Japanese synthetic resin exports show mixed results

Apr. 25,1997 Exports of different synthetic resins are showing mixed results, although materials exports are generally strong due to the weaker yen.
PE and PP exports to Asian nations are increasing, while polystyrene shipments are slowing. Exports of vinyl chloride resins are brisk, rising 23 % year-on-year in the January-March period, while domestic shipments increased only 9 %.
Japan Polyolefins Co., an affiliate of Showa Denko KK and Nippon Petrochemicals Co., will raise its ratio of PE and PP exports to total output from 11 % in the last half of 1996 to 15 % in January-June 1997. It will further increase the ratio to 19 % in the second half of this year. Demand for PE and PP for use in sundry goods and films is brisk in China, Indonesia and India, a Japan Polyolefins official said.
Some companies are shifting marketing operations to respond to increased exports. Japan Polychem Co., an affiliate of Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. and Tonen Chemical Corp., has set up a foreign department to deal withexports and overseas operations in response to increasing shipments of PE and PP to Asian countries. Japan Polyolefins has also increased export personnel and will expand such staff further.