SK Energy completes construction of the world’s first naphtha cracker using advanced catalytic olefin technology

South Korea’s SK Energy has completed construction of the world’s first naphtha cracking facility that uses advanced catalytic olefin technology (ACO) at Ulsan. This new facility using ACO will reducee carbon dioxide emissions and energy costs by 20% as compared with conventional method at the facility that can produce up to 40,000 tons of both ethylene and propylene.

For more details on SK Energy completes construction of the world’s first naphtha cracker using advanced catalytic olefin technology click here

Restart planned for CPC’s cracker in Kaohsiung, on maintenance shutdown for a month

CPC Corp. plans to start its No. 4 naphtha cracker in Kaohsiung after the unit has been shut for over a month. The No. 4 plant was closed on November 3 for scheduled repairs. An earlier attempt to reestart the cracker a day ago was aborted when dark smoke was detected at the unit.

For more details on Restart planned for CPC’s cracker in Kaohsiung, on maintenance shutdown for a month click here

Oil falls from two year highs on concerns of economic slowdown amid interest rate hike in China

Crude oil for February fell by over 50 cents to US$91 a barrel on the Nymex, while Brent crude rose very marginally to US$93.85 on the ICE Futures Europe exchange. The fall has come amid concerns thatt China’s second interest-rate increase in the past two months may slow economic growth.

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Global PS markets supported by upstream costs

PS prices are supported by higher crude oil and styrene costs in global markets. Looking at styrene prices in Asia, spot offers have gained US$95/ton FOB Korea when compared to the beginning of Decembber- US$45/ton of this increase has occurred over the past week in the wake of higher benzene feedstock costs, which have gained US$80/ton from the beginning of December.

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Teijin Fibers to commence full-fledged production of PET fibre in April 2012

Teijin Fibers Ltd will begin full-fledged production and marketing of new plant-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber in April 2012. This will be the world's first commercially produced bio-derrived PET fiber.

For more details on Teijin Fibers to commence full-fledged production of PET fibre in April 2012 click here

Four new projects of National Petrochemical Company of Iran to commence production

Four new projects of the National Petrochemical Company of Iran will commence production in the Iranian calendar month of Esfand (February 20 to March 20).
This will include the PVC unit of Arvand Peetrochemical Complex, the largest such plant in the world with production capacity of 240,000 tpa.

For more details on Four new projects of National Petrochemical Company of Iran to commence production click here

Mitsubishi Corp mulls petrochem and oil refining, storage business in UAE

Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation Mitsubishi Corporation is considering plans to set up petrochemical and oil refining and storage business in Fujairah, North of the United Arab Emirates. Fujairah, with its strategic location, is being considered by Mitsubishi plans as a potential site for petrochemical and oil storage installations.

For more details on Mitsubishi Corp mulls petrochem and oil refining, storage business in UAE click here

Crossing the US$90 barrier, crude oil prices peak to two-year highs

Oil futures ended the previous week at US$91.5, its the highest closing since October 2008, on news of a sharp drop in US stockpiles and a severe winter. The falling inventory levels mark confidence iin a rebounding North American economy.

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Operations halted at Petronas Chemicals’ aromatic plant

Malaysia's Petronas Chemicals has halted operations at an aromatic plant after a fire broke out at its naptha hydrotreater unit, as per Reuters. The fire occurred late Friday night at its petrochemicaal complex at Terengganu.

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QAPCO to develop Sri Lanka as a major marketing centre of petrochemicals for Asia

Sri Lanka is to become a major petrochemical marketing centre for the Asian region under in line with a marketing expansion plan of Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO). QAPCO plans to explore the fulll potential of the strategic location of the island country in marketing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) products to countries in the region.

For more details on QAPCO to develop Sri Lanka as a major marketing centre of petrochemicals for Asia click here

Leonid Mikhelson acquires 25% of OAO Sibur Holding, seeks to buy more stake

Leonid Mikhelson, a billionaire shareholder of Russian gas producer OAO Novatek, bought 25 % stake in OAO Sibur Holding, Russia's largest petrochemical producer, and may buy the remaining shares. Miraakl, a company controlled by Mikhelson, has the right to increase its stake to 50%, is buying another 25% from Gazprombank after gaining antitrust approval.

For more details on Leonid Mikhelson acquires 25% of OAO Sibur Holding, seeks to buy more stake click here

Weak PE, PVC demand in India weighing on sentiment in Asia

Players in India report that demand for PE and PVC is weak in the country these days owing to the lingering effects of a prolonged monsoon season, as per Chemorbis. As demand for these products generaally picks up during the last months of the year, post Diwali holidays, unseasonably weak demand from Indian buyers has dampened sentiment across Asia- poor demand in the domestic market is leading Indian producers to take a greater interest in exports at a time when exporters from other parts of Asia are facing greater difficulties concluding deals in the Indian market.

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Naphtha margins in Asia decline

Naphtha margins in Asia declined from the highest this month after an industry report showed stockpiles rose in Japan, as per Bloomberg. Gasoil advanced to the highest since October 2008.
Crack spreead fell to US$163.

For more details on Naphtha margins in Asia decline click here

Houston sees lower polyethylene export prices

Lower US polyethylene export prices have begun to show up in Houston, as per Platts. Lower export prices are common at the end of the year as producers look to reduce inventory ahead of the New Year bbut costs have also dropped considerably for PE producers.

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Crude oil prices top US$90 , gasoline prices hit an average US$3 a gallon

US gasoline prices hit an average US$3 a gallon for the first time in more than two years. The recent rise in crude oil prices continued as oil topped US$90 a barrel, setting the stage for even higherr gasoline prices in the days ahead.

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India's per capita polymer consumption rises to 8 kg

Plastindia exhibitions have grown in stature to become a date in the international calendar for our industry. Every version of PLASTINDIA has delivered, much more than expected to the participant - bee it the Exhibitor who is always on the lookout for such international platforms or the hoards of business visitors who have gone back richer in experience, as per Mr.

For more details on India's per capita polymer consumption rises to 8 kg click here

Exxon Mobil continues to show interest in developing petrochemical complex in Qatar

Exxon Mobil Corp. continues to be interested in developing a petrochemical complex in Qatar after Royal Dutch Shell Plc announced plans to help build a monoethylene glycol plant there. Earlier in Januuary, Qatar Petroleum signed an agreement with Exxon Mobil for building a petrochemical complex at an estimated cost of about US$6 billion.

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Market and technology trends for waterproof membranes

The construction industry in Europe has been in decline since 2008, with figures from Euroconstruct showing total spend of €1444 billion in 2008, €1316 in 2009 and an anticipated €1264 in 2010. Jon Naash of AMI Consulting reviewed this data in a market paper at the annual AMI conference Waterproof Membranes 2010, which took place in December in Cologne, Germany.

For more details on Market and technology trends for waterproof membranes click here

Rhodia acquires Polymer Biz of PI Industries

French Rhodia SA, a €4billion (US$5.26 billion) specialty chemicals major, will acquire PI Polymer, the engineering plastics business of PI Industries. PI Industries is into agri inputs, fine chemicalls, CRAMS, polymers and engineering services.

For more details on Rhodia acquires Polymer Biz of PI Industries click here

Tax breaks on oil product, petrochemical imports extended to 2011 by Sout Korea

In a bid to curb inflation that threatens the country's economic recovery, South Korea's finance ministry plans to extend tax breaks on oil product imports to 2011, as per Platts. This extension of taax breaks is expected to reduce burden on local consumers and control inflation.

