Japan’s ethylene production rose 6.4% from October to 588,400 mt in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said late Tuesday.
The output was down 1.7% year on year.
November’s ethylene production was the highest since January, when production was 643,700 mt.
Japan’s ethylene output is expected to rise amid high operating rates as bearish naphtha feedstock prices boost ethylene margins.
The Asian ethylene-naphtha spread averaged $561.76/mt in November, down $130.15/mt from October but still better than the typical $300-350/mt breakeven spread, according to Platts data.
– Platts.com
