The production of ethylene in Japan dipped by 8.6 percent year-on-year in March 2012, due in part to two maintenance-related plant shutdowns.
During the month, Japan's ethylene production was 470,400 tons, as against output of 514,800 tons in March 2011, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Compared to February 2012 ethylene output of 525,500 tons, the production in March was 10.5 percent less.
While there were two maintenance-related plant shutdowns in Japan during March this year, only one plant was shut during the corresponding month of last year, METI said.
Japan's ethylene exports decreased by 14.7 percent year-on-year to 163,600 tons in February this year, the data showed.
Ethylene, derived from naphtha, is used as a raw material in polyester value chain.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India