China’s biomaterials industry has achieved some progress in 2013. For example, Ecomann actively promoted its PHA products in the 19th International Trade Fair No.1 for Plastics and Rubber Worldwide and in the 27th International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries in Oct. and May 2013 respectively. Moreover, some domestic enterprises are focusing on the research of blended PE and achieve some progress. Besides, wood-plastic composite (WPC) is bringing business opportunities to domestic enterprises as well in 2013.
Some companies also showed an active development momentum in Nov. and Dec. 2013. For example, the 65,000t/a 1, 3-propanediol (PDO) and 1, 4-butanediol (BDO) production lines owned by Glory Biomaterial were put into operation on Dec. 10, 2013. Kingfa signed a framework agreement about promoting its biodegradable agricultural film on Dec. 5, 2013. Shenzhen Union Red Kite Holding introduced new bio-based NPG 100% degradable plastic at the China Hi-Tech Fair on Nov. 19, 2013. Hexing Chemical's PBS project received governmental support on Dec. 9, 2013.
As for the raw materials, China's corn price decreased in Oct. but increased in Nov. 2013 and was expected to continue to rise in the next two months. Besides, new production capacity of 20,000 tonnes was put into SA industry in Dec. 2013, which may result in an oversupply.
In Nov. 2013, the import volume of PLA increased, while the export volume decreased compared to Oct. 2013. Besides, the import volume of fresh cassava increased compared to Oct. 2013, and the import volume of dry cassava increased month on month as well. China's import volume of castor oil and its derivatives decreased while the import price recorded a monthly increase from Oct. 2013.
The RMB/USD exchange rate in this issue is USD1.00=RMB6.1329 on Dec. 2, 2013, sourced from the People's Bank of China. If there are any specific subjects you would like us to investigate, or any topics you would like us to cover in more details, please contact us by +86-20-3761 6606, or econtact@cnchemicals.com.

