Overall imports and exports grow in 2016 / Sales to Europe fall / Strong growth in India, Iran and South Africa / Assocomaplast adds four new members

Global price explosion for elastomeric feedstock / HIPS, ABS and PA 6.6 under pressure

Global demand to expand by 3.3% per year to 2021 / High-performance products to grow at higher rate / Smithers Rapra report

Petrochemicals and plastics: Following earlier rise, former tiger state increasingly under pressure / Expansions in China limit sales outlets / Government-initiated restructuring / Quality over volume / Feedstock partnerships with foreign players

Fire in Ruwais refinery takes out propylene production facilities / Deliveries to Borouge likely affected

Plastics industry continues on the road to growth / Processing segment gains 3% / Local polymer supply still inadequate / Lack of investment / Strong customer industries / Uncertain political landscape

Processors' association plans to drive use of recyclate / Availability is greatest obstacle

Chinese market continues to grow / Volume expected to reach USD 50 bn in 2020 / Spectaris report

HDPE: Basell Orlen lifts force majeure

South American market contracts between 2013 and 2015 / Growth expected again in lead-up to 2020 / Brazil is largest producer / Study by IAL Consultants

IK industry association expects further growth in 2017 / Optimistic start to new year / Renewable Energies Law remains an obstacle

Global market to expand by 13% per year to 2022 / Ageing populations and prevalence of chronic diseases lift demand / Allied Market Research report

Isocyanates: Covestro lifts force majeure in Europe

Global materials market to see annual growth rate of 18.3% to 2022 / Lower prices and rising adoption of technology fuel growth / Plastics as leading material / Automotive will remain biggest consumer / Allied Market Research study

VW, Daimler and BMW invest in battery production / Strong growth for plastic parts / Plans to set up brand-independent network of charging stations across Europe