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Send RFQ’s | Find Chemical Suppliers Issue 3: 16th November 2009       European Commission rules that chemical firms fixed prices in plastics cartel. Strike action and force majeure ends at BASF’s Belgian maleic anhydride (MA) plant. Meanwhile, bad weather impacts production in China. News from ICIS Asian sellers plan to export spot benzene cargoes to the US as they expect better margins early next year. India has levied a 20% duty on Chinese soda ash imports until April 2010. Increased ethylene capacity in Asia and the Middle East will create a global surplus of 10-15% in the coming years, putting pressure on prices. The European Commission has imposed a total fine of €173m ($258m) on 10 leading chemical companies for their part in a plastics additives cartel. Heavy snowfall in parts of northern China paralyses chemical transportation, prompting some production cuts. Dow Chemical intends to raise polycarbonate (PC) prices in the US by 15 cents/lb on 1 December. Buyers, however, suggest there is little chance of success. The strike that began on 22 October at BASF’s MA plant at Feluy, Belgium, has ended and the company has lifted its force majeure declaration. Companies are eager to gain a foothold in the photovoltaic industry, which is set for rapid growth over the next decade. Latin American biodiesel market surges as Europe slaps US with duties. In the media Netherlands-based AkzoNobel signs agreement with Dow Chemical to buy its powder coatings activities. Brazil’s Braskem and Idesa of Mexico agree to develop a large petrochemical project in Mexico. Germany’s BASF launches a new biodegradable plastic for coating paper and wrapping packaged goods. ICIS search new look page ICIS search new look page was launched last week. We've worked on the page to give it a new lay-out, making it easier to use. Your opinion is important to us, so please review the new ICIS search page here and share your thoughts with us.   Join the Chemical Purchasing group in Linkedin     ICIS Conferences       The 8th European Aromatics & Derivatives Conference 25 - 26 November 2009   The 3rd ICIS Bioresources Summit 25 - 26 November 2009   The 5th ICIS Pan-American Base Oils & Lubricants Conference 3 - 4 December 2009 More conferences

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