The latest statistical data from the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association showed that ethylene output in September fell by 13 percent to 528,400 tons compared to the previous month. The figures also showcase a year-on-year drop of 14 percent.
On account of global economy recession, demand from producers of plastic products, who utilize ethylene and propylene as main raw materials, has sharply declined recently. This in turn has led to increased inventories of ethylene and propylene, and thus operating rate of Japan's naphtha cracker manufacturers reduced.
September capacity utilization of naphtha crackers in Japan fell to 93.3 percent, in comparison August operating rate that was 94.1 percent; the rate in September last year was around 97 percent.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - China