Chem Systems remains bullish on Latin America

01 February 2001 20:44  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--Latin America will continue to be a net importer of most commodity products particularly with polymers, Robert Bauman, vice president of consultancy Chem Systems told an e-commerce conference here Thursday.

Bauman, one the top analysts at White Plains, New York-based Chem Systems, noted that for most products the region will need to import between 400 000-800 000 tonne/year. The opportunity for petrochemicals is not as promising as it once was but it still exists, he added.

Said Bauman: "Latin America is a small net exporter of ethylene glycol and benzene and a large net exporter on methanol. Most other products are imported but the quantities are generally below 200 000 tonne/year. The exception is paraxylene with Mexico being the main importer."

Bauman addressed nearly 100 participants on the second day of Chem Systems’ 20th annual US chemical conference, "Mega Mergers and E-business: Reshaping the Global Industry," at the Omni Houston Hotel.

Bauman noted that Latin America is the domain of Latin American and US producers, adding that North America accounted for 57% of Latin America's plastics imports with essentially all of it coming from the US.

He added: "The Asian imports were essentially all from South Korea and were mostly to the West Coast."

Bauman said there were a number of potential opportunities for North American companies with Latin American companies, ranging from new project partnerships and strategic alliances to licensing technology and product sales.

By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653

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