Wedoany.com News, Recently, Sasol's cracker unit located in Louisiana, USA, has resumed operations. This event is seen as a key signal for the recovery of the global chemical market, highlighting the strategic role of integrated production networks in stabilizing supply chains.

With an annual capacity of 1.5 million tons of ethylene, this unit is a crucial component of the key chemical hub along the Gulf Coast in North America. Its product line covers various types of polyethylene and ethylene glycol, among others. The unit experienced an extended unplanned shutdown during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, leading to regional supply tightness, spot price volatility, and triggering ripple effects in the supply chain and market rebalancing. This successful restart is expected to significantly stabilize the supply of related chemicals. As a capital-intensive project, this facility fully demonstrates the cost advantages of North American shale gas feedstock and the export convenience brought by its geographic location.

The unit is operated as a 50:50 joint venture between Sasol and LyondellBasell. This model effectively shares risks and capital pressures, enhancing operational resilience. Analysis points out that the operational status of such large-scale core facilities has a profound impact on the pricing dynamics and supply security of the global chemical market.