Beijing – China has increased its rate of TDI production this year, compared with 2015, according to Li Jianbo,vice general secretary of the China Polyurethane Industry Association.
Last year China’s TDI facilities were running at a relatively low capacity utilisation rate, and averaged nationwide at 70%-80%, due to low prices. “Not a lot of TDI makers suspended production, though,” Li told UTECH-polyurethane.com.
“The rate has risen to 80%-90% this year as the price went up substantially,” Li added. China’s TDI price, at a historic low in 2015 fluctuating around CNY 12,000/tonne ($1,800/tonne), has jumped to over CNY 16,000/tonne this year.
Routine checkups at domestic facilities as well as global factors, such as Mitsui Chemicals & SKC Polyurethanes shutting down its 120kT/year plant in Kashima, Ibaraki this May, contributed to the price rise.
