Surge in Japanese December naphtha imports

24 Jan '11

1 min read

According to the data released by the government, import of naphtha by Japan for the petrochemical industry registered an increase of 2.3 percent in December, from a year ago, showing similar rise for the third time in succession.

Following a survey of the major ethylene manufacturers of Japan, the data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry revealed that naphtha imports for the manufacturing of ethylene totaled to around 1.55 million tons in December 2010.

In November 2010, naphtha imports for ethylene production amounted to around 1.65 million tons, whereas in December 2009, the same totaled to about 1.52 million tons.

Naphtha, the major raw material required in the petrochemical sector and also in the manufacturing of high octane gasoline, constitutes one-fourth of the total demand of the country amongst different oil products. The country depends on imports for more than half of its total demands.

In December 2009, the naphtha import price stood at $687.5 per ton, whereas in November 2010, it rose to $750.9 per ton and in December 2010, it again increased to $800.3 per ton.

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