In the wake of the deadly natural catastrophes that hit Japan, it comes as no surprise that leading global PVC manufacturer Shin-Etsu Chemical (Tokyo / Japan; www.shinetsu.co.jp) has declared force majeure for deliveries from its plant in Kashima. The company also announced FM for silicium wafers manufactured in Shirikawa. With a nameplate capacity of 500,000 t/y of PVC, Shin-Etsu's plant in Kashima is the largest of its kind in Japan.

The Japanese PVC producer said it was reviewing the extent of the quake and tsunami-related damages, adding that it is still unclear how long force majeure will remain in place. For a detailed report on the effects of the recent natural catastrophes on Japan's petrochemical sector, see Plasteurope.com of 18.03.2011.