Belarus January-August PE imports rise by 2.2% year on year

Imports of polyethylene (PE) into Belarus grew by 2.2% year on year in the first eight months of 2019, with high density polyethylene (HDPE) accounting for the increase, according to MRC’s DataScope report. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of Belarus, PE imports to Belarus rose slightly in August 2019 to 12,300 tonnes from 12,100 tonnes a month earlier.

Optimistic outlook at Cefic chemical convention despite current weak conditions

Despite a backdrop of economic tension and fractious global trade relations, a look at how chemistry will improve the world in the future was presented at the closing speeches of the European chemistry council (Cefic) annual Chemical Convention on Friday.

Europe PC fundamentals to remain weak into 2020 and beyond

Fundamentals in the European polycarbonate (PC) market are expected to remain bearish into the first quarter of 2020 and could even remain subdued for the next five years. Expanding capacity in Asia, in particular China, over the last two years has led to significant change in exports flows with fewer volumes being absorbed by outside markets.

Dow makes FID to proceed with US alkoxylates expansion

Dow has reached a final investment decision (FID) to proceed with its US alkoxylates capacity expansion, its CEO said on Thursday. “This US Gulf Coast unit is expected to start up by the end of 2021. Furthermore, we recently signed a 10-year supply agreement with a key customer securing the baseload volume for this facility, representing $900m of new revenue over the life of the contract,” said Dow CEO Jim Fitterling, on the company’s Q3 earnings conference call.

Automotive Coatings: '70% of car production is based on water-borne base coating

The fourth ‘Sauradip Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd. Visiting Fellowship Lecture’ was held on 3rd October, 2019 at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Laxman Nikam, Vice President, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd., on the subject ‘Trends in Automotive Coatings.’

K 2019: Europe PE 'warehouses full everywhere' as oversupply haunts market

Lengthy European polyethylene (PE) supply is dominating sentiment as imports are offered on a widespread basis. “Warehouses are full everywhere, and there’s more to come,” said a trader. Buyers were treading the halls looking for good 2020 deals, but one European producer at least was offering rollover conditions for 2020 contracted business.

Covestro expands open innovation in China

German materials and polymer expert, Covestro, has expanded its concept for open innovation with various partners starting from the Asia-Pacific Innovation Centre in Shanghai. “China is setting the pace for technologies and solutions driving the next wave of industrial and informational revolution,” said Ms. Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro, while commenting on the company’s new concept of ‘Open Innovation Hub’.

Asia MEG market faces rising supply, slowing demand

Asia’s monothylene glycol (MEG) supply will get a boost in the near term from start-ups of new plants at a time when demand is slowing down. Two major MEG units with a combined capacity of 1.65m tonnes/year is expected to begin production within the fourth quarter.

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