PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

Consolidation of PTA production in South Korea / Hanwha, Lotte and Hyosung want to merge activities

RUSSIA

Market for standard thermoplastics grapples with old and new challenges / WTO entry will force lower import tariffs that could further pressure local producers / Price developments similar to western Europe

YEAR IN REVIEW

Plastics economy bounces back from crisis in 2010 / Truly remarkable year sees demand, prices, industry sentiment improve / Structural changes are emerging / Dawn of Asian century near?

DOW

Sales of styrenics and PC to private equity said near / First round of bidding for spin-off