Home Blogs Asian Chemical Connections

Asian Chemical Connections

Re-assembly Job No 2: China Local Govt Revenues

By John Richardson THERE are personal reasons why local government officials in China might effectively resist the boldest economic reform agenda since 1978. Career advancement is one such reason, as is making money on the side. “By building a large dam, road or giant housing complex [or a new chemicals plant], an official can boost […]

Everything Is Going To Plan

By John Richardson So far so good – everything is going to plan. The flash Markit/HSBC China Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for May fell to 49.6, slipping under the 50-point level demarcating expansion from contraction for the first since October last year and sending Asian financial markets sharply lower. But, crucially, as Reuters pointed out in this article, […]

China Investment Lowest Since 2002

By John Richardson THE chart above indicates the extent to which polyethylene (PE) price rises over the last few weeks have failed to adequately compensate for higher feedstock costs. Last week saw prices edge up by a further $10-40/tonne, according to ICIS pricing. “The majority of buyers have accepted higher September offers, but we know […]

Jump to page: