国际品牌推动中国回收包装需求

Argus' global team of reporters highlight some of the most noteworthy events shaping markets during the past 12 months

Argus Recycled Polymers 2025 round up

25/12/24

What is the future of Chinese polypropylene?

25/06/18

Southeast Asia: Navigating uncertainty in the Polyethylene and Polypropylene markets

25/05/08

Related news

26/02/02

Brazil petchem industry flags Reiq 2026 gap

Sao Paulo, 2 February (Argus) — Brazilian chemical and petrochemical industry associations are urging the federal government to deliver a rapidfix for the 2026 gap in the Special Chemical Industry Regime (Reiq), warning that regulatory uncertainty is accelerating plant shutdowns and job losses across key production hubs. In a joint letter sent on 26 January to vice-president and industry minister Geraldo Alckmin, labor unions and industry groups — including Abiquim — said presidential vetoes affecting Reiq in December by removing key tax-relief provisions and carried into the newly enacted Special Sustainability Program for the Chemical Industry (Presiq), which focuses on the national petrochemical chain modernization,have created an "immediate and severe" impact on domestic producers, mainly due to the sudden loss of a long-standing cost-reduction tool with no transitional safeguards. Companies in Sao Paulo state have already closed units and cut shifts in Cubatao and Guaruja, according to the groups. Industry groups argue that without the Reiq tax relief, historically centered on PIS/Cofins reductions for feedstocks such as naphtha and natural gas and effectively revoked by the presidential vetoes — Brazil's chemical chain faces intensified competitive pressure from global oversupply, foreign subsidy schemes and aggressive pricing from Asian and Middle Eastern exporters. The regulatory gap is prompting irreversible divestment decisions, threatening the core of Brazil's petrochemical complex, they say. The entities called on the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (Mdic) to restore predictability for 2026, saying the issue is no longer a tax debate but a strategic decision for Brazil's industrial competitiveness and employment base. The government has recently highlighted industrial policy priorities through its New Brazil Industry program and strengthened trade-defense tools, but the signatories said action on the Reiq must come "urgently, preferably in January," to avoid further disruption. History President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed provisions in December 2025 that would have extended Reiq benefits into 2026 or ensured an automatic transition to the Presiq framework. The administration cited fiscal responsibility and the absence of compensatory budget measures. With Presiq scheduled to begin only in 2027, the vetoes leave a regulatory gap in 2026. By Isabela Mendes Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Fukoku set to launch US rubber parts plant

Fukoku set to launch US rubber parts plant

Houston, 30 January (Argus) — Manufacturer Fukoku plans to open a US plant for industrial rubber components, with operations scheduled to begin in January 2027. The Japan-based company has partnered with its consolidated Korean subsidiary, Fukoku Korea, to develop the facility through a newly established US entity, FKC America. The 50:50 joint venture aims to expand into new markets by combining products already used by Hyundai Motor with a new product lineup. The plant, located on a 59,489m² (14.7-acre) site in Virginia, will produce rubber products for damper pulleys, thermally conductive gap fillers and other battery-related products. The companies have pledged $7.4mn in capital for the project. Fukoku has maintained a US presence since 2001 through Fukoku America, based in Laurens, South Carolina, where it manufactures, warehouses and ships motor vehicle components. By Joshua Himelfarb Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

PE, PP margins hit decade low: LyondellBasell

PE, PP margins hit decade low: LyondellBasell

Houston, 30 January (Argus) — Low polyethylene (PE) inventories in the US will drive integrated margin recovery this year after 2025 had the lowest US polyolefins margins in a decade, LyondellBasell said today. North American integrated-PE margins averaged $580/t in 2025, putting them $250/t below the historical average of $830/t. North American polypropylene (PP) margins were $40/t, seven times lower than the historical average of $290, according to LyondellBasell. Olefins production volumes fell in the fourth quarter because of planned and unplanned facility maintenance. Inclement weather in January further disrupted production through in beginning of 2026. LyondellBasell expects PE prices to rise in the next quarter as buyers seek to replenish diminished stocks. The company expects an operating rate of 85pc of its olefins and polyolefins Americas assets, up from 75pc last quarter, in anticipation of this increased demand. Demand for PP remains low as the durable goods market is showing no sign of recovery. Interest rates cuts and softening inflation are expected to improve demand, but consumer confidence is lagging. Oversupply in China is further dragging down margins in the global market. "[Last year] was another exceptionally challenging year," said chief executive Peter Vanacker. "Industry margins remaining deeply depressed across all of our core businesses. Industry margins were approximately 45pc below historical averages, even worse than the already difficult conditions we saw in 2024." The company expects modest improvement in the first quarter due to the higher PE prices as well as improved seasonal demand and a resilient packaging market. By Maya Porter Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Eastman raises rPET output

Eastman raises rPET output

Houston, 30 January (Argus) — US recycling company Eastman's Kingsport, Tennessee, molecular recycling facility had its strongest year for chemical recycling in 2025, producing more than 2.5 times the amount of recycled content that it produced in 2024. The Kingsport facility generated approximately $60mn in incremental earnings in 2025 compared with 2024, as chemically recycled materials saw increased use from major brands including Pepsi. Eastman expects that momentum to continue into 2026 and projects about $39mn in additional circular economy earnings as rPET contract volumes increase and demand for chemically recycled content strengthens. "We are really the long-term solution to chemical recycling," said Mark Costa, board chair and chief executive officer. He added that mechanical recycling yields remain low because the process only cleans 25-35pc of clear bottles. Mechanical rPET degrades faster than expected, causing yellowing, graying, and even structural issues such as bottle collapse during case stacking, the company said. Eastman plans to expand the Kingsport facility's production capacity by 130pc to increase supply growth while development of a second chemical plant remains paused. The second facility is on hold following the loss of a US Department of Energy grant in June 2025. However, the Kingsport expansion and improved efficiency will allow Eastman to continue scaling chemical recycling production while maintaining strong cash flow. The company generated nearly $1bn in operation cash flow in 2025, reinforcing its ability to continue investing in circular technology despite market uncertainty. By Dona Davis Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

MAK to shift Rotterdam PTA/PET units to Oman

26/01/29