Industry Trends
December 2019
See what has been happening in Asia’s petrochemicals, agrochemicals, automotive, bio energy, and mining industries over the last weeks. What are experts and industry magazines talking about?
What has been happening?
Singapore’s push for sustainable palm oil, chip industry growth, clean marine fuel, and more. Find out what journals and industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Singapore could become world's first sustainable palm oil nation
Straits Times
Singapore could become the world’s first country to only use sustainable palm oil as part of a green push to tackle forest fires and air pollution blighting Southeast Asia.
Singapore could become the world’s first country to only use sustainable palm oil as part of a green push to tackle forest fires and air pollution blighting Southeast Asia.
Clean Marine Fuel in 2020: An Opportunity for Biofuel?
Biofuels Digest
2018 saw the shipping industry take its first steps towards addressing the challenge of climate change when, at its 72nd session in April, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050.
2018 saw the shipping industry take its first steps towards addressing the challenge of climate change when, at its 72nd session in April, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050.
Single digit growth for chip industry in 2020
Electronics Weekly
After a 16% drop in 2019, IC Insights believes that 2020 will see single-digit growth for the IC industry. IC Insights expects a ‘moderate’ increase in the worldwide economy, and expects that the chip industry will continue displaying an ‘excellent correlation’ with worldwide GDP growth.
After a 16% drop in 2019, IC Insights believes that 2020 will see single-digit growth for the IC industry. IC Insights expects a ‘moderate’ increase in the worldwide economy, and expects that the chip industry will continue displaying an ‘excellent correlation’ with worldwide GDP growth.
Commentary: Changes in financial markets trouble mining industry
MINING.com
Analysts at CPM have studied the precious metals and commodities markets — including investment trends in mining equities — since the 1970s. This long and intimate involvement gives us insight into the transformations that clearly now are wracking the buy side, the sell side and the mining industry. The CPM Group recently completed a study of over-the-counter (OTC) and exchange metals markets.
Analysts at CPM have studied the precious metals and commodities markets — including investment trends in mining equities — since the 1970s. This long and intimate involvement gives us insight into the transformations that clearly now are wracking the buy side, the sell side and the mining industry. The CPM Group recently completed a study of over-the-counter (OTC) and exchange metals markets.
Alcoa-Rio Tinto JV sells first carbon-free aluminium to Apple
Mining Technology
Rio Tinto and US aluminium producer Alcoa’s joint venture (JV) Elysis has sold the first commercial batch of carbon-free aluminium to technology giant Apple. The metal is being made by Elysis, which was formed to facilitate large-scale development and commercialisation of aluminium smelting. Elysis secured $144m from the two companies, Apple and the Canadian and Quebec Governments.
Rio Tinto and US aluminium producer Alcoa’s joint venture (JV) Elysis has sold the first commercial batch of carbon-free aluminium to technology giant Apple. The metal is being made by Elysis, which was formed to facilitate large-scale development and commercialisation of aluminium smelting. Elysis secured $144m from the two companies, Apple and the Canadian and Quebec Governments.
Nickel, cobalt price: Electric car sales are tanking, but metal use spikes
MINING.com
The global auto industry will produce 88.8 million cars and light trucks this year, an almost 6% drop from a year ago, according to researcher IHS Markit, quoted by Bloomberg News. Electric cars have been a bright spot, but due to a cut in subsidies, China’s automobile manufacturing industry body recently said fewer new energy vehicles (NEVs as they are termed domestically which includes battery-powered and hybrid vehicles) could be sold this year than in 2018.
The global auto industry will produce 88.8 million cars and light trucks this year, an almost 6% drop from a year ago, according to researcher IHS Markit, quoted by Bloomberg News. Electric cars have been a bright spot, but due to a cut in subsidies, China’s automobile manufacturing industry body recently said fewer new energy vehicles (NEVs as they are termed domestically which includes battery-powered and hybrid vehicles) could be sold this year than in 2018.
