Episode 939: Think Tank: Europe MMA stirs as low gas prices reawaken petrochemicals

Europe methyl methacrylate (MMA) production is on the cusp of restarting as lower gas prices breathe life back into region’s petrochemical sector.-          Rhoem and Trinseo slowly increasing MMA run rates, but not fully-          Europe MMA costs hurt by high propylene, acetone feedstock prices -          Flood of cheap imports from Asia undermines Europe production-          Freight rates have normalised, product can flow freely from Asia-          But netbacks from Asia to Europe have collapsed to long-term average-          UK Mitsubishi MMA plant may shut down permanently -          Mixed picture on MMA demand in Europe-          Concerns over long term viability of Europe MMA production-          20m tonnes/year of excess polyethylene (PE) capacity globally-          But several new cracker projects underway despite overcapacity