The ICIS World Polymers Conference

in association with PTIT

The
ICIS World Polymers
Conference
12th - 13th November 2008, Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Join key industry players at the ICIS World Polymers Conference this year to explore and share views on the emerging trends and challenges, and to develop your network of contacts for expanding your business.

Polyolefins producers dependent no naphtha-based ethylene have been under immense margin pressure because of the surge in feedstock costs. The record-breaking cost-push has occurred at the same time as weaker downstream demand due to the credit crisis and global inflationary pressures.

With millions of tonnes of new capacity coming on stream in the Middle East from late 2008, much of it headed towards towards Asia, and slightly later additions due in China and S. E. Asia, oversupply also seems imminent.

How will market players contend with the new market reality?

Will the global polyolefins industry see more consolidations, as low-cost gas-based production from the Middle East offers new challenges to European, US and Asian producers?

For processors, it has also been tough going this year, as their margins have been under tremendous pressure from surging PE and PP costs. But they expect surplus supply to improve their bargaining position.

However, it will not be all smooth sailing for the downstream players. With the US economy heading towards a possible recession, the biggest market for Chinese plastic goods exports is under a cloud.

Although demand for PE and PP has displayed robust growth in China and the rest of Asia in the past year, there are challenges ahead.

The demand scenario in the Number 1 polymer importer in the world post-Olympics is uncertain. Environmental regulations and emerging trade barriers offer further challenges to the converting industry in China and elsewhere.