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Asian Chemical Connections

China’s One Belt, One Road: What It Means For PP and PVC

By John Richardson MONDAY’S blog post on China’s One Belt, One Road initiative has produced a very strong response. I thus thought it was important to discuss in detail  what what One Belt, One Road could mean for two major polymers – polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One Belt, One Road is happening because of huge social, political and economic changes taking […]

PVC’s Unsustainable China Growth

By John Richardson POLYMER markets continue to tell us that China’s 2009-2010 economic stimulus programme delivered unsustainable demand growth. China’s demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surged from 10.9m tonnes in 2009 to 13.2m tonnes in 2010, according to Global Trade Information Services (GTIS).  Demand then reached 14.1m tonnes in 2011. The slowdown in growth reflected government […]

China Still Destocking

  By John Richardson A NEW report from HSBC supports our argument that China’s synthetic resin market has yet to bottom out. Big structural changes in China’s economy are an additional factor, in our view, to the slowdown in China not covered in the comments below. The bank highlights, of course, the weak business environment […]

The H2 Recovery Story

By John Richardson THE majority of chemicals analysts have yet to wake up and smell the coffee, according to an industry observer. “South Korean stocks have come off by 15-30% since their big recovery in January, but it is only the timing rather than the overall sentiment that has changed,” said the observer. “The theory […]

Global Polymers Demand Up 4.5% In 2011

By Malini Hariharan Despite challenging market conditions in 2011, the global polymers industry managed to post demand growth of 4.5%, with the largest increase recorded by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at 6.2% and linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE) at 5.8%, estimates Fabrizio Galie of the ICIS consulting team. Global demand for commodity polymers, including PE, polypropylene (PP), […]

India demand slides for PVC and PS

By Malini Hariharan The last year has been rough for Indian polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) producers with demand for their products showing almost no growth. PVC consumption is likely to increase by only 1-2% year on year in the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2012, said S Gopal, managing director of Chemplast […]

Latin America focused on new investments

By Malini Hariharan The blog has been scanning ICIS news reports from the 31th Latin American Petrochemical Association (APLA) conference in Buenos Aires to gauge the mood at the event. Participants appear to be sanguine despite the global economic turmoil with talk focused on upcoming investments. Braskem is the forefront. Its joint-venture project with Idesa, […]

China’s Widespread Inventory Problem

By John Richardson THE extent of the inventory overhang in China has become more apparent thanks to a research note from Kunal Agrawal – Singapore-based refining and chemicals analyst with BNP Paribas. Kunal’s note – based on a survey of polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and butadiene producers and traders – […]

Siam Cement set for next Indonesian buy

By Malini Hariharan After picking up a 30% stake in Chandra Asri, the Siam Cement Group (SCG) is looking to seal its next Indonesian buy. Two companies, SCG and Japan’s Itochu Corp, are reported to have advanced to the second round of bidding for chlor-alkali and vinyls producer Sulfindo Adisuha. The deal is expected to […]

India Polymers Shine But Questions Persist

By Malini Hariharan Optimism has returned to the Indian polymer market fuelled by a sharp recovery in prices and buying sentiment over the last few weeks across Asia. The talk these days is mainly about tightness in availability of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) and when producers will announce the next price hike. Supply is […]

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