RFA stresses ethanol benefits at UN Climate Change Conference
Ethanol Producer Magazine
Low-carbon ethanol is an economical and proven solution for fighting global climate change, the Renewable Fuels Association told world leaders in Madrid at the U.N. Climate Change Conference, also known as COP25.
Low-carbon ethanol is an economical and proven solution for fighting global climate change, the Renewable Fuels Association told world leaders in Madrid at the U.N. Climate Change Conference, also known as COP25.
Ford turns McDonald’s coffee waste into headlights
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
Many automakers are looking to incorporate sustainable materials in vehicle production, and Ford is not excluded from this. The company recently announced that it will collaborate with McDonald’s to use coffee beans in vehicle parts such as headlights, as part of efforts to reach its goal of using recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles globally.
Many automakers are looking to incorporate sustainable materials in vehicle production, and Ford is not excluded from this. The company recently announced that it will collaborate with McDonald’s to use coffee beans in vehicle parts such as headlights, as part of efforts to reach its goal of using recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles globally.
Consortium to develop printed sensors to monitor EV batteries
Electronics Weekly
CPI, the printed sensor specialist, is developing printed sensors for EV battery current density imaging. This could increase battery life, reduce charging times and help to improve consumer safety, confidence and uptake of EVs. These sensors will be a able to provide live information on each of the thousands of cells in an EV.
CPI, the printed sensor specialist, is developing printed sensors for EV battery current density imaging. This could increase battery life, reduce charging times and help to improve consumer safety, confidence and uptake of EVs. These sensors will be a able to provide live information on each of the thousands of cells in an EV.
Open-source driving customisation which drives new chip industry players
Electronics Weekly
UltraSoc is offering an open-source implementation of its RISC-V trace encoder via the OpenHW Group. The availability of a production-grade, standards-compliant processor trace solution is a key enabler for developers, and supports the OpenHW Group’s aim of creating an open, commercial grade ecosystem for development based on open-source processors.
UltraSoc is offering an open-source implementation of its RISC-V trace encoder via the OpenHW Group. The availability of a production-grade, standards-compliant processor trace solution is a key enabler for developers, and supports the OpenHW Group’s aim of creating an open, commercial grade ecosystem for development based on open-source processors.
Organic semiconductor could benefit next-generation electronics
New Electronics News
Slightly bending semiconductors made of organic materials can roughly double the speed of electricity flowing through them and could benefit next-generation electronics such as sensors and solar cells, according to Rutgers-led research.
Slightly bending semiconductors made of organic materials can roughly double the speed of electricity flowing through them and could benefit next-generation electronics such as sensors and solar cells, according to Rutgers-led research.
Mercedes-Benz begins battery production in Thailand
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
Mercedes-Benz has begun local production of plug-in hybrid-batteries in Thailand with the opening of its new battery plant, which is located at the company’s vehicle manufacturing plant in Samut Prakan.
Mercedes-Benz has begun local production of plug-in hybrid-batteries in Thailand with the opening of its new battery plant, which is located at the company’s vehicle manufacturing plant in Samut Prakan.
Petrofac Mulls Offshore Oil Asset Sale in Malaysia
Rigzone.com: Latest News Headlines
Petrofac Ltd., the U.K.-listed oilfield service provider, is weighing a sale of its Malaysian assets for about $300 million.
Petrofac Ltd., the U.K.-listed oilfield service provider, is weighing a sale of its Malaysian assets for about $300 million.
Brazil plants largest corn crop on record thanks to increased ethanol production and Chinese demand
Biofuels Digest
In Brazil, on the back of increased demand for corn-based ethanol as well as exports to China resulting from the continued trade war between the Asian country and its traditional corn supplier, the US, Reuters reports Brazil has planted its largest crop of corn on record at 18 million hectares, up 3.5% on the year. As a result, corn production may reach 101 million metric tons during the 2019/20 season. Brazil harvests corn twice per year.
