European PVC-E replaces local material in Russia in Q2 2010

Russian converters continue to increase the consumption of European PVC-E. Emulsion imports from Europe have gone up to the level of 7,5 kt since May, while in January this figure barely exceeded 4,5 kt. Russian linoleum producers actively increase the consumption. European emulsion started to replace Russian PVC even in smaller consumption sectors like vinyl wallpapers, artificial leather, toys etc.

The competitiveness of European emulsion in the Russian market was enforced by serious fall of Euro/Dollar exchange rate and, as a result, Euro/Ruble. Emulsion specificity causes quite a wide price range for the resin in Europe: EUR 940 - 1050/mt, FCA. Price offers in the spot market for Russian and European emulsion are on the average level RUB 57.000 - 58.500/mt, including VAT, FCA.

MRC

For more information about Russian PVC market please refer to MRC Price reports.

(prw) -- Thailand's Indorama is set to almost double PET production capacity at a site in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to 390,000 tpa.

Indorama Polymers Rotterdam, which owns the site, is adding an additional production line with capacity of 190,000 tpa.

The company is also adding facilities such as a 24 MW power plant, silos and logistics facilities. Production will begin by the first quarter of 2012.

MRC

(BASF) -- BASF developed E-por, a material which is based on a new formulation and is manufactured in a new production process. E-por is the first tough-elastic, crack-resistant foam which can be transported, stored, processed and recycled like traditional Styropor. It is noted for very good fusion of the surface, excellent resistance to solvents, and an appealing look and feel.

Because of its high crack-resistance it is multishock-safe and therefore well-suited to being used as transport packaging for high-quality, shock-sensitive electrical and electronic (E/E) products, such as plasma televisions, laptops, refrigerators or washing machines.

MRCMRC Reference

BASF. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PS - 9.1% (GPPS - 5.9%, ABS - 11.4%, EPS - 10.6%).

Annual sales growth in Russia over the 5 years:
PS - 15%.

Imports by polymers processing technologies:
foaming;
injection molding

PRAGUE (Reuters) -- China's Wanhua Industrial Group has agreed to buy 38% stake in Hungarian PVC maker BorsodChem for 140 million euros ($171.3 million).

BorsodChem will use the funding to complete the construction of its new TDI 2 (Toulene di-isocyanate) plant and the new Nitric Acid plant as well as for general corporate purposes.

MRCMRC Reference

BorsodChem. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PVC - 2.5%;
PVC-S - 2.6%.

Annual growth of sales in Russia over the 5 years:
PVC - 201%.

Supply by processing technologies:
profile extrusion;
compounding.

SAMARA (LUKOIL) - LUKOIL President Vagit Alekperov and The Governor of Samara oblast Vladimir Artyakov signed the agreement about collaboration between The Company and oblast.

According to the document, LUKOIL will execute a number of new petrochemicals supplying projects, provide regular fuels and lubricants supply for oblast's agroindustrial complex and wholesale together with retail petrochemicals trading.

LUKOIL will also do constant monitoring of the quality of petrochemicals sold in Samara oblast's territory by its daughter enterprises and control of their conformity to Russian technical standards.

Oblast Administration will provide assistance by giving land for petrochemicals trading objects, by attracting Samara oblast construction complex for The Company's projects realization and in fighting with illegal petrochemicals trading to LUKOIL within its jurisdiction.

MRC