Braskem Mexico plant utilization climbed sharply at the end of 2025, reaching its highest level in nearly eight years after the company began importing ethane directly from the United States. The operational improvement marks a turning point for its US$5.2 billion petrochemical complex in Veracruz state.
The Braskem Idesa facility recorded a utilization rate of 92% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Notably, this represents a 15 percentage point increase from the 77% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. Moreover, it stands as the plant’s strongest quarterly performance since the first quarter of 2017.
The surge in Braskem Mexico plant utilization followed the launch of a new import strategy designed to secure more reliable feedstock. For years, the polyethylene complex faced production constraints due to inconsistent ethane supply from Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex. Consequently, output levels fluctuated despite steady market demand.
In mid-2025, however, Braskem began operating Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM), a US$580 million infrastructure project. The terminal allows the company to replace most domestic ethane supply with imports from the United States. As a result, the plant gained greater operational stability and feedstock security.
During the fourth quarter alone, the terminal supplied 29,400 barrels per day of ethane. By comparison, it delivered 11,300 barrels per day in the third quarter. Therefore, the ramp-up in imports directly supported the improved Braskem Mexico plant utilization rate.
When fully commissioned, the TQPM terminal will have the capacity to supply up to 80,000 barrels per day of ethane. This capacity expansion positions Braskem to operate closer to full output on a sustained basis.
Beyond operational gains, the company also reported stronger sales performance. According to its production and sales report, Mexican sales volumes increased 14% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Sales reached 221,000 tonnes, marking the highest fourth-quarter volume since 2017.
The improved feedstock flow helped stabilize polyethylene production, which has been constrained since the plant began operations in 2016. Historically, unreliable ethane deliveries from Pemex forced Braskem Idesa to operate below optimal capacity. However, the shift to US imports has reduced supply volatility and enhanced output predictability.
Industry observers note that the rise in Braskem Mexico plant utilization reflects broader integration between US and Mexican petrochemical markets. Ethane exports from the US Gulf Coast have grown steadily, supported by abundant shale gas production. Consequently, cross-border energy trade has become a key driver of regional manufacturing competitiveness.
For Braskem, the strategic infrastructure investment signals a long-term commitment to Mexico’s plastics sector. By securing stable feedstock, the company can better serve domestic and export markets while improving cost efficiency. Furthermore, higher utilization rates typically translate into stronger margins and improved economies of scale.
Looking ahead, the full commissioning of the TQPM terminal could further elevate operational performance. If supply flows remain stable, Braskem Mexico plant utilization may approach sustained high levels, reinforcing the plant’s role as a critical petrochemical hub in Latin America.
Ultimately, the combination of infrastructure investment, diversified ethane sourcing, and improved sales volumes marks a decisive operational recovery. After years of feedstock challenges, Braskem’s Veracruz complex appears positioned for steadier production and stronger financial performance in the years ahead.