In Brazil, on the back of increased demand for corn-based ethanol as well as exports to China resulting from the continued trade war between the Asian country and its traditional corn supplier, the US, Reuters reports Brazil has planted its largest crop of corn on record at 18 million hectares, up 3.5% on the year. As a result, corn production may reach 101 million metric tons during the 2019/20 season. Brazil harvests corn twice per year.
Indonesia sees 2022 biodiesel consumption at 10.1 billion liters
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, Reuters reports that as the country pushes its biodiesel blending mandate to 30% in January, it has raised its biodiesel consumption estimates for 2022 to 10.1 billion liters, up from an estimated 9.8 billion liters in 2021 and 9.6 billion liters in 2020 when the new mandate replaces the previous 20% blend.
In Indonesia, Reuters reports that as the country pushes its biodiesel blending mandate to 30% in January, it has raised its biodiesel consumption estimates for 2022 to 10.1 billion liters, up from an estimated 9.8 billion liters in 2021 and 9.6 billion liters in 2020 when the new mandate replaces the previous 20% blend.
Malaysian vehicle sales data in October 2019 by brand
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data by brand for the month of October 2019, which saw a total of 53,870 units delivered. The figure is 9,204 units – or 20.61% – more than the 44,666 units that were recorded in September. On a brand-to-brand basis, Perodua continued to retain its position at the top, delivering 22,808 cars in the month.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data by brand for the month of October 2019, which saw a total of 53,870 units delivered. The figure is 9,204 units – or 20.61% – more than the 44,666 units that were recorded in September. On a brand-to-brand basis, Perodua continued to retain its position at the top, delivering 22,808 cars in the month.
Jetta sub-brand for VW launched in China – 30,000 units sold in three months; 80% comprised of VS5 SUV
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
Volkswagen has announced launch of the entry of its sub-brand, Jetta into the China market, following the delivery of nearly 30,000 units from the new sub-brand in the country. This makes the Jetta’s introduction to China the most successful in recent times by measure of the first three months of sales, according to Volkswagen; the VS5 SUV took the lion’s share of sales with 80% of total deliveries in this time.
Volkswagen has announced launch of the entry of its sub-brand, Jetta into the China market, following the delivery of nearly 30,000 units from the new sub-brand in the country. This makes the Jetta’s introduction to China the most successful in recent times by measure of the first three months of sales, according to Volkswagen; the VS5 SUV took the lion’s share of sales with 80% of total deliveries in this time.
Report: Thailand could benefit from ethanol imports
Ethanol Producer Magazine
A recently released report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service says that while Thailand has relied on domestic ethanol production, the country could benefit from importing ethanol and other biofuels.
A recently released report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service says that while Thailand has relied on domestic ethanol production, the country could benefit from importing ethanol and other biofuels.
Pertamina to develop business case for B100
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, Tempo newspaper reports that the former governor of Jakarta, Pertamina’s new chief commissioner, has said the state-owned oil company must head for B100 on the back of a request from the president, a goal he says the company is capable of achieving. With the country’s significant palm oil supplies on hand as feedstock, the only challenges remain developing a convincing business case including subsidies and efficiencies, he said.
In Indonesia, Tempo newspaper reports that the former governor of Jakarta, Pertamina’s new chief commissioner, has said the state-owned oil company must head for B100 on the back of a request from the president, a goal he says the company is capable of achieving. With the country’s significant palm oil supplies on hand as feedstock, the only challenges remain developing a convincing business case including subsidies and efficiencies, he said.
Zijin Mining to acquire Canada’s Continental Gold for $1.05bn
Mining Technology
China’s Zijin Mining has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Canadian mining firm Continental Gold for a total equity value of C$1.4bn ($1.05bn) in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Zijin Mining has agreed to buy all of the outstanding shares of Continental Gold priced at C$5.50 ($4.14) a share. The company will gain access to Continental Gold’s 100%-owned flagship high-grade Buritica gold project in the northwest region of Colombia.
China’s Zijin Mining has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Canadian mining firm Continental Gold for a total equity value of C$1.4bn ($1.05bn) in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Zijin Mining has agreed to buy all of the outstanding shares of Continental Gold priced at C$5.50 ($4.14) a share. The company will gain access to Continental Gold’s 100%-owned flagship high-grade Buritica gold project in the northwest region of Colombia.
