Asia top stories – weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 8 September 2023.

China’s Aug exports fall as demand headwinds persist
China’s exports fell by 8.8% year on year in August, marking the fourth straight month of decline, weighed by faltering foreign demand and weak consumer spending, official data showed on Thursday.

Singapore factory activity improves in Aug but major external headwinds remain
The country’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose marginally to 49.9 in August from 49.8 in July, marking the third consecutive month of improvement, according to data from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management.

INSIGHT: Global PVC market in flux, India demand slowed in mid-August
A note of caution echoed across Asian polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets last week, amid slower buying and muted talks.

Asia spot TiO2 market could be supported by cost and buying activities
The titanium dioxide (TiO2) spot market in Asia saw a price hike late in August which could set the stage for September, where spot prices could stay supported on improving spot buying interests. Spot prices likely to be supported in September.

China factory activity improves in Aug, measures to boost economy ramped up
China’s manufacturing sector strengthened in August despite persistently weak export orders, with domestic consumption expected to continue supporting the country’s factory activity in the near term.