For more details on Tax breaks on oil product, petrochemical imports extended to 2011 by Sout Korea click here

Reliance Industries and Sibur’s JV to produce butyl rubber in India

Reliance Industries (RIL) and Russian petrochemical company Sibur haves announced a joint venture for the production of butyl rubber in India. The joint venture facility will have an initial capacity of 100,000 tons of butyl rubber at RIL’s integrated refining-cum-petrochemical site in Jamnagar.

For more details on Reliance Industries and Sibur’s JV to produce butyl rubber in India click here

Oil crosses US$90 for the first time in 26 months

Crude for February delivery rose to US$90.48 a barrel, the highest settlement since October 3, 2008. Oil prices crossed US$90 a barrel for the first time in 26 months on a fall in crude inventories inn USA amid colder than normal winters.

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DuPont to pay US$3.3 mln penalty to resolve Toxic Substances Control Act violations

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that DuPont has agreed to pay a penalty of $3.3 mln to resolve 57 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) violations. DuPont failed to immediatelly notify EPA of research indicating substantial risk found during testing chemicals for possible use as surface protection, masonry protection, water repellants, sealants and paints.

For more details on DuPont to pay US$3.3 mln penalty to resolve Toxic Substances Control Act violations click here

PTT Aromatics and Refining expects higher earnings in 2011

Thailand's largest integrated aromatics refinery - PTT Aromatics and Refining Pcl expects higher oil prices and rising paraxylene spreads to push up earnings in 2011, as per Reuters. Paraxylene spreadds should be more than US$400/ton in 2011 on increased demand.

For more details on PTT Aromatics and Refining expects higher earnings in 2011 click here

Plastindia 2012 launched in Mumbai

Plastindia 2012 - The 8th International Plastics Exhibition and Conference, to be held from 1-6 February 2012, was officially launched on 17 December 2010. The event took place at the ITC Maratha, Muumbai with great fanfare.

For more details on Plastindia 2012 launched in Mumbai click here

Oil at two week highs on speculation of accelerated 2011 economic growth in USA

Crude for February delivery rose to US$89.49 in electronic trading on the Nymex. Oil futures reached $90.76 on Dec. 7, the highest since October 2008. Oil prices traded near its highest level in two wweeks on speculation that economic growth in USA will accelerate next year, bolstering demand there.

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Customs in California ports seize millions of plastic bags imported from China

An attempt to dodge the anti-dumping tax by a Chinese importer was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport. Over 21 million plastic grocery baggs were found hidden in the "nose" of the shipping container and tucked inside a legitimate shipment of non-infringing, handle-less veggie bags, as per LA Daily.

For more details on Customs in California ports seize millions of plastic bags imported from China click here

Naphtha margins fall in Asia as crude inches up

Naphtha margins in Asia fell for a second day after crude oil prices started to climb, as per Bloomberg. Japan's benchmark open-specification naphtha forward contracts for H2-February were bid at US$8863.

For more details on Naphtha margins fall in Asia as crude inches up click here

Spot styrene prices move up globally in December

Global styrene markets have been bullish for most of December in line with firmer crude oil and benzene prices, as per Chemorbis. After moving close to US$90/barrel in early part of December, Nymex crrude oil prices maintained a firm trend, hovering around US$88/barrel.

For more details on Spot styrene prices move up globally in December click here

JX Nippon starts Kashima unit

JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. started its 35,500 bpd fluid catalytic cracker at its Kashima refinery. The cracker was shut on Dec. 7 due to a mechanical glitch.

For more details on JX Nippon starts Kashima unit click here

NWE gasoline-naphtha spread rise to record highs as naphtha surges

The spread in the physical market between CIF Northwest European naphtha cargoes (assessed at US$851.50/mt)and Eurobob Amsterdam-Rotterdam gasoline barges saw another ten dollar increase to surge to UUS$49/mt on Monday, the widest ever in a Platts assessment.

For more details on NWE gasoline-naphtha spread rise to record highs as naphtha surges click here

Fiscal incentives approved by Board of Investments for JG Summit’s revived cracker

Fiscal incentives have been approved by the Board of Investments (BoI) for a JG Summit Holdings, Inc.’s revived plans for a P33 bln naphtha cracker facility. The BoI recognized the planned investment as a "pioneer project", making it eligible for a 6-year income tax holiday and other incentives such as the duty-free importation of equipment.

For more details on Fiscal incentives approved by Board of Investments for JG Summit’s revived cracker click here

Dow plans new propylene glycol plant with environment friendly process in Thailand

The Dow Chemical Company plans to build a 15000 tpa propylene glycol (PG) plant in Map Ta Phut, Thailand. The new PG facility will utilize propylene oxide (PO) derived from the new, sustainable hydroggen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology, developed jointly by Dow and BASF SE.

For more details on Dow plans new propylene glycol plant with environment friendly process in Thailand click here

Chevron Phillips declares FM on polymer-grade propylene

Citing operational issues, Chevron Phillips Chemical (CP Chem) has declared force majeure (FM) on polymer-grade propylene, on Tuesday, as per Platts. CP Chem noted that it was unable to meet all of itts product obligations, forcing it to allocate available supply until further notice.

For more details on Chevron Phillips declares FM on polymer-grade propylene click here

Import PP prices rise above domestic market in China for the first time in six weeks

Following six consecutive weeks when domestic prices carried a premium over imports, the import homo-PP market rose above the domestic market last week in China, as per Chemorbis. Domestic PP prices rreached their highest premium above imports during the second week of November according to data from ChemOrbis Price Wizard after adding customs duties to the import prices but ignoring clearing and handling charges.

For more details on Import PP prices rise above domestic market in China for the first time in six weeks click here

Bayer in talks to push unused land for cracker using ethane from adjacent shale-gas deposits

Attempts are underway by Bayer AG to persuade potential investors to build a chemical plant on company sites in West Virginia using ethane from adjacent shale-gas deposits. The company is in talks too lease or sell unused parts of two sites covering 1,460 acres (590 hectares) for construction of a cracker to convert ethane into ethylene.

For more details on Bayer in talks to push unused land for cracker using ethane from adjacent shale-gas deposits click here

20,000 lbs of ethylene released by DuPont’s Sabine River Works plant

DuPont Co.’s Sabine River Works chemical plant in Orange, Texas, released more than 20,000 pounds of ethylene when a fire protection circuit tripped, according to a filing to the National Response Cennter as reported by Bloomberg.

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Toray Plastics to begin construction on a 446 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic field in Rhode Island

USA’s only manufacturer of precision-performance polypropylene, polyester and bio-based films for packaging and industrial applications, Toray Plastics plans to begin construction in Q2-2011 on a US$22 mln 446 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) field on its campus in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

For more details on Toray Plastics to begin construction on a 446 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic field in Rhode Island click here

Rosneft to build petrochemicals complex in Primorye

Rosneft is to build a petrochemicals complex in Primorye instead of a refinery, as per Russian Economy Ministry Statistics Department. The complex will have two lines – a petrochemicals line and a reffining line with processing capacity of 5.

For more details on Rosneft to build petrochemicals complex in Primorye click here

BASF plans to expand superabsorbent polymer production capacities

In a move to support market growth and drive innovation, BASF plans to expand its existing superabsorbent polymer production capacities at its sites in Antwerp, Belgium and Freeport, USA. Gradual deboottlenecking and technical expansion measures are to raise annual capacity by 70,000 tons to a total of 470,000 tons by 2012, with each site contributing an additional 35,000 tons.

For more details on BASF plans to expand superabsorbent polymer production capacities click here

Signs of economic improvement help boost oil prices

Light, sweet crude for January delivery settled at US$88 on the Nymex, while Brent crude on the ICE futures exchange rose to US$91.6. Crude oil futures ended the previous week on a higher note as signns of economic improvement helped boost oil prices.