Russia Opens Giant Gas Link to China
Rigzone.com
The world’s biggest natural gas exporter and one of the globe’s top consumers of the fuel cemented their energy cooperation on Monday.
The world’s biggest natural gas exporter and one of the globe’s top consumers of the fuel cemented their energy cooperation on Monday.
B30 vehicle test completed, shows similar performance to B20
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post reports that the five-month road test using 30% blended biodiesel, B30, has been completed and showed similar performance in in power, emissions and fuel consumption compared to B20. The test used 11 vehicles that were driven up to 50,000 kilometers using B30 before the government’s mandate to increase biodiesel blends goes into effect in early 2020.
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Post reports that the five-month road test using 30% blended biodiesel, B30, has been completed and showed similar performance in in power, emissions and fuel consumption compared to B20. The test used 11 vehicles that were driven up to 50,000 kilometers using B30 before the government’s mandate to increase biodiesel blends goes into effect in early 2020.
Cambodia's construction sector continues skyscraping performance
NST Online
Investments in the Cambodian construction sector are expected to rise to 78 per cent by the end of the year, compared to 2018.
Investments in the Cambodian construction sector are expected to rise to 78 per cent by the end of the year, compared to 2018.
Indonesia plans $55b extension of Jakarta's metro network
Straits Times
Indonesia is preparing to spend about US$40 billion (S$55 billion) to extend Jakarta’s metro network, a bigger-than-expected outlay that is poised to boost the country’s construction companies and reignite a rivalry between China and Japan for the project’s contract.
Indonesia is preparing to spend about US$40 billion (S$55 billion) to extend Jakarta’s metro network, a bigger-than-expected outlay that is poised to boost the country’s construction companies and reignite a rivalry between China and Japan for the project’s contract.
Indonesia's US$40 billion rail expansion could rival Hong Kong, Singapore while reigniting China-Japan rivalry
South China Morning Post
Indonesia is preparing to spend about US$40 billion to extend Jakarta’s metro network, a bigger than expected outlay that’s poised to boost the country’s construction companies and reignite a rivalry between China and Japan.
Indonesia is preparing to spend about US$40 billion to extend Jakarta’s metro network, a bigger than expected outlay that’s poised to boost the country’s construction companies and reignite a rivalry between China and Japan.
China to target quarter of vehicle sales to be electric by 2025
Asian Correspondent
China should adopt a plan that will see electric vehicles make up a quarter of all autos sold in the country in six years’ time, the industry ministry said Tuesday, as the sector struggles with falling sales. A draft blueprint for the development of the “new energy vehicle” sector — which includes hybrids and fully-electric vehicles — comes after the government withdrew subsidies for carmakers earlier this year.
China should adopt a plan that will see electric vehicles make up a quarter of all autos sold in the country in six years’ time, the industry ministry said Tuesday, as the sector struggles with falling sales. A draft blueprint for the development of the “new energy vehicle” sector — which includes hybrids and fully-electric vehicles — comes after the government withdrew subsidies for carmakers earlier this year.
Myanmar builds airport in mountainous northwestern state
Consult Myanmar
Myanmar is building an airport in the far-flung mountainous Falam township of Chin state to bring more tourists to the region. the Department of Civil Aviation has said. The authorities are using a state budget of 19.93 billion kyats (13.28 million U.S. dollars) for the first phase of the Surbung Airport project, according to the Department of Civil Aviation late on Monday. Runways, terminals and navigation facilities are being built.
Myanmar is building an airport in the far-flung mountainous Falam township of Chin state to bring more tourists to the region. the Department of Civil Aviation has said. The authorities are using a state budget of 19.93 billion kyats (13.28 million U.S. dollars) for the first phase of the Surbung Airport project, according to the Department of Civil Aviation late on Monday. Runways, terminals and navigation facilities are being built.
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