H1-2010 naphtha imports and exports rise

28-Jul-10

China imported 1.3107 mln tons of naphtha in H1-2010, up 42%, and exported 604,400 tons, up 171% yoy, as per data released by the General Administration of Customs. C1 Energy has attributed the rise of imports to robust demand from a newly operated petrochemical plant in Dalian, started up in H2-2009. However, China's actual market demand for naphtha is on the decline as petrochemical plants lower run rates on falling petrochemical and polymer prices in the past two months. This caused a surge of naphtha exports. In June, China imported 217,10 0 tons of naphtha, up 45% yoy and exported 117,400 tons, down 32% yoy.