MOSCOW (MRC) -- In 2013, Braskem's resin sales totaled 3.7 million tons, with market share of 68%, said the producer in its press-release.
The average cracker capacity utilization rate was 90%. PP sales volume at Braskem America grew by 7% in 4Q13 and 3% in 2013, affected by the production growth, the highest since 2011.
Consolidated EBITDA in the last quarter of the year was Real1,175 million. In U.S. dollar, EBITDA was USD521 million, growing approximately 20% from 4Q12 recurring EBITDA.
In 2013, Braskem recorded EBITDA of Real4,813 million. In U.S. dollar, EBITDA was USD2,217 million, increasing by 11% from 2012.
The construction of the Mexico project continued to advance, with the complex's physical completion reaching 58%. In November, the subsidiary Braskem-Idesa withdrew the second installment of the project finance in the amount of USS547 million. In 2013, withdrawals amounted to USD2,031 million.
Braskem announced the expansion of one of its polyethylene production lines and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Styrolution for the production of styrenics specialties.
Braskem announced that it entered into an agreement with Solvay for the acquisition of the controlling interest in Solvay Indupa, which has 4 plants producing PVC and caustic soda in Brazil and Argentina. With the acquisition, which is still subject to approval by the countries' regulatory agencies.
Braskem is the leading producer of thermoplastic resins in Latin America and the US, following its purchase of polypropylene assets of Dow Chemical. The company serves 70% of Brazilian demand in PP, PE and PVC resins, but foreign resin imports have gained Brazilian market share in recent years. Brazil's annual consumption of PP is estimated at 1.4 million tons this year.
MRC