Chinese Ethylene Output Decreased in H1, 2017

According to National Development and Reform Commission, the volume in chemical industry was 4.5% Y-O-Y, and the growth rate decreased 4.7% Y-O-Y.

In H1, 2017, the ethylene output was 8,960kt, which was down 3.2% Y-O-Y. The output of plastics in primary form was 42,710kt, which was up 4.3% Y-O-Y; the synthetic rubber output was 2,820kt, which increased 6.8% Y-O-Y; the synthetic fibre output was 23,310kt, which rose 4.3% Y-O-Y.

The caustic soda output was 17,510kt, which was up 4.2% Y-O-Y, while the output of sodium carbonate was 13,380kt, which was up 5.1% Y-O-Y. The chemical fertilizer output was 34,760kt, which was down 4.5% Y-O-Y. The output of nitrogen fertilizer decreased 9.2% Y-O-Y, and the output of phosphate fertilizer and potash fertilizer increased 6.3% and 4.4% respectively.

The pesticide output was 1,970kt, which decreased 3.7% Y-O-Y. The rubber tire output was 4.8413 billion, which increased 7.7% Y-O-Y. The output of calcium carbide was 13270kt, which was up 5.1% Y-O-Y.

In June, the caustic soda average price was RMB 3,650/mt, which was up 7.4% M-O-M or 74.6% Y-O-Y. The sodium carbonate average price was RMB 1,740/mt, which decreased 0.6% M-O-M or 19.2% Y-O-Y. The carbamide average price was RMB 1,640/mt, which increased 2.5% M-O-M or 30.2% Y-O-Y. The Chinese diammonium phosphate average price was RMB 2,510/mt, which increased 1.2% M-O-M or decreased 7% Y-O-Y. The calcium carbide average price was RMB 2,430/mt, which decreased 4% M-O-M or increased 8% Y-O-Y.