For more details on Signs of economic improvement help boost oil prices click here

Sinopec and BASF sign MOU to expand Nanjing Petrochemical JV BASF-YPC

BASF and Sinopec have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore expansion of their integrated petrochemical joint venture, BASF-YPC Co. Ltd., at an investment outlay of US$1 billion. The main prrojects include extension of the C3 and C4 value chains with construction of a 160,000 tpa crylic acid facility, a new butyl acrylate plant, capacity increases at the 2-propyl-heptanol, styrene monomer, and non-ionic surfactants plants as well as a world-scale hydrogen peroxide-propylene oxide (HPPO) facility.

For more details on Sinopec and BASF sign MOU to expand Nanjing Petrochemical JV BASF-YPC click here

PET prices in Asia rise with rising upstream costs

Supported by firmer upstream costs, PET prices in Asia continue to move upwards, as per Chemorbis. Spot PX prices, which are US$25/ton firmer this week, indicate a US$105/ton increase FOB Korea basis when compared to the beginning of the month.

For more details on PET prices in Asia rise with rising upstream costs click here

Indorama raises investment until 2014 by 90% to US$3.8 bln to cope with PET film demand

Indorama Ventures Ltd Plc (IVL), leading integrated producer of polyester, has increased its investment budget until 2014 by 90% to around US$3.8 bln. This rise in investment will help in capacity exppansion to 10 mln tons to better serve expected rise in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film demand.

For more details on Indorama raises investment until 2014 by 90% to US$3.8 bln to cope with PET film demand click here

Borealis board agrees to invest €17 mln on PE plant in Finland

The supervisory board of Borealis has approved a €17 mln investment to upgrade its polyethylene plants in Porvoo, Finland. The project includes a new ethylene compressor as well as an upgrade of the monomer purification systems including all necessary auxiliary equipment.

For more details on Borealis board agrees to invest €17 mln on PE plant in Finland click here

UAE Borouge to continue PP block copolymer marketing drive till Q2

While UAE's Borouge is winding down its pre-marketing campaign for homopolymer grade polypropylene with the successful startup of its new mega-petrochemicals complex in October, pre-marketing sales foor its block copolymer grades will still continue until Q2-2011 at least, as per Platts.

For more details on UAE Borouge to continue PP block copolymer marketing drive till Q2 click here

Naphtha margins in Asia rise for a second week on strong petrochemical demand outlook in China

Naphtha margins in Asia rose for a second week on optimism that petrochemical demand in China will remain strong, while gasoline declined for the first time in eight weeks, as per Bloomberg. The premiium of naphtha (for delivery to Japan) to Brent crude (crack spread) rose to US$166.

For more details on Naphtha margins in Asia rise for a second week on strong petrochemical demand outlook in China click here

CPC to invest in capacity augmentation to offset relocation of Kaohsiung plant and delayed construction of Kuokuang petrochem complex

To offset the impact of relocation of Kaohsiung refining plant and the delayed construction of Kuokuang petrochemical complex, CPC, Taiwan Corp. plans to invest NT$20.5 billion in capacity augmentatioon.

For more details on CPC to invest in capacity augmentation to offset relocation of Kaohsiung plant and delayed construction of Kuokuang petrochem complex click here

Formosa eludes EPA surcharge

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has said there are no legal grounds to request that Formosa Plastics Group to pay health and welfare surcharges for its naphtha cracker plant in Mailiiao Township, Yunlin County, adding that the group was still in talks with the county government over how it should -compensate residents for the pollution from the plant.

For more details on Formosa eludes EPA surcharge click here

Dow and Mitsui complete formation of 50:50 JV for new membrane chlor-alkali facility

Dow and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. have completed the formation of a previously announced 50:50 manufacturing joint venture to construct, own and operate a new membrane chlor-alkali facility located at Dow's FFreeport, Texas, integrated manufacturing complex.

For more details on Dow and Mitsui complete formation of 50:50 JV for new membrane chlor-alkali facility click here

Keiyo Ethylene Co restarts its sole 690,000 tpa naphtha cracker

Japanese petrochemical joint venture Keiyo Ethylene Co has restarted its sole 690,000 tpa naphtha cracker. The three day unplanned shutdown at the cracker was due to a technical problem.


For more details on Keiyo Ethylene Co restarts its sole 690,000 tpa naphtha cracker click here

Premium on import LLDPE film over domestic prices in China

Import LLDPE film prices are carrying a premium over domestic prices in China, suggesting some downward pressure faced by this market as demand from Chinese buyers has begun to slow down due to ongoinng government measures to restrain inflation as well as the upcoming year end bookkeeping period, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Premium on import LLDPE film over domestic prices in China click here

Asian naphtha prices rise to a two-and-a-half week high

Naphtha prices in Asia rose to a two-and-a-half week high on Thursday, while cracks rebounded from a three-week low to reach their highest in three sessions, supported by expectations of stronger funddamentals, as per Reuters.

For more details on Asian naphtha prices rise to a two-and-a-half week high click here

Crude supply in USA plunges, oil prices fall to US$88 levels

Crude oil for January delivery dipped to US$88.1 on the Nymex, while Brent crude dipped to US$92 on the ICE Futures exchange, despite a plunge in US crude supplies that suggested demand may be recoverring.

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Asia naphtha prices at two-week lows, cracks inched down

Asia naphtha prices fell to a near two-week low, while cracks inched down by around 0.1% on persistent lackluster demand for February cargoes, as per Reuters. However, traders expect buyers from Southh Korea to start moving by end of week.

For more details on Asia naphtha prices at two-week lows, cracks inched down click here

OAO Rosneft to embark on a plan in 2011 to become a global producer

Russia’s state-owned oil company-OAO Rosneft is to embark on a plan in 2011 to become a global producer “on all continents,” as per Bloomberg, for which it is seeking partners overseas. Rosneft will sspend US$10 bln to build a petrochemicals complex in Russia’s Far East, construction for which is scheduled for completion in 2012 and first phase completion scheduled by 2017.

For more details on OAO Rosneft to embark on a plan in 2011 to become a global producer click here

Weak gasoline demand triggers dip in crude prices

Reports on weak US gasoline demand, have marginally pulled crude futures. Light, sweet crude for January delivery fell to US$88.28 a barrel on the Nymex, at US$91.21 on the ICE futures exchange.

For more details on Weak gasoline demand triggers dip in crude prices click here

Bayer mulls expansion of Shanghai polycarbonate plant by 50%

Bayer intends to significantly expand its capacities for the production of high-grade materials in China by 2016. Investments of around €1 billion are planned at the Shanghai site. This means Bayer wiill focus even more intensively on the Asia/Pacific region, where it expects consistent growth in its customer industries.

For more details on Bayer mulls expansion of Shanghai polycarbonate plant by 50% click here

Chemicals and plastics capacity in Oman to increase by 60% to 8.5 mln tons in 2012

Oman's chemicals and plastics capacity will increase by 60% to reach 8.5 mln tons in 2012 according to the organisers of ArabPlast 2011, the Middle East's No 1 trade show for rubber, plastics and petrrochemicals, which will be held from January 8 to 11, 2011, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

For more details on Chemicals and plastics capacity in Oman to increase by 60% to 8.5 mln tons in 2012 click here

Premium on PVC trading in Italy narrows as compared to global markets

Italy’s PVC market has been trading at a premium over other global markets including Turkey, Egypt and Southeast Asia for some time, as per Chemorbis. The price gap between Italy and these regions peaaked mid-November, when PVC sellers in Muslim countries did not see healthy demand due to the prolonged Eid holidays.

