Asia top stories – weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 2 October 2015.

Dismal demand exerts pressure on Asia PMMA
Spot polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prices in Asia continued their downward spiral as the market grapples with downbeat demand in China and a supply overhang, market sources said on Friday.

Asia BD may extend falls on ample supply, waning demand
Spot butadiene (BD) prices in Asia look set to further fall in the near term as buying interest in the key China market has diminished amid softness in the upstream naphtha market, industry sources said on Monday.

China factories still in doldrums; official Sept PMI at 49.8
China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) in September stood at 49.8, the second month the reading stayed below 50, indicating continued contraction in the country’s overall industrial activities, official data showed on Thursday.

JAC’s receivership to not significantly impact local industry
Jurong Aromatics Corp’s (JAC) receivership status is not expected to have a significant impact on the domestic petrochemicals industry as it is not integrated with other plants, an official from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) said on Wednesday.

Asia petrochemical shares tumble as China concerns heighten
Asian petrochemical shares were mostly lower on Tuesday as regional bourses tracked the slump in US markets overnight on deepening concerns over the health of China’s economy.