday as buying sentiment was quickly eroded by reports that Chinese inventory levels with traders and end-users were higher than previously thought. Sellers and buyers said import quantities were likely to be healthy in April due to fixtures reported during the month. However, BPA imports into China may be lower in May because of several scheduled plant shutdowns in the region, they added.