Chinese demand for ethylene oxide continues to rise,even as prices shoot up

摘要

With the rapid development of polyester,surfactants and other downstream sectors in China,the demand for ethylene oxide(EO)in China has outstripped supply.Short supplies,coupled with rising oil prices,have resulted in prices of EO shooting upwards in 2004.The average price of EO reached RMB 12,466 per ton in 2004-an increase of about 36% over 2003.The trend is expected to continue in 2005,with more serious shortage predicted for supplies.