For more details on Premium on PVC trading in Italy narrows as compared to global markets click here

Reduction in run rates at PE plants feared in Asia on negative HDPE margins

Negative production margins for film-grade high density polyethylene is fueling speculation about possible PE run cuts in Asia, as per Platts. On December 3, HDPE film production margins fell to minuss US$54/mt from plus US$5/mt on December 2.

For more details on Reduction in run rates at PE plants feared in Asia on negative HDPE margins click here

Sipchem board approves issue of SR1.5 bln Islamic bond (sukuk) to fund new ventures

Saudi International Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) plans a US$400 mln sukuk to raise a minimum of 1.5 billion riyals by the first quarter of 2011 to finance expansion. The issuance is expected by the firsst quarter of next year.

For more details on Sipchem board approves issue of SR1.5 bln Islamic bond (sukuk) to fund new ventures click here

Sipchem affiliate awards EPC contract for EVA plant to South Korean company

Saudi International Petrochemical ((SipchemSipchem)’s affiliate the International Polymers Company has awarded the Engineering Design, Procurement andd Construction (EPC) contract for an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) plant to G.

For more details on Sipchem affiliate awards EPC contract for EVA plant to South Korean company click here

Injection molding accounts for the largest share of plastic processing machinery

Plastic injection molding machine/equipment accounts for the largest share in the total output of plastic processing machinery, at 40% in China and 50-80% in Germany, Japan and the USA -as per Researrch and Markets.

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OPEC to keep output targets unchanged: oil prices rise

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has decided to maintain its production policy despite acute winters in the Northern Hemisphere. Demand for heating oil has surged, and oil prices havee spiked past US$90 this month as colder than normal temperatures have swept across Europe, USA and parts of East Asia.

For more details on OPEC to keep output targets unchanged: oil prices rise click here

Supporters and opponents of Kuokuang Petrochemical complex clash

Supporters and opponents of the plan to build Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology complex clashed in central Taiwan at a public hearing regarding the project held by the government. The protesters brokee through a barrier erected by the police to separate the two groups.

For more details on Supporters and opponents of Kuokuang Petrochemical complex clash click here

Bullish outlook for January surfaces in Italy’s polymer markets

Italy’s polymer markets have started to witness pre-buying activities particularly for PP, PE and PS ahead of the approaching Christmas holidays, as per Chemorbis. As upstream markets strengthen, expeectations of another round of increases in January are becoming more widespread amongst Italian players.

For more details on Bullish outlook for January surfaces in Italy’s polymer markets click here

JG Summit sought fiscal incentives from the Board of Investments

JG Summit Olefins Corp. has sought fiscal incentives from the Board of Investments for its US$600 mln naphtha cracker project in Batangas. JG Summit Holdings Inc’s subsidiary has asked for a pioneer sstatus as a new producer of polymer-grade ethylene and propylene, pyrolysis gas and by-products such as fuel gas, fuel oil and acid gas, at an annual capacity of 925,537 metric tons.

For more details on JG Summit sought fiscal incentives from the Board of Investments click here

Asia naphtha price slips

Asia naphtha price slipped to a two-session low on Tuesday. Naphtha cracks extended losses to dip to their lowest in nearly three weeks on muted demand for February spot parcels as per Reuters. Demandd is muted due to incoming arbitrage cargoes, but is expected to remain strong as not many factors are at play to bring the market down.

For more details on Asia naphtha price slips click here

Petrobras to acquire stake in Refap from Repsol to hike holdimg to 100%

Brazilian state-run energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) is to acquire balance 30% stake in local refinery Refap from Repsol YPF SA for US$850 mln. Repsol had acquired 30% in 2001 from Petrrobas in an asset exchange between the companies.

For more details on Petrobras to acquire stake in Refap from Repsol to hike holdimg to 100% click here

PetroRabigh to conduct scheduled maintenance refining and petrochemicals complex in April

PetroRabigh plans to conduct scheduled maintenance work at its refining and petrochemicals complex in April. The 400,000 bpd refinery in Rabigh is planned to be shut for maintenance from late April too end of May.

For more details on PetroRabigh to conduct scheduled maintenance refining and petrochemicals complex in April click here

Sasol agrees to indirectly fixing polypropylene prices in South Africa, to pay US$16 mln fine

Sasol has agreed to pay 112 mln rand (US$16.4 mln) to settle an antitrust case after agreeing that it “indirectly” fixed polypropylene prices in South Africa. The penalty amount is 3% of it’s 2009 turrnover derived from polypropylene products.

For more details on Sasol agrees to indirectly fixing polypropylene prices in South Africa, to pay US$16 mln fine click here

Lanxess to acquire DSM Elastomers for €310 mln on a cash and debt-free basis

Lanxess and Royal DSM N.V. have reached an agreement in principle involving the sale of DSM Elastomers to Lanxess for €310 million on a cash and debt-free basis. DSM Elastomers produces the synthetic rubber ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) under the brand name Keltan.

For more details on Lanxess to acquire DSM Elastomers for €310 mln on a cash and debt-free basis click here

475,000 tpa new production capacity of bisphenol-A to come online in 2011

The bisphenol-A (BPA) industry is expected to be more competitive in 2011 with addition of 475,000 tpa new capacity. As a result BPS prices will face downward pressure in Q1-2011 as per Platts.
Overr half of this (57%) will come from Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company's new phenolics complex at Jubail Industrial City, with capacity to produce 270,000 tpa BPA, expected to begin operations in the final week of December.

For more details on 475,000 tpa new production capacity of bisphenol-A to come online in 2011 click here

LDPE, LLDPE prices moving down from mid-Nov highs in SEA

Prices for LDPE and LLDPE film have begun to lose some ground over the past few weeks in Asia as concerns about possible monetary tightening measures inside China have pressured sellers to agree to soome discounts to move material, especially as prices for LDPE and LLDPE film had posted relatively large increases during the preceding rising trend, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on LDPE, LLDPE prices moving down from mid-Nov highs in SEA click here

Indorama Ventures to buy PET business of Polish SK Eurochem

Thailand holding company Indorama Ventures has agreed to buy the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) business of Polish SK Eurochem, part of South Korean SK Chemicals. Indorama has signed agreements withh Korea's SK Chemicals to acquire the entire issued capital of SK Eurochem Sp.

For more details on Indorama Ventures to buy PET business of Polish SK Eurochem click here

Bayer plans capacity expansion of high-grade materials in China by 2016

Bayer intends to significantly expand capacities for the production of high-grade materials in China by 2016. Investments of around €1 bln are planned at the Shanghai site. This means Bayer will focuss even more intensively on the Asia/Pacific region, where it expects consistent growth in its customer industries.

For more details on Bayer plans capacity expansion of high-grade materials in China by 2016 click here

Naphtha price in Asia at a three-session low on muted demand from South Korea

Asia's naphtha price is currently at a three-session low and cracks at their lowest in around a week on muted demand from South Korea. However, the lackluster demand is not expected to last, as per Reeuters, as most crackers are operating at high rates.

For more details on Naphtha price in Asia at a three-session low on muted demand from South Korea click here

Dow restarts naphtha cracker at Terneuzen as technical problem resolves

After rectification of a technical fault, Dow Chemical Co. has restarted its naphtha cracker at Terneuzen, Netherlands. The cracker, which has a capacity to produce 580,000 tpa ethylene, is one of thrree at the Terneuzen site.

