Japanese and S Korean benzene producers plan a cutback in run rates

03-Oct-08

Sanyo Petrochemical Co Ltd's 300,000 tpa benzene plant has reduced operating rates by 5% at Mizushima, on waning demand and meager profit margin realization. Japan Energy Corp. plans to reduce runs at benzene plants in Chita and Kashima by 10-20%. Benzene capacity at Japan Energy Corp's Chita BTX complex is 200,000 tpa, while paraxylene capacity is 400,000 tpa. The BTX complex at Kashima has a 190,000 tpa benzene unit and two paraxylene plants - 420,000 tpa and 150,000 tpa. South Korea's Yeochon Naphtha Cracking Centre (YNCC) plans to reduce by 10%, run rates at three of its BTX plants in Yeosu due to a switch of raw feedstock, maintenance turnaround and poor profit margins. Benzene capacity at No.1, No.2 and No.3 BTX plants stands at 200,000 tpa, 130,000 tpa and 120,000 tpa respectively.