In 2008, Formosa Plastics Corporation (FPC) reported sales revenue of U.S. $5.78 billion, up 0.2% YoY compared to 2007 sales revenue of U.S. $5.76 billion. This year's revenue reached 91% of FPC's original U.S. $6.35 billion target.
Pretax profits arrived at U.S. $575 million, down 64% YoY compared to 2007 pretax profits of U.S. $1.61 billion, reaching 41% of FPC's original target of U.S. $1.39 billion.
In the f irst half of 2008, prices of petrochemical products remained at a high level, driven by rising global crude oil and naphtha prices as well as ethylene and propylene prices.
Strong economic growth in emerging countries also stimulated demand for petrochemical products. As such, profitability of petrochemical manufacturers remained robust.