Supply Chain Research

The Chinese government has launched an investigation into exports of styrene from three countries including the U.S. As well as defending domestic production the move also reflects fragmentation among buyers – the top 10 only account for 46% of import purchases. Imports had been in a long-term downturn, falling 41% in the 12 months to April 30 vs. 2013. However, there has been a near-term recovery with a 12% jump in the past quarter. U.S. producers are the only ones to have seen sustained growth. That was partly due to low prices in U.S. west coast markets in 2015. Those have since recov...