Market sources informed SSESSMENTS.COM that Dow Chemical had restarted three polyethylene (PE) plants which it shut in April due to low demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Two PE plants in Texas and one in Bahia Blanca, Argentina along with two elastomers units in Louisiana were shut due to widespread economic shocks starting in April.
The two elastomers plants remained shut because of persistently sluggish demand for more durable materials. However, CEO Jim Fitterling, during the company's quarterly earnings calls, said durable plastic demand from the automotive, construction and electronics industries are expected to improve gradually. He also said that the shutdowns and operating rate reduction were aimed to keep inventories in check amid low demand.
