Japan ldPE/hdPE output falls

24 August 1998 00:00  [Source: ACN]

The latest statistics from the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association indicate a 15% fall in the domestic output of ldPE in June 1998 compared with May, and a 13% reduction when measured against total production of the polymer in June 1997.

However, during H1 this year, ldPE output fell by only 5% compared with the same period in 1997. This minor reduction, chemical analysts say, is the result of increases in exports of ldPE. Exports, for instance, surged by 35% in June over those of May.

HdPE output fell by only 4% to 91 500 tonne in June compared with May while exports rose by 46%.

The reduction in PP output was more pronounced - 20% or 163 800 tonne when June production figures were measured against those recorded in May. However, output during H1 has fallen by only 11% when a comparison is made with the first six months of 1997.

PS output declined by 2% to 94 700 tonne in June compared with May. However, exports slipped by 13% with domestic shipments rising by 9% - an indication of further increases in what were already very high inventory levels, say analysts.

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