Braskem Continues to Thrive Amidst Global Uncertainty
Despite the volatile global macroeconomic environment in the second quarter of 2026, Braskem has managed to maintain its operational momentum, with key highlights presented during the company's recent earnings release conference call.
According to Mrs. Rosana Avolio, Investor Relations, Strategic Planning, and Global Market Intelligence Director, the conflict in the Middle East restricted the global supply of feedstock, particularly to Asia, leading to higher international market prices for oil and naphtha – Braskem's main feedstock. This, in turn, positively impacted production costs among marginal producers in Asia, resulting in higher prices for resins and chemicals on the international market.
As a result, Braskem's PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) spreads saw significant increases, with the U.S. PE market experiencing a 40% higher spread compared to the average from 2016 to 2025. This created an opportunity for export to the U.S. PE market with more attractive netbacks and higher margins.
In Brazil, Braskem's petrochemical plants maintained an average utilization rate in line with the previous quarter, despite the high volatility of feedstock prices in international markets. The company's strategy of maintaining production levels has helped mitigate the impact of these external factors on its operations.
Additionally, Braskem's sales volume of resins in the Brazilian market saw a 2% decrease compared to the previous quarter. However, this was largely due to the high prices and volatility in the market, which may have led to reduced demand from customers.
The company's priorities for the second half of 2026 include addressing the global supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East and continuing to optimize its operations to maximize efficiency and competitiveness. With its strong operational performance during a challenging quarter, Braskem has once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
