US butadiene (BD) production is expected to grow in 2019 as new ethylene capacity increases availