Total ethylene & propylene sales higher in Q2, BRASKEM

12 Aug '10

4 min read

On the other hand, the higher competitiveness of natural gas in relation to naphtha continued to benefit the use of lighter products, and some cracker byproducts, such as butadiene, maintained the upward trend in international prices during the second quarter.

The shutdowns in 2nd generation operations did not affect production at Braskem's crackers, which continued to operate at high utilization rates. This solid performance and the recovery in the capacity operating rates at Quattor sites led to an average utilization rate of 89% in 2Q10.

Total ethylene and propylene sales were 11% higher, reaching 258 kton, due to the better demand for ethylene, such as from the styrene market and the opportunity to direct a higher propylene volume to the export market given the 43% increase in international prices compared to the previous quarter.

In the case of aromatics, domestic and total sales of BTX declined by 6% and 2% in relation to 1Q10, respectively. Operational problems in the 2nd generation operations impacted sales volume in the domestic market, which was partially offset by exports.

Scheduled shutdown and operational problems following this maintenance shutdown led butadiene sales to decline by 10% in the quarter. On the other hand, international prices maintained their upward trend (+27%), which helped offset the lower volume.

BRASKEM S.A.

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