For more details on Dow restarts naphtha cracker at Terneuzen as technical problem resolves click here

Reduced naphtha supply from Saudi Aramco to Asia in H1-11 on refinery maintenance

Naphtha exports to Asia could dip next year, from Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco), as per Bloomberg. Refinery maintenance at Saudi Aramco could cut shipments by 10 to 20% in H1-2011. Maintenance work at a refinery in Jubail is to be carried out in February-March.

For more details on Reduced naphtha supply from Saudi Aramco to Asia in H1-11 on refinery maintenance click here

Petrobras Board approves incorporation of unit at Comperj Refinery

The Board of Brazil’s state-run energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) has approved incorporation of two units at the Comperj refinery. With this, Comperj's basic petrochemicals and PET produucing units will become operational units of Petrobras.

For more details on Petrobras Board approves incorporation of unit at Comperj Refinery click here

PTT mulls hike stake in refinery and petrochemical affiliate IRPC Plc to 50%

Thailand’s oil conglomerate PTT Plc is poised to raise its stake in refinery and petrochemical affiliate IRPC Plc to 50% from 36.1%. Prospects are brighter for IRPC's performance given growing demand for polymer products in Asia.

For more details on PTT mulls hike stake in refinery and petrochemical affiliate IRPC Plc to 50% click here

JG Summit Olefins’ planned naphtha cracker in Batangas to cost US$100 mln more

JG Summit Olefins Corp’s planned naphtha cracker in Batangas is estimated to cost US$100 mln more than previous estimates. The plant, on which construction is to commence in January will now cost US$6600 mln as per the Board of Investments.

For more details on JG Summit Olefins’ planned naphtha cracker in Batangas to cost US$100 mln more click here

Technical problems forces shutdown at Keiyo Ethylene’s naphtha cracker

A technical glitch has forced a shutdown at Japanese petrochemical company Keiyo Ethylene’s 690,000 tpa naphtha cracker. Keiyo Ethylene, 55%-owned by unlisted Maruzen Petrochemical, is investigating tthe cause, and the restart schedule is currently unclear.

For more details on Technical problems forces shutdown at Keiyo Ethylene’s naphtha cracker click here

Polymer consumption in India to reach 15 mln tons in 5-7 years

Polymer consumption in India, currently pegged at 8 mln tpa, is poised to more than double to 15 mln tons in 5 years, maximum 7 years time, as per Mr Ajay Shah, Senior VP Polymers, Reliance Industriess Ltd.

For more details on Polymer consumption in India to reach 15 mln tons in 5-7 years click here

ConocoPhillips exploring opportunities of further investment in Qatar

Energy major ConocoPhillips is looking at opportunities to invest further in Qatar's LNG and petrochemical industries besides working with QP on joint energy projects abroad, global CEO Jim Mulva has said, adding that "Qatar is a high priority country for ConocoPhillips.

For more details on ConocoPhillips exploring opportunities of further investment in Qatar click here

PIC plans two month maintenance shutdown at its PP plant in March

As part of its scheduled maintenance shutdown plan, Kuwait's state-run Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC) plans to shutter its 150,000 tpa polypropylene plant for two months in March 2011. The shut dowwn is related to upgrading the three refineries for Kuwait National Petroleum Co (KNPC), who are also restrained to a certain time period,.

For more details on PIC plans two month maintenance shutdown at its PP plant in March click here

Upstream costs support Chinese PS market

In China, some PS deals were concluded with discounts, although in general the PS ranges do not indicate much change as per Chemorbis. The range is unchanged since sellers are not willing to offer mucch ground pointing to their high upstream costs.

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High gas prices in Europe defers ethylene capacity growth in Russia

The high prices that Europe is willing to pay for Russian gas has impeded the development of gas-based ethylene crackers in Russia, the President of Siberian Ural Petrochemical Company (Sibur) told Pllatts.

For more details on High gas prices in Europe defers ethylene capacity growth in Russia click here

Ethylene production in Japan for Nov falls 1.4% yoy

Ethylene production in Japan fell 1.4% in November year-on-year to reflect lower demand, as per Reuters. Ethylene output totalled 625,500 tons in November 2010, compared with 634,700 tons in November 2009, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.

For more details on Ethylene production in Japan for Nov falls 1.4% yoy click here

Ampacet plans new manufacturing plants in Brazil, India and Italy in 2011

US based concentrates maker Ampacet is planning to open manufacturing plants in Brazil and India in early 2011, and add a new line in Italy by mid-2011. The Brazilian unit in Camacari is expected to pproduce 11-13 million lbs of black concentrates for blown film, blow moulding and injection molding applications annually.

For more details on Ampacet plans new manufacturing plants in Brazil, India and Italy in 2011 click here

Naphtha premiums firm in the Middle East amid supply tightness

Supply tightness kept gasoline and naphtha premiums firm in the Middle East, with no sign of easing until early 2011 amid continuing refinery maintenance shutdowns, as per Reuters. Outages in Kuwait aand Oman have tightened the Gulf gasoline market, where a lack of cargoes from Singapore due to closing arbitrage window has also contributed to the shortage.

For more details on Naphtha premiums firm in the Middle East amid supply tightness click here

GCC chemical production forecast to double to US$80 bln in the next decade

GCC chemical production was forecast to rise to nearly US$80 bln over the coming decade, from the current US$40 bln, as per Khalid Al Falih of Saudi Aramco at the Gulf Petrochemical and Chemicals Assoociation forum in Dubai.

For more details on GCC chemical production forecast to double to US$80 bln in the next decade click here

Majority of Titan Chemicals' shareholders accept buyout offer from Honam Petrochemical

At least 90% of Malaysian chemical makers Titan Chemicals' shareholders have accepted a buyout offer from South Korea's Honam Petrochemical. RHB Investment - the principal adviser of the deal said Honnam will invoke the compulsory acquisition clause to acquire all remaining shares as the level of acceptance had reached the 90% threshold.

For more details on Majority of Titan Chemicals' shareholders accept buyout offer from Honam Petrochemical click here

3.7% rise in output in Persian Gulf Cooperation Council's petrochemical industry

The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council's petrochemical industry saw a 3.7% increase in output last year and is well positioned to become the ""centre of gravity"" in the mid-term, according to Sheikha LLubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade.

For more details on 3.7% rise in output in Persian Gulf Cooperation Council's petrochemical industry click here

Shaw Group selected by GAIL for new 450,000 tpa ethylene plant at Pata

The Shaw Group Inc. has been selected by GAIL (India) Ltd. to provide its proprietary technology and basic engineering for a new 450,000 tpa ethylene plant. Shaw also will provide support during detaiiled engineering, procurement and construction, and commissioning and startup of the plant, which will be part of GAIL's petrochemical complex in Pata, Uttar Pradesh.

For more details on Shaw Group selected by GAIL for new 450,000 tpa ethylene plant at Pata click here

Rompetrol Petrochemicals completes major project to integrate polymer operations

Rompetrol Petrochemicals, a subsidiary of the Romanian oil producer Rompetrol Group, has completed a major project to integrate its polymer operations into an automated command and control centre. Thee new centre integrates the firm’s three polymer production plants making polypropylene, low density and high density polyethylene, as well as those related to pyrolysis – the steam boilers and the propane-propylene separation station.

For more details on Rompetrol Petrochemicals completes major project to integrate polymer operations click here

Spot propylene prices pushed higher across the globe

Spot propylene prices have moved higher in Europe, Asia and the US based on healthy demand as well as supply limitations in Europe and Asia due to a naphtha shortage, as per Chemorbis. The continuous increases seen over the past week in the upper end of the upstream chain were amongst other factors pushing spot propylene prices up in these regions.

For more details on Spot propylene prices pushed higher across the globe click here

Formosa pays higher premium for 90,000 tons of naphtha for H2 Jan arrival at Mailiao

Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corp has bought around 90,000 tons of naphtha for H2 January arrival at Mailiao at higher premiums compared to a previous purchase, as per Reuters. The higher premiums oof US$5-6/ton to Japan spot quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis of three medium-range cargoes, reflect a stronger market, despite high volumes of arbitrage cargoes coming in.

For more details on Formosa pays higher premium for 90,000 tons of naphtha for H2 Jan arrival at Mailiao click here

Arkema to acquire businesses of Total's Specialty Chemicals

Arkema has announced plans to acquire the Coatings Resins (Cray Valley and Cook Composite Polymers) and Photocure Resins (Sartomer) businesses of Total's Specialty Chemicals activities for a €550mln eenterprise value.

For more details on Arkema to acquire businesses of Total's Specialty Chemicals click here

Oil prices dip for second day on larger than expected increase in US gasoline stockpiles

Oil prices fell for the second consecutive day on report of a larger-than-expected increase in US gasoline stockpiles. The American Petroleum Institute reported that US crude stockpiles decreased 7.344 mln barrels to 349.

For more details on Oil prices dip for second day on larger than expected increase in US gasoline stockpiles click here

South America is one of the fastest growing, dynamic markets for pallet stretch film

South America is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic markets for pallet stretch film in the world as per a report from industry consultants, AMI Consulting. In spite of the global financial crrisis and recession, demand for pallet stretch film continued to power ahead in the region between 2004 and 2009 by over 10% per year and is forecast to grow by almost 8% per year to 2014.

For more details on South America is one of the fastest growing, dynamic markets for pallet stretch film click here

Gradual improvement in outlook for US chemicals manufacturing sector

The outlook for the US chemicals manufacturing sector is improving gradually and global production is set to increase in the coming year, thanks in part to dramatic growth in export markets for the prroducts of chemistry, according to a report released by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

For more details on Gradual improvement in outlook for US chemicals manufacturing sector click here

Hikes for December PP, PE start to pass in Italy’s spot markets

Following a round of increases passed on November done deals for PP and PE in Italy, sellers have been revealing December spot offers with additional increases for the past couple of weeks, as per Cheemorbis.

For more details on Hikes for December PP, PE start to pass in Italy’s spot markets click here

Taiwan’s energy demand fell for the first time in over a year on routine maintenance and unscheduled repairs

Taiwan’s energy demand fell for the first time in more than a year after the island’s biggest petrochemical maker shut plants for routine maintenance and unscheduled repairs, as per Bloomberg. As comppared to the previous year, combined consumption of coal, petroleum, gas, thermal energy and electricity declined 0.

For more details on Taiwan’s energy demand fell for the first time in over a year on routine maintenance and unscheduled repairs click here

Saudi Aramco in talks with prospective buyers for paraxylene and benzene from Jubail

Saudi Aramco is in talks with prospective customers to sell paraxylene and benzene cargoes from its 400,000 bpd refinery in Jubail Industrial City in late 2013 or early 2014, as per Platts. Saudi Arammco and Total are building a refinery in Jubail Industrial City 2 to produce gasoline, low-sulfur diesel and naphtha.

For more details on Saudi Aramco in talks with prospective buyers for paraxylene and benzene from Jubail click here

Cabinet Committee approves proposal of state government to set up PCPIR in Paradip

India’s fourth PCPIR has received Central approval. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Government of Orissa to set up a Petroleum Chemicals and Petrochemicals IInvestment Region (PCPIR) in Paradip.

For more details on Cabinet Committee approves proposal of state government to set up PCPIR in Paradip click here

Reconstruction of oil and petrochem terminal in Malaysia to be complete in early 2011

Reconstruction is to be complete in early 2011 on the oil and petrochemicals terminal in Malaysia's Tanjung Langsat Port, as per Platts. The port was shut following a fire in August 2008. Reconstructiion on tanks 1 and 2, with a combined capacity of 20,000m3 are still under way and are targeted for completion end January 2011.

For more details on Reconstruction of oil and petrochem terminal in Malaysia to be complete in early 2011 click here

Egyptian General Petroleum Corp offers 1.01 mln tons naphtha for January-June 2011

Egyptian General Petroleum Corp (EGPC) has offered 1.01 mln tons of naphtha for January-June 2011 lifting from Suez and Alexandria via a tender. This is lower than offering of 1.42 mln tons in H2-20100, as per Reuters.

For more details on Egyptian General Petroleum Corp offers 1.01 mln tons naphtha for January-June 2011 click here

Talks underway between Ineos and PetroChina for Grangemouth refinery

Talks are underway between Grangemouth refinery owner Ineos and Chinese giant PetroChina. The two have been negotiating a possible deal for at least a year. Discussions are expected to continue this wweek amid claims that an agreement for sale was signed last month.

For more details on Talks underway between Ineos and PetroChina for Grangemouth refinery click here

Spot ethylene gains ground in Asia and USA, slides in Europe

The past week has seen spot ethylene prices move higher in both Asia and the US on supply concerns in these regions, as per Chemorbis. Higher crude oil and naphtha prices are also exerting upward presssure on global ethylene prices, although spot ethylene moved lower in Europe as lackluster demand amid European cracker operators’ hesitance to reduce run rates overshadowed rising upstream costs.

For more details on Spot ethylene gains ground in Asia and USA, slides in Europe click here

Spread between naphtha and benzene falls to year low of US$150/MT

The spread between December Northwest European naphtha and benzene has dropped to US$150/mt as per Platts. Length in benzene has meant that strong crude-inspired gains in naphtha have not been passed through to benzene price as per Platts.

For more details on Spread between naphtha and benzene falls to year low of US$150/MT click here

Process improves efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption

A process capable of producing a thin and uniform light-absorbing layer on textured substrates that improves the efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption has been developed by researchers from Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory.

For more details on Process improves efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption click here

Oil prices at highest since October 2008 in Asia

Crude oil futures are lingering near their highest level since October 2008 in Asia amid the weakening dollar and strengthening oil demand during winter. The euro jumped to US$1.3375 from US$1.3210 laate Thursday.

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BASF to buy CRI/Criterion to expand its Styrene Catalysts Business

BASF plans to buy CRI/Criterion to expand its Styrene Catalysts Business. CRI/Criterion is a leading global manufacturer of chemical catalysts used in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene, wwhich is a vital ingredient in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins.

For more details on BASF to buy CRI/Criterion to expand its Styrene Catalysts Business click here

IRPC plans new 160,000 tpa propylene unit by 2014

In a move that will help increase its production of higher-value specialty products, Thailand's IRPC plans to build a 160,000 tpa propylene plant by 2014, subject to board approval, as per Platts. Thee location and the value of the project are not known.

For more details on IRPC plans new 160,000 tpa propylene unit by 2014 click here

PTT Pcl’s long-awaited group consolidation plan on hold

PTT Pcl has put a long-awaited group consolidation plan on hold because it wants to focus on legal problems at affiliate IRPC Pcl as well as other matters, as per Reuters. State-controlled PTT plan too consolidate its petrochemical and refinery businesses had been widely expected to involve a merger between IRPC and PTT Aromatics and Refining Pcl to create Asia's eighth-largest oil refiner.

For more details on PTT Pcl’s long-awaited group consolidation plan on hold click here

Dow plans to use more ethane to make plastics in USA

World number two chemical company -- Dow Chemical Co. plans to use more ethane to make plastics as per Bloomberg. The company is mulling formation of a venture to separate it from natural gas because of low US prices.

For more details on Dow plans to use more ethane to make plastics in USA click here

Polystyrene trend firm in the Mediterranean markets

In Europe, December styrene contracts settled with €34/ton (US$45/ton) increases compared to November on FD NWE basis, following an initial styrene barge contract which had settled with €38/ton (US$500/ton) increases vs last month, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Polystyrene trend firm in the Mediterranean markets click here

Local PVC offers move higher, imports expected to follow in SE Asia

In Southeast Asia, regional sellers have announced December offers to local markets with increases from November done deal levels, citing higher upstream costs along with limited, as per Chemorbis. Immport prices are expected to follow domestic prices higher within the next few weeks.

For more details on Local PVC offers move higher, imports expected to follow in SE Asia click here

Flaring from Huntsman Corp.’s Port Neches ethylene unit

A steam shortage at Huntsman Corp.’s Port Neches, Texas plant caused flaring from an ethylene unit, as reported by Bloomberg. A compressor trip resulted in steam shortage and flaring.


For more details on Flaring from Huntsman Corp.’s Port Neches ethylene unit click here

Sasol to build world's first commercial ethylene tetramerization unit in Louisiana

South Africa's Sasol Ltd. Is to build the world's first commercial ethylene tetramerization unit with capacity to produce over 100,000 tpa of combined 1-octene and 1-hexene. The unit will be located aat the company's Lake Charles production site in Louisiana, with construction set to begin in 2011 and reach operation in mid-2013.

For more details on Sasol to build world's first commercial ethylene tetramerization unit in Louisiana click here

Shipments from Europe to triple as naphtha prices in Asia spike to two year highs

Shipments from Europe are set to almost triple, as naphtha prices in Asia have spiked to two year highs. Asian naphtha prices have risen on increased demand from China amid fuel shortages. Asia-bound naphtha cargo is likely to touch 290,000 tons this month from 110,000 tons in October, according to the median estimate of four European traders surveyed by Bloomberg.

For more details on Shipments from Europe to triple as naphtha prices in Asia spike to two year highs click here

Export of petrochemicals with robust domestic demand banned in Iran

From may to October this year, Iran exported 7.4 mln tons of petrochemicals worth US$4 bln mostly to China, Japan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In a move that will result in Iran foresaking reevenues in a bid to counter sanctions on gasoline imports, the country has banned exports of petrochemicals for which there is strong domestic demand.

For more details on Export of petrochemicals with robust domestic demand banned in Iran click here

Broad portfolio of materials for BOPP, cast, blown, stretch and multi-layer films

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is highlighting its broad portfolio of materials for BOPP, cast, blown, stretch and multi-layer film that support Poland’s growing film sector. SABIC’s expannding array of innovative high-density, low-density and linear low-density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) and polypropylene (PP) resins will be detailed in six presentations by the company’s dedicated Poland team, led by Managing Director Sales Office Poland, Piotr Kwiecien.

For more details on Broad portfolio of materials for BOPP, cast, blown, stretch and multi-layer films click here

Exhibition for Morocco and North Africa becomes more international

The 4th International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition for Morocco and North Africa is becoming ever more international, as many official institutions have confirmed the participation of officiial companies’ pavilions.

For more details on Exhibition for Morocco and North Africa becomes more international click here

Surface pressure indicating material improves yield, reduces defects in injection molding process

Mold-Align® is a new surface pressure indicating material from Sensor Products Inc. that improves yields and reduces defects in the injection molding process by minimizing flash, shorts, burns, etcc.

For more details on Surface pressure indicating material improves yield, reduces defects in injection molding process click here

Spot ethylene prices in USA unmoved by Shell's unplanned outage, FM

Spot ethylene prices in USA have been flat at around 50 cents/lb Mtb-Wms, failing to lift despite news of a production outage and force majeure by Shell Chemicals, as per Platts. While sources agreed supplies were tight in Louisiana, most buyers backed off as the calendar year draws to an end.

For more details on Spot ethylene prices in USA unmoved by Shell's unplanned outage, FM click here

Chevron Phillips starts maintenance on ethylene unit at its Cedar Bayou

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. has started maintenance on an ethylene unit at its Cedar Bayou chemical plant in Baytown, Texas. The unit will be partially shut down and depressured to complete necessarry repairs.

For more details on Chevron Phillips starts maintenance on ethylene unit at its Cedar Bayou click here

Shell Declares Force Majeure on Ethylene at Norco Chemical Plant

Royal Dutch Shell Plc declared force majeure on ethylene after a ruptured steam line caused the shutdown of an ethylene unit at its Norco chemical plant in Louisiana, as per Bloomberg. Duration of thee outage is not yet known.

For more details on Shell Declares Force Majeure on Ethylene at Norco Chemical Plant click here

EU receives applications for 4,300 chemical products for classification to allow their continued use

Applications for 4,300 chemical products were submitted for classification to allow their continued use within the European Union, according to the European Chemical Agency as reported by Platts. Chemmical companies submitted 24,675 registration dossiers by yesterday's deadline for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals program, also known as REACH.

For more details on EU receives applications for 4,300 chemical products for classification to allow their continued use click here

LANXESS opens new plant for ion exchange resins in India

Specialty chemicals group LANXESS opened Asia’s most state-of-the-art plant for ion exchange resins in India. The new plant was constructed over a period of two years in the new chemical park in Jhagaadia, state of Gujarat.

For more details on LANXESS opens new plant for ion exchange resins in India click here

Forward curve of naphtha strengthens in Europe

Swaps market in Europe showed naphtha might gain further support due to tight supply into Asia, as per Reuters. The forward curve of naphtha strengthened, and April crack briefly turned positive earliier in the day.

For more details on Forward curve of naphtha strengthens in Europe click here

Rise in Turkey's plastics imports in October 2010

According to the data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkey’s plastics imports in October 2010 rose slightly compared to the September figures of the same year with the country’’s imports rising from 316,000 tons to 320,000 tons month over month, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Rise in Turkey's plastics imports in October 2010 click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended November 29, 2010

CRUDE OIL
At the end of the week of November 29, 2010, New York's main contract, light sweet crude for January, fell to US$83 while Brent North Sea crudde for delivery in January settled at US$85.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended November 29, 2010 click here

Thailand's IRPC Pcl plans expansion of propylene capacity by 58% by 2014

Thailand's IRPC Pcl (IRPC) plans to expand propylene capacity by 58% by 2014, as per Reuters. IRPC, 37% owned by Thailand's top energy firm PTT Pcl plans to seek approval this month to go ahead with pplans to expand annual capacity of propylene by 160,000 tons.

For more details on Thailand's IRPC Pcl plans expansion of propylene capacity by 58% by 2014 click here

Short supply unlikely to largely impact spot market prices due to the lull season

Asian polypropylene supply is expected to be tight between December and January, but the short supply is unlikely create a huge impact on spot market prices due to the lull season, as per Platts. Busiiness has been slow this week on the back of tightened liquidity in China as well as measures to curb speculative trading.

For more details on Short supply unlikely to largely impact spot market prices due to the lull season click here

Liaoning Tongyi awards contract to Lummus Technology for isobutylene and propylene units

Lummus Technology has been awarded a contract by Liaoning Tongyi Petrochemical Co., Ltd. for the license and engineering design of grassroots OCT olefins conversion units and CATOFIN dehydrogenation uunits at several of its sites in the People's Republic of China.

