Chemicals Division
Message from the COO
- Managing Executive Officer, COO, Chemicals Division
- Kenichi Hatta
The Chemicals Division handles a wide range of products, from upstream basic petrochemicals to downstream specialty chemicals and electronic materials.
In contrast to favorable conditions in the first half of fiscal 2008, ended March 31, 2009, the division was hit hard by rapidly deteriorating economic conditions worldwide in the second half of the year.
For fiscal 2009, we will focus attention on generating and expanding trading and business in the Asian region, most prominently China and India. Another parallel focus will be to increase transactions with large-scale petrochemical operations in the resource-competitive Middle East, and to work pointedly through the Chemical Project Dept. to identify and further promote new chemical product businesses that can better withstand tough economic conditions.
Sources of Strength
• Established and leading presence in markets for olefins and synthetic fiber intermediates
The division has been building a presence mainly in Asia since the 1980s, particularly in the olefin market. The division’s quick responsiveness to changes in the supply and demand balance and ready transportation access via specialty tanker chartering are among the advantages that support its top-class industry position today.
• Outstanding business volume in the trade of vinyl chloride monomers and resins
The division’s experience joint venture with a U.S.-based manufacturer, enabled familiarity with the industry that has translated into securing major supply sources and sales channels, resulting in steady growth in trading volume for vinyl chloride monomers and resins.
• Strong ties with the world’s leading suppliers of salt and boric acid
The division has earned the trust of its trading partners through securing stable supply by investing in and financing a number of major supply sources in close proximity to resources, and by achieving supply stability.
• Comprehensive efforts across the whole supply chain
The division seeks to contribute to future profitability in downstream chemical products such as electronic
materials, including LCDs and semiconductors, as well as functional materials, detergents, and performance chemicals.
News & Topics
Expanding Ethylene Operations
Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing and Sales Business in China
Agrochemicals Business in the United States
