The North American Chlorine industry remained subjected to acute volatility during the third quarter with supply largely deterred from outages caused due to high winds as a result of Hurricane Laura and a series of regional storms thereafter. Chlor-Alkali Production rates were held at about average levels in the first half of the quarter amid softening demand for the by-product Caustic Soda lye. Constrained Chlor-Alkali rates and a lack of Chlorine feedstock for PVC production further triggered potential shortage in the PVC export volumes among some US producers. The demand, however, gathered uptrend later after a sharp pick-up in enquiries for Chlorine derivatives such as EDC (ethylene dichloride), VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was observed. A leading manufacturer reported shipment of some railcar Chlorine at the highest price since 2003 during the third quarter.
ChemAnalyst addresses the key problematic areas and risks associated with chemical and petrochemical business globally and enables the decision-maker to make smart choices. It identifies and analyses factors such as geopolitical risks, environmental risks, raw material availability, supply chain functionality, disruption in technology and so on. It targets market volatility and ensures clients navigate through challenges and pitfalls in an efficient and agile manner. Timeliness and accuracy of data has been the core competency of ChemAnalyst, benefitting domestic as well as global industry in tuning in to the real-time data points to execute multi-billion-dollar projects globally.
Company-wise installed capacity, production volume and plant operating efficiency is captured directly from manufacturers. Import and Export volume is captured from government sources and demand for Acrylonitrile is calculated considering the production, import, export and inventory-levels on the country and regional level markets.
Acrylonitrile price is correlated with the price trend of crude oil, demand-supply gap, Propylene and with movement across the downstream derivatives such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) etc.
Basic details and information on financial performance of leading global players in the Acrylonitrile market is presented in a visually captivating manner. Expansion plans and the company’s strategy is also captured to understand the vision and mission of the company to help understand the areas where companies need to focus more.
Daily updates on industry-specific and product-specific news, exclusive primary-based news capturing plant shutdowns/outages/closures, capacity expansions, operating rates, insights on demand-supply situation, awarding of technology licenses, new product launch and deals specifying mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments and disinvestments, to help players capitalize on market opportunity.
Finally, region-specific markets for Chlorine are analyzed and region-wise demand pattern is tracked.
Liquid Chlorine is produced as a co-product with Caustic Soda which is manufactured primarily by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution, often called brine. The electrolysis involves either of membrane, diaphragm or mercury cell technology. Chlorine can also be produced through several other techniques such as, via electrolysis of potassium chloride brine in membrane or mercury cells with simultaneous production of potassium hydroxide; by electrolysis of molten sodium or magnesium chloride; by electrolysis of hydrochloric acid; or by non-electrolytic processes. The key raw material is the common salt, usually found in the underground deposits which is pumped to the surface through a high-pressure water supply. The electrolysis of brine produces nearly 1.1 tonne of 100% caustic soda with each tonne of Chlorine. Chlorine is widely used for manufacturing PVC via the intermediates ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). In addition, it is also used to produce several organic and inorganic chemicals, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals as well as chemicals for water treatment and sterilization. Since it is co-produced with Caustic Soda, the supply of Chlorine is largely influenced by the Caustic supply chain. However, because these two products are consumed in different end-use industries, making it a challenge for producers to balance the demand curve of both the products.
