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 27 July 2018.

Malaysia’s new government puts B10 biodiesel plan back on agenda
After months of anticipation, Malaysia’s new government has reiterated its commitment to the B10 biodiesel blending programme, an important policy initiative which could further support the country’s key palm oil industry.

China HDPE yarn at three-month low as coal-based supply grows
High density polyethylene (HDPE) yarn prices in China’s domestic spot market are currently at their three-month low, after steadily falling since late May due to growing supply of coal-based material.

China ethanolamines players cautious as initial ADDs take effect
China’s ethanolamines players have started import discussions about two weeks since preliminary antidumping duties (ADD) on imports took effect on 23 June, but have remained largely cautious about the market.

China MIBK at near two-year low on poor demand
China’s methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) import prices fell to a near two-year low due to poor demand during summer.

Asia ABS steady after recent rout; producers reduce output
Asia’s acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) market was stable this week, following recent tumbles, as buyers emerged from the sidelines to pick up some cargoes.

China PP under pressure amid trade war with US, falling yuan
China’s polypropylene (PP) import prices are under pressure amid the country’s escalating trade war with the US and the continued depreciation of the yuan against the US dollar.

China’s MLLDPE imports set to remain bearish amid poor demand
The sentiment for metallocene low density polyethylene (MLLDPE) imports in China is expected to remain bearish next month amid tepid demand, with prices now set to drop for the second straight week.

China soda ash remains under pressure from rising supply
China’s domestic soda ash prices may remain on a downward trend due to rising supply after the conclusion of the plant turnaround season, coupled with curtailed operations at some downstream industries.

SE Asia IPA rebounds as supply tightens; China cargoes limited
Southeast (SE) Asia’s isopropanol (IPA) prices have rebounded after nearly two months of steady decline, on tightening supply due to limited cargoes being exported by China.

GCC TDI may fall further on higher supply as BASF plant restarts
Spot import prices of toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expected to be weighed down in the coming weeks by increased supply after German chemical major BASF resumed production at its Ludwigshafen plant.