K-Petrochem Rebound Signal: Naphtha Price Rise Lifts Earnings

South Korea’s petrochemical industry showed signs of an earnings rebound after the Middle East war drove naphtha prices higher. As feedstock prices rose, the value of existing inventories was reappraised, and Lotte Chemical posted operating profit of 73.5 billion won. LG Chem and Hanwha Solutions also showed improvement, while NCC operating rates in Yeocheon and Daesan increased. However, the recovery may be limited to a temporary effect rather than a structural turnaround in market conditions. Industry observers say restructuring is needed to strengthen fundamentals. Source: mk.co.kr