US SBR sector remains uncertain on impact from Japan earthquake

14 March 2011 21:40  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--US styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) producers are assessing the market in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last week, a domestic SBR producer said on Monday.

“It’s really terrible what has happened there, but there’s such confusion right now that we don’t know yet how it will affect production or demand in Japan or in the US,” the producer said.

While the indirect effects from the earthquake and tsunami were felt across much of Japan, the biggest concerns were over the condition of the nuclear reactors in the area struck by the tsunami and whether the reactors were likely to undergo a meltdown.

Rolling blackouts and widespread power outages were expected for millions of citizens.

“It’s a lot for them to deal with, and it could take some time for us to know how this could affect chemical production and demand,” another producer said.

Japan is home to a number of tyre producers, including majors Bridgestone, Toyo and Yokohama.

For more on SBR visit ICIS chemical intelligence

By: Gene Lockard
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