In 2011 Russia increased production of chemicals by 5.2%

In 2011, the growth of chemical production in Russia slowed down and made 5.2%. In 2010, this figure was 14.6%. The highest production growth last year fell on the producers of polyamides and polystyrene, according to MRC analysts.

The volume of production of polyamides in primary forms grew more than by 20%, production of polystyrene - by 14%. The other polymers production grew less by 10%.

The total production of olefins (ethylene and propylene) made 3,686 million tonnes. The output of ethylene increased to 2,468 million tonnes, which was by 3.7% more than in 2010. Production of propylene actually stayed at the level of 2010 - about 1,218 million tonnes. The output of styrene rose to 486 thousand tonnes, with an increase of 2.6%. Benzol production remained the same and made 1.1 million tonnes.

The production of caustic soda has been gradually shortening since 2007 on the back of complete halt of plants (e.g., Usolyekhimprom) as well as reducing of capacities utilization at other facilities. Last year Khimprom (Cheboksary), Khimprom (Volgograd), Sibur-Neftekhim and Novomoskovskij Chlor reduced caustic soda output.

The total volume of caustic soda production declined by 2.5% to 1,047 million tonnes (calculated on 100% basis). With 128,500 tonnes of them fell at the solid caustic soda.