Asia top stories – weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 21 May 2021.

China’s PX run rates might see impact from tax on mixed aromatics imports
The recent consumption tax on imports of mixed aromatics in China might potentially lead to overall lower production rates of paraxylene (PX) within the country.

China Q2 PP exports to fall on lower overseas prices, logistics issues
China’s polypropylene (PP) exports may fall in the second quarter due to falling prices in overseas markets amid recovering supply and rising freight costs as a worsening coronavirus problem in the region is impeding logistics.

Asia benzene market slumps on crude oil retreat, weak US sector
The Asia benzene market slumped this week, following weakness in the US market as well as retreating crude oil markets.

Asia MEG market yet to see impact from EU’s ADD results
Asia monoethylene glycol (MEG) discussions hovered at largely similar prices from 14 May despite EU announcing the provisional anti-dumping duties on MEG imports from the US and Saudi Arabia.

Taiwan petrochemical output faces disruption from rolling blackouts, drought
Petrochemical production Taiwan faces further disruption as producers contend with rolling blackouts introduced around mid-May, while still grappling with a prolonged drought.