Output LDPE, PP and PS grows 11-14%

Production in Japan of three of four major resins, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, showed year-on-year increases of 11-14% in October, reflecting strong demand. Shipments of the four resins grew 8-14%, with domestic shipments of polypropylene reaching an all-time high. Output of high-density polyethylene dipped 7% because some plants focused on the production of the linear low-density variety. While exports of high-density polyethylene fell 14%, exports of three other resins showed double-digit growth, with polystyrene marking a 63% increase. Inventories of high-density polyethylene shrank 10% from September and those of low-density polyethylene and polypropylene dipped 1-2%, while polystyrene inventories grew 2%.