JPCA：日本石化行业持续低迷

Group 1 - The Japanese petrochemical industry is facing a decline in production due to weak domestic demand, with a projected decrease in output for 2024 compared to previous years [1] - The operating rate of Japan's cracking facilities is expected to remain below historical levels, with a 6.3% year-on-year drop in ethylene production, reaching 4.99 million tons in 2024 [1] - Total production of five major plastics (LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC) is anticipated to fall to 5.7 million tons in 2024, a decrease of 5.2% from 2023 [1] Group 2 - Domestic ethylene equivalent demand in Japan is expected to see a slight increase of 1.4%, reaching 3.92 million tons in 2024 [1] - Despite anticipated global economic growth in 2025, geopolitical issues pose risks that could negatively impact demand [1] - The actual GDP growth rate in Japan is projected to accelerate to 1.2% in 2025, driven by increased exports, sustained personal consumption, and higher capital investment [1] Group 3 - The Japanese Petrochemical Association (JPCA) emphasizes the industry's new role in achieving carbon neutrality and promoting a circular economy [2] - The industry is encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing facilities using current technologies before gradually introducing new technologies for sustainable development [2]