Asian naptha crackers run at full capacity

Operators of naptha crackers in Asia are keeping their ethylene production at almost maximum capacity in July as against earlier estimates due to the current strong derivative polymer prices. Operators in Asia showed that majority of their facilities are expected to operate at almost 100% while new capacities are being added after July-August. Delays in polyethylene (PE) and monoethylene glycol (MEG) exports to Asia from the Middle East and postponements in the start up of new crackers in China had kept polymer prices riding high although PE demand had started to taper off following the price spike. High density polyethylene (HDPE) film grade spot prices were assessed at $1,200-1,280/ton, while ethylene prices in Southeast Asia could breach the $1,000/ton level as shutdown of cracker plants and high derivative polymer operating rates in Iran had cut down Middle East exports to Southeast Asia.Entrainement Nike