Operation status of BDO units outside Chinese mainland

Supply of BDO recovers gradually in Chinese mainland from the beginning of Mar. The overall operating rate of BDO plants has climbed to above 75%. Xinjiang Tianye and Shaanxi Ronghe’s units are preparing to restart. The supply of contract goods turns better. Pressed by cost pressure, most downstream plants still run at low capacity now. The market is still in stagnation as sellers and buyers are waiting for an appropriate price.

Supply of BDO has apparently restored in Chinese mainland, while 3 BDO units outside Chinese mainland shut down in 2021. Supply has declined substantially outside Chinese mainland amid unexpected shutdowns since mid-Feb. Total BDO capacity amounts to 1.8 million tons /year outside Chinese mainland and the specific operation status is indicated below:

BDO units that are under maintenance are expected to resume operation in Apr, while plants that announced force majeure still have uncertainty. Overseas demand is recovering now. Short supply is likely to sustain outside Chinese mainland in Mar due to reducing supply. Under such circumstance, some resources from Chinese mainland will flow outside.