Summary: The cover story and primary focus of the issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of March 21, 2011, is the tragedy in Japan. The devastating earthquake and tsunami have hit the Japanese chemical industry hard, shutting down major petrochemical production—and the near-term impact will mean tighter markets for certain chemicals. Also in this issue, there is coverage of US polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and how exports are keeping the industry alive; acrylate prices in the US and Europe refuse to fall; China and India are driving Asian coatings growth; and so much more.
