---
title: "Braskem ceases chlor-alkali production in Brazil: Union"
description: "Braskem SA has ceased chlor-alkali production at its Maceio unit in Brazil, dismantling it for scrap. The closure affects the production of caustic soda, with the unit having a capacity of 460,000 met"
type: "news"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/261563812.md"
published_at: "2025-10-17T07:10:35.000Z"
---

# Braskem ceases chlor-alkali production in Brazil: Union

> Braskem SA has ceased chlor-alkali production at its Maceio unit in Brazil, dismantling it for scrap. The closure affects the production of caustic soda, with the unit having a capacity of 460,000 metric tons per year. Braskem will continue PVC and vinyl chloride production using imported ethylene dichloride. The exit is expected to increase demand for caustic soda from US suppliers, as Brazil is a major destination for US exports. Customers are seeking alternatives, impacting the market dynamics for PVC and polyethylene.

Braskem SA (Sao Paulo) has fully shut down its chlorine and caustic soda unit at Maceio, Brazil, and is dismantling it for scrap, according to Antonio Freitas, director of the local workers' union, as per Chemweek.

Although the closure marks Braskem’s exit from chlor-alkali production in Brazil, the company will continue to operate its downstream polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl chloride monomer production lines using ethylene dichloride imported from the US, Freitas said Oct. 16.

Braskem did not respond to requests for comment by Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights.

The Maceio unit had capacity to produce 460,000 metric tons per year of caustic soda, according to data from Commodity Insights. Brazil’s remaining caustic soda production capacity totals 1.3 million metric tons per year. Unipar Carbocloro SA is the largest producer, with four plants totaling 607,000 metric tons per year, followed by Dow Inc. with one plant totaling 468,000 metric tons per year.

On Oct. 14, a PVC trader said that two distributors and several Braskem customers had confirmed the closure of the Maceio chlor-alkali unit. The same source noted that “both PVC and polyethylene will be significantly affected,” as the plant closure contributes to ongoing uncertainties surrounding Braskem’s situation.

Caustic soda producers in the US, Brazil’s main supplier, expect an increase in demand owing to Braskem’s exit.Brazil is the primary destination for US caustic soda exports. Between January and July 2025, it accounted for 53% of the exported volumes, the same percentage as in 2024, according to US International Trade Commission data.A local market source said that Braskem’s contract customers are already seeking alternatives, exploring options with external suppliers as well as with Unipar, the other Brazilian caustic soda producer. “Everyone will fight for this market share,” the source said.On Oct. 14, Platts assessed spot export caustic soda at $400 per dry metric ton FOB US Gulf Coast, down $30 on the week.According to data from the Brazilian government, between January and September, the US accounted for 93% of the volume of caustic soda imported by Brazil.

mrchub.com

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> **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.