Asia top stories - weekly summary

24 September 2012 02:00 [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Asia and the Middle east for the week ended 21 September 2012.

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Focus - EU antidumping probe stalls Indonesia palm methyl ester trades
Europe’s antidumping probe on biodiesel imports has stalled trades of Indonesian palm methyl ester (PME), raising concerns among Asian producers about losing their major export market, industry sources said on Friday.

Focus - Asia melamine may extend gains on rising production cost
Spot offers for northeast Asian premium grade melamine are likely to increase in the near term, largely on higher production costs amid an increase in raw material prices, market players said on Friday.

Focus - Asia’s naphtha prices to fall on supply hike, weak plastics demand
Asia’s spot naphtha premiums are expected to drop further in response to a growing pool of supply resulting from increased deep-sea flows and Indian exports, as well as a slump in plastics demand, traders said on Friday.

Focus - Asia polysilicon market to stay bearish in Q4 on weak demand
The fourth-quarter outlook of the Asian polysilicon market is set to be bearish as a result of bloated supplies across the solar chain and poor demand, market players said on Thursday.

Focus - Asia hydrous ethanol supply shifting from Brazil to alternatives
Asia's hydrous ethanol supply is shifting to alternative sources as traditional supplier Brazil faces crop problems and subsequently limited domestic stock, ethanol trade consultants said on Wednesday.

Focus - China burgeoning LNG’s supply to outpace demand by 2014
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity in China is likely to outpace demand by 2014 as a result of new plants being set up in the country and as consumers switch to cheaper piped gas, industry sources said on Wednesday.

Focus - Asia SM to stay firm as benzene shortage keeps supply tight
Spot styrene monomer prices in Asia may continue to be buoyed in the coming weeks as a shortage of benzene feedstock prevents producers from ramping up production, industry sources said on Tuesday.

Focus - High naphtha costs to support Asia's MEK prices
Asia’s methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) prices for October shipments are likely to increase on the back of a strong-performing naphtha sector, market players said on Monday.

Focus - India's demand for HDPE pipe likely to strengthen in October
Demand for high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe grade in India is expected to pick up in October on the back of about a month-long pre-festival season buying spree, suppliers and buyers said on Monday.

By: Staff Reporter
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