PE imports to Belarus dropped 11.5% in eleven months of 2015

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall imports of polyethylene (PE) into Belarus decreased by 11.5% in the eleven months of 2015 to 89,800 tonnes. Only imports of high density polyethylene (HDPE) were reduced, according to MRC DataScope report.

According to the National Statistical Office of the Republic of Belarus, November PE imports to Belarus decreased to 9,300 tonnes under the pressure of the seasonal factor from 9,600 tonnes a month earlier. Middle Eastern linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) accounted for the main fall. Overall PE imports totalled 89,800 tonnes from January to November 2015 versus 101,400 tonnes over the same period a year earlier.

The structure of PE imports into Belarus by grades looked the following way over the stated period.

November total imports of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and LLDPE fell to 4,800 tonnes from 5,500 tonnes a month earlier. LLDPE from Saudi Arabia accounted for the main reduction in supply. Overall imports of these PE grades totalled 50,700 tonnes in the eleven months of the year, up by 2.8% year on year.

November HDPE imports rose to 4,500 tonnes from 4,100 tonnes a month earlier, Russian producers accounted for the main increase in PE shipments (scheduled shutdowns in September and October significantly restricted exports). Overall imports of this PE grade to Belarus dropped to 39,100 tonnes in the first eleven months of 2015 from 52,100 tonnes a year earlier.
MRC

LG Chem cancels polysilicon project in South Korea

MOSCOW (MRC) -- LG Chem (Seoul) said on Tuesday that it has abandoned plans to enter the polysilicon business and has cancelled its project to build a new plant, as per Chemweek.

The company announced in 2011 that it planned to enter the business with a 491 billion South Korean won (USD408.4 million) investment to build a 5,000 m.t./year plant at Yeosu, South Korea, using its own technology. The plant was due to be completed in 2013 with LG Chem’s entry into the business in 2014 to supply the solar cell market.

As MRC informed earlier, South Korea's LG Chem said it had decided to drop a plan to jointly build a USD4.2-billion petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan, citing a prolonged slump in oil prices and a sharp increase in facility investments.

LG Chem Ltd., often referred to as LG Chemical, is the largest Korean chemical company and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. According to ICIS report, it is 15th biggest chemical company in the world in 2011. It has eight domestic factories and global network of 29 business locations in 15 countries. LG Chem is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of petrochemical goods, IT&E Materials and Energy Solutions.
MRC

PVC imports into Belarus dropped by 35% in Jan-Nov 2015

MOSCOW (MRC) - Imports of unmixed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into Belarus slightly exceeded 23,700 tonnes in the first eleven months of 2015, down 35.2% year on year, according to MRC DataScope.

According to the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, November PVC imports in Belarus decreased to 702 tonnes, compared to 1,100 tonnes in October. All local converters seasonally decreased their PVC purchases, with the greatest reduction in demand occurred for the profiles producers.

According to the National Statistics Committee of Belarus, PVC imports in the country decreased to 23,700 tonnes in January - November of 2015, compared with 36,600 tonnes in the same time a year earlier. Demand for unmixed PVC in the local market resulted from the fall in sales of finished products in the domestic market - more than by 25%, and in foreign markets - down 48% (sales of profiles decreased to 11,600 tonnes against 22,300 tonnes a year earlier).

The key suppliers into the local market during the reporting period were Russian producers. Their share in 2015 grew to 71%, the total volume of shipments amounted to 16,800 tonnes. The second volume of supply was a Polish producer Anwil with a total of 3,500 tonnes of resin.

MRC

Praxair signed a 15-year contract with Total in the Port of Antwerp

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Praxair, Inc. has signed a 15-year contract to supply oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) to Total in the Port of Antwerp, said Gasworld.

Total, a global integrated energy producer and provider, is currently investing EUR1bn (USD1.1bn) in the port to upgrade its largest refining and petrochemicals platform in Europe.

In order to successfully supply Total with this influx, Praxair is expanding its recently built O2 pipeline an additional three miles to connect with Total’s refinery. The Tier One company will also expand its N2 pipeline on the west bank of the river to efficiently serve existing and petrochemical customers.

Frank Wegmann, Managing Director of Praxair Germany and Benelux, explained, "Our pipeline network expansion provides us the enhanced ability to efficiently and effectively meet the nitrogen and oxygen needs of companies in this growing chemical park. Integrated petrochemical ports such as Antwerp remain highly competitive, continue to attract billions of dollars of investment and are positioned for growth for years to come."

The O2 and N2 pipeline supply is expected to be operational in the second half of this year.

As MRC informed earlier, Praxair has started up an air separation facility in Zoucheng City, China with Yankuang Guohong Chemical Co. Through a long-term contract, Praxair’s 3,000 ton/day plant will provide oxygen and nitrogen to Yankuang, replacing the existing customer-owned air separation units.

Praxair, Inc., a Fortune 250 company with 2014 sales of USD12.3 billion, is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America and one of the largest worldwide. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies are making our planet more productive by bringing efficiency and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, primary metals and many others.
MRC

Hainan Shihua Jiasheng shuts SM unit in China unexpectedly on Jan 25

MOSCOW (MRC) -- China's Hainan Shihua Jiasheng has shut its styrene monomer (SM) plant unexpectedly on January 25, a company source told TPS.

Market sources said it was due to insufficient ethylene feedstock which was caused by port closures amid falling temperatures at Chinese ports this winter.

The plant located in Hainan, is able to produce 80,000 mt/year of SM. It is expected to be shut for 12 days.

As MRC informed previously, China's Jiangsu Leasty Chemical restarted both its styrene monomer (SM) units on January 10, 2016. Both units were previously shut for a turnaround - one on Dec 20 and the other on Nov 25, 2015. They are located in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province, and have a combined capacity of 210,000 mt/year. Its expandable polystyrene (EPS) plant, located at the same site has capacity of 360,000 mt/year.

The foundation of the Hainan Shihua Jiasheng Chemical Company is based on the development of global expanded polystyrene (PS) production capacities. The company was established as a result of a joint venture between the Hainan Shihua Petrochemical Company and the Jiansu Jiasheng Chemical Company. The Hainan Shihua Jiasheng Chemical Company also increased the output of the entire sector of industry, in that it contributes 100,000 tons of expanded polystyrene per year.

MRC