What specific production lines is Asahi Kasei discontinuing or modifying by FY2030, and what are the stated reasons?

Asahi Kasei will discontinue domestic production of styrene monomer (SM) and polyethylene (PE) by FY2030; reduce ACN production and discontinue Duranol polycarbonatediol (PCD) at Mizushima Works by FY2030; discontinue its 200,000 tonne/year ACN line while converting its 50,000 tonne/year MAN line to ACN/MAN co-production. The company cites 'low and structural' operating rates for SM, HDPE, and LDPE — driven by long-term demand decline due to Japan's population decline and 'diminished competitiveness in the East Asian region' — as the core reasons.

How will Asahi Kasei ensure continued supply of ACN and MAN after domestic discontinuation, and what is the status of its ethylene-related facilities amid Middle East supply disruptions?

ACN supply will be fulfilled by Tongsuh Petrochemical Corp in South Korea, and MAN supply by Asahi Kasei Performance Chemicals Corp in China. Meanwhile, the ethylene facility and related derivatives facilities operated by AMEC at Mizushima Plant remain operational despite severe naphtha supply curtailment from the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February; AMEC has secured short-term naphtha procurement prospects and reports no current interruption in derivative supply.

Asahi Kasei to Discontinue SM, PE Production by FY2030 Amid Oversupply

May 12, 2026

Asahi Kasei announced it will discontinue domestic production of styrene monomer and polyethylene by FY2030 due to structural oversupply. The company will also accelerate decarbonization using bioethanol feedstocks while maintaining stable supply through regional partners.

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