China Styrene Import Dependence Status and Localization Technology Breakthrough Direction?

Status Quo of Styrene Import Dependence in China and Breakthrough Direction of Localization Technology

in recent years, with the rapid development of China's economy and the continuous advancement of infrastructure construction, styrene, as an important chemical raw material, has continued to grow in demand in the fields of plastics, rubber, and fibers. China's styrene industry is facing high import dependence and obvious technical bottlenecks. This paper will discuss the development prospects of China's styrene industry from the aspects of current situation analysis, technology gap and future breakthrough direction.

1. Styrene Market Demand and Import Dependence Status

Styrene (Styrene) is an important organic compound, which is widely used in the production of polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC) and other plastic products, and is also an important raw material for synthetic rubber and fiber. With the rapid development of China's manufacturing industry, the demand for styrene is increasing year by year. Statistics show that China's apparent consumption of styrene will exceed 15 million tons in 2022, of which about 60% will rely on imports. This situation not only increases the dependence on foreign capital and technology, but also faces international market price fluctuations and supply chain risks.

The main reason for import dependence is the lack of domestic production capacity. Although China is the world's largest chemical producer, there is still a gap in styrene production technology, process optimization and cost control. The rapid growth of market demand has further intensified the degree of external dependence.

2. Styrene Localization Technology Bottleneck and Gap

The production technology of styrene is complex, involving catalyst development, process optimization and equipment manufacturing. At present, the main bottlenecks in China's styrene production technology include the following:

1. Catalyst technology: One of the core technologies for styrene production is the development of catalysts. Foreign companies such as Dow Chemical and BASF have advanced catalyst technology, but China still needs a breakthrough in high activity and high selectivity catalysts.

2. Process optimization: The traditional production process of styrene includes styrene monomer (SM) method and vinyl benzene method. There is a gap between domestic enterprises and the international advanced level in process optimization and energy consumption control.

3. Environmental protection requirements: With the increasingly stringent environmental protection policies, the treatment of by-products and pollutants produced in the production of styrene has become a new challenge.

3. Localization Technology Breakthrough Direction and Path

In order to reduce the dependence on imports and enhance the competitiveness of China's styrene industry, the future direction of technological breakthroughs can be started from the following aspects:

1. investment in technological innovation and research and development:

   • Increase investment in new catalyst research and development to improve catalyst life and efficiency.
   • Promote process technology green and intelligent development, reduce energy consumption and pollution.

2. optimization of industrial structure and chain integration:

   • By optimizing the industrial structure, refining and chemical enterprises and chemical enterprises to achieve coordinated development.
   • Promote upstream raw material diversification, such as the use of coal-based raw materials to produce styrene, reduce oil resource dependence.

3. Drawing on international experience and paying equal attention to independent research and development:

   • In the introduction of international advanced technology, accelerate the digestion and absorption of innovation.
   • Encourage enterprises and universities, scientific research institutions to promote the depth of integration.

4. environmental protection technology breakthrough:

   • Strengthen the styrene production process of pollutant treatment technology research and development, improve wastewater, waste gas treatment efficiency.
   • Promote green manufacturing and reduce environmental impact.

4. Future Prospects and Suggestions

Facing the fierce competition in the global chemical industry, China's styrene industry must speed up the breakthrough of localization technology and enhance the ability of independent innovation. Through technological innovation, industrial structure optimization and environmental protection technology upgrading, we will gradually reduce import dependence and achieve high-quality industrial development.

At the policy level, the government should continue to increase support for key technology research and development, and provide tax incentives and special financial support. Enterprises should pay attention to R & D investment and personnel training, and accelerate the transformation of technological achievements. Industry organizations and research institutions should also strengthen cooperation and form a joint force to jointly promote the localization process of styrene industry.

The future of China's styrene industry is full of challenges and opportunities. Through technological breakthroughs and industrial upgrading, my country is expected to occupy a more important position in the global chemical industry, gradually get rid of import dependence, and achieve sustainable development.