COVID-19 - News digest as of 2.06.2021

1. NKNK revenue in the first quarter increased by 44%

MOSCOW (MRC) - The revenue of Nizhnekamskneftekhim (NKNKH) in January-March set a new record of 54.9 billion rubles, according to BUSINESS Online. The impressive results were achieved mainly due to the favorable situation on the world markets, and NKNK is forecast to have strong performance in the coming quarters already due to growing production amid recovery in demand for petrochemical products. After the "covid" 2020, a number of economic sectors headed "north", recovering from a forced pause. Of the leading Tatarstan enterprises, it is worth highlighting, first of all, petrochemists, whose affairs after last year's fall are on the rise again. The revenue of the largest Russian manufacturer of synthetic rubbers Nizhnekamskneftekhim in the first quarter of 2020 increased by 44% to a record 54.9 billion rubles, follows from the statements of the joint-stock company.


MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Crude oil futures were steady during the mid-morning trade in Asia June 25 following a deal on the US infrastructure package, with the market expecting only a moderate increase in OPEC+ supply August onwards, reported S&P Global.

At 11:00 am Singapore time (0300 GMT), the ICE August Brent futures contract was down 8 cents/b (0.11%) from the previous settle at USD75.48/b while the NYMEX August light sweet crude contract was down 6 cents/b (0.08%) at USD73.30/b.

On June 24, US President Joe Biden announced that a bipartisan agreement has been reached on a USD973 billion infrastructure plan, which includes more than half a trillion dollars of new spending. The announcement led to higher risk appetite in the broader financial markets, with crude also benefiting from the bullish sentiment.

Crude also remains supported by a rosy demand outlook, as vaccination rates around the world rise, and as countries roll back mobility restrictions.

Against the backdrop of rising global oil demand, the OPEC+ coalition has met with calls to raise oil production to prevent surging energy prices from undermining the global economic recovery. In a virtual meeting with OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo on June 24, Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan raised concerns over inflationary pressure from increasing oil prices and made a renewed call for OPEC+ to phase out its production cuts.

OPEC+ is currently holding crude production at 6.2 million b/d below October 2018 levels and intends to taper this output cut to 5.76 million b/d in July. OPEC+ alliance's July 1 meeting is expected to provide guidance into output levels for August, and while reports have emerged that the coalition is considering tapering its production quota, most analysts expect a tempered rise of around 500,000 b/d.

We remind that as MRC informed earlier, Indian refiners, anticipating a lifting of US sanctions, plan to make space for the resumption of Iranian imports by reducing spot crude oil purchases in the second half of the year. The world"s third-largest oil consumer and importer halted imports from Tehran in 2019 after former US President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 accord and re-imposed sanctions on the OPEC producer over its disputed nuclear programme.

Ethylene and propylene are the main feedstocks for the production of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively.

According to MRC's ScanPlast report, Russia's estimated PE consumption totalled 744,130 tonnes in the first four month of 2021, up by 4% year on year. Shipments of all PE grades increased. At the same time, PP deliveries to the Russian market were 523,900 tonnes in January-April 2021, up by 55% year on year. Supply of homopolymer PP and PP block copolymers increased, whereas shipments of PP random copolymers decreased.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- LyondellBasell (LBI), the world's largest polyolefins producer, reported an equipment failure at its La Porte linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) plant, which forced the company to shut down the 355,000 tons/year unit without a return schedule, according to CommoPlast with reference to the company's official letter to its customers on 17 June 2021.

LyondellBasell is currently evaluating the impact of the event on its ability to supply the materials.

As MRC reported earlier, LBI declared a force majeure (FM) on shipments of some polypropylene (PP) grades from its Wesseling plant in Germany as of May 20. Thus, the FM was declared for all PP Moplen grades produced at this plant with the capacity of 238,000 mt/year. However, the reactor issies, which resulted in force majeure, were found at one line of this plant with the capacity of 135,000 mt/year.

Besides, LBI also declared FM on supplies of some PP grades from its Ferrara plant in Italy as of May 3. This plant is able to produce 285.000 tons/year of PP. At the time of press, no details were shared regarding the reason or duration of the FM.

According to MRC's ScanPlast report, April LLDPE shipments to the Russian market increased to 56,810 tonnes from 35,810 tonnes a year earlier. Local producers raised their PE output. LLDPE shipments to the market were 132,470 tonnes in January-April 2021, up by 4% year on year.

LyondellBasell is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,000 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA, the US petrochemical major, restarted all of its three polypropylene (PP) units in La Porte as of 17 June 2021, according to CommoPlast.

At the same time, the force majeure (FM) at this plant with an annual capacity of 1.15 million tons/year remains in place as the company attempts to stabilize operating rates and build inventories ahead of the hurricane season.

Previously, Total Petrochemical declared FM on its PP output after an abrupt loss of electricity supply during a severe weather condition.

According to MRC's ScanPlast report, PP deliveries to the Russian market were 523,900 tonnes in January-April 2021, up by 55% year on year. Supply of homopolymer PP and PP block copolymers increased, whereas shipments of PP random copolymers decreased.

Total is a major energy player, which produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, more affordable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Eastman Chemical Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC to sell the rubber additives (including Crystex insoluble sulfur and Santoflex antidegradants) and other product lines and related assets and technology of the global tire additives business of its Additives & Functional Products segment, according to BusinessWire.

The sale does not include the Eastman Impera and other performance resins product lines of the tire additives business.

The total sale price of USD800 million consists of USD725 million cash at closing and an additional amount of up to USD75 million to be paid based on performance of the rubber additives business post-closing through 2023. The final purchase price is subject to working capital and other adjustments at closing. The company expects the sale will be either neutral or accretive to adjusted earnings per share in 2022.

“This announcement is part of our ongoing effort to improve the performance of our Additives & Functional Products segment. After reviewing strategic options, we believe this action is the most beneficial to Eastman and the rubber additives business,” said Mark Costa, Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to reach this agreement with One Rock and to have a clear path forward for the rubber additives business. We continue to evaluate other actions to improve our AFP segment.”

The sale, subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. The agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants of both parties including, among other things, for Eastman to conduct the rubber additives business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

As MRC reported before, in 2016, Eastman Chemical's chief executive Mark Costa announced that the company wanted to reduce its surplus ethylene and commodity intermediates, but did not intend to sell its cracker in Longview, Texas.

Ethylene is the main feedstock for the production of polyethylene (PE).

According to MRC's ScanPlast report, Russia's estimated PE consumption totalled 744,130 tonnes in the first four month of 2021, up by 4% year on year. Shipments of all PE grades increased.

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world.
MRC