For more details on Liaoning Tongyi awards contract to Lummus Technology for isobutylene and propylene units click here

Production interruption at Dow's light hydrocarbon plant in Freeport, Texas

Dow Chemical Co has had a "production interruption" at its light hydrocarbon plant in Freeport, Texas, as per Bloomberg. This however, has had no impact on downstream businesses and no injuries. Dow'ss Light Hydrocarbon 7 plant had an upset in the internal hydrogen supply to the acetylene reactors yesterday and again today that caused flaring of "offspec" ethylene, according to two filings with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For more details on Production interruption at Dow's light hydrocarbon plant in Freeport, Texas click here

Flaring at LyondellBasell's chemical complex in Channelview, Texas

LyondellBasell Industries NV said operating conditions in a "process unit" caused flaring at its chemical complex in Channelview, Texas, as reported in Bloomberg. The Rotterdam, Netherlands-based comppany was working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

For more details on Flaring at LyondellBasell's chemical complex in Channelview, Texas click here

BASF and Ineos Group to merge styrene operations: new entity sales to exceed €5 bln

BASF SE and Ineos Group Holdings plan to merge their styrene operations, creating an entity with sales of over €5 bln (US$6.6 bln), as per Bloomberg. The company, which will operate as a separate entiity, will be equally owned by Ineos and BASF.

For more details on BASF and Ineos Group to merge styrene operations: new entity sales to exceed €5 bln click here

A. Schulman to open its first Indian plant by the end next year

A. Schulman Inc. plans to establish a masterbatch facility in western India to better serve its customers in the region, which is a key geographic growth market. The facility initially will consist off one line and will manufacture the Company's masterbatch products which serve the packaging, appliance and consumer products markets.

For more details on A. Schulman to open its first Indian plant by the end next year click here

Gas rich Qatar in talks with Total and Royal Dutch Shell for petrochemical co operation

As it seeks to find more ways of using its rich gas resources, Qatar (world number one exporter of liquefied natural gas), is in talks with Total SA and Royal Dutch Shell Plc about possible constructiion of a petrochemical complex.

For more details on Gas rich Qatar in talks with Total and Royal Dutch Shell for petrochemical co operation click here

Jurong Aromatics to borrow US$1.56 bln to fund construction of petrochemicals project

Singapore's Jurong Aromatics Corp. is to borrow US$1.56 bln in loans to help fund construction of a US$2.4 bln petrochemicals plant on Jurong Island, expected to start operations in 2014. The project is owned by South Korea's SK Group, China's polyester-maker Jiangsu Sanfangxiang Group Co.

For more details on Jurong Aromatics to borrow US$1.56 bln to fund construction of petrochemicals project click here

Saudi Aramco seeks premiums on H1-2011 Rabigh-grade naphtha

Saudi Aramco is poised to offer naphtha for delivery to Asian buyers in H1-2011 at around US$15-17/ton above the company’s benchmark formula, as per Bloomberg. It is seeking to sell Rabigh-grade naphttha at US$17/on, Jubail-grade at US$16 and A-310 grade at US$15.

For more details on Saudi Aramco seeks premiums on H1-2011 Rabigh-grade naphtha click here

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals JV buys 30,000 metric tons of naphtha

China National Offshore Oil Corp.’s venture with Shell Petrochemicals Co. has purchased as much as 30,000 metric tons of naphtha for delivery in late December, ICIS reported. The venture is operating its naphtha cracker in Huizhou, Guangdong province, at full capacity.

For more details on CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals JV buys 30,000 metric tons of naphtha click here

Front-month European naphtha cracks soar to 36 month highs

Front-month European naphtha cracks soared to levels last seen in Q4 2007 – almost 36 month highs on Monday while outright cargo prices peaked to more than two year high, despite weak fundamentals in the regional market, as per Platts.

For more details on Front-month European naphtha cracks soar to 36 month highs click here

Increase in China’s olefin, polyolefin October imports on domestic diesel shortage

For more details on Increase in China’s olefin, polyolefin October imports on domestic diesel shortage click here

Global PP markets remain firm ahead of the year-end

Crude oil prices, which hovered around US$81/barrel for much of November, momentarily peaking to a 25-month-high of almost US$88/barrel in the second week of November, bounced back up to move over US$$85/barrel recently.

For more details on Global PP markets remain firm ahead of the year-end click here

Gokongwei Group to start construction of long-overdue naphtha cracker project in Batangas

The Gokongwei Group seems all set to start construction of its long-overdue US$500 mln naphtha cracker project in Batangas. Project construction will start in January 2011 on the US$500 mln project. TThe naphtha cracker plant was originally registered with the BoI in 2005 at a project cost of P25.

For more details on Gokongwei Group to start construction of long-overdue naphtha cracker project in Batangas click here

Eastman Chemical completes expansion of plasticizer line at Estonia

Eastman Chemical Co. has completed expansion of its Benzoflex plasticizer line at the Kohtla-Järve, Estonia, site, hiking capacity by 11,000 tons. A benzoic acid derivative, Benzoflex is a benzoate esster plasticizer used in adhesives, sealants and caulks, and is also used in PVC applications such as vinyl flooring.

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International conference on Polymers in Photovoltaics

Applied Market Information (AMI) has announced that the second international conference on Polymers in Photovoltaics is set to be held in April 2011 at Cologne. Photovoltaic manufacturing is still unddergoing change in terms of technology and materials.

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Trading activity slowing down in ABS market in China

Players reported that trading activity has been slowing down in China’s ABS market recently, prompting some sellers to offer discounts to speed up sales, as per Chemorbis. Many producers, however, arre said to be standing firm on their prices, commenting that they would rather reduce operating rates than cut their prices as they cannot afford to agree to any major reductions as production costs are rising.

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Oil prices fall from its highest in two weeks on concerns over China

January crude futures fell to US$85.27 – falling from its highest in two weeks on concern that measures to slow down the economy will dampen crude demand in China. On the previous day, oil prices rosee but analysts cautioned that gains might be brief due to ongoing concerns over the euro zone debt crisis.

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Increased petrochem cooperation called for between Mainland China and Taiwan

Experts and industry insiders have called for more cooperation in the petrochemical industry between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.Both sides of the Taiwan Straits can develop all-round cooperation in the petrochemical industry, including by expanding joint exploration efforts for oil and gas, Sheng Huaren, honorary president of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF), said at a biennial cross-Straits meeting on the petrochemical industry.

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A latex polyurethane foam that provides high comfort, freshness, higher durability

Dow Brazil has launched Fresh Comfort, a latex polyurethane foam that provides high comfort, freshness and a higher durability compared to conventional latex foams. The new specialty for flexible foamms has properties similar to those of conventional latex foams and that offer the same velvet touch and excellent air circulation.

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Dow’s Technology and Market Development Center in Brazil

Dow Brazil has announced a Technology and Market Development Center for Polyurethanes and Formulated Systems in the city of Jundiai, countryside of Sao Paulo. With investments of US$2 mln and officiall opening is scheduled for January 2011, the lab extends over a 1,200 sq mtr area and will provide a number of services, including chemical and physical chemical analyses; equipment to simulate production of a wide range of PU applications; characterization of physical properties and preparation of samples to customers.

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Naphtha cracks in Asia at nine month highs

Asia naphtha crack soared to their highest level in over nine months on limited supply of lighter grades. The supply of light grades has tightened due to refinery maintenance in the Middle East and loower arbitrage inflows, as per Reuters.

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PVC pipe and resin giant Mexichem SAB de CV continues with expansion plans

PVC pipe and resin giant Mexichem SAB de CV is continuing with its expansion plans for the Americas and Europe as it bids to become a major global player. Feasibility studies are constantly being condducted into potential business opportunities in Latin America, the United States and Europe that satisfy Mexichem’s “growth, efficiency and profit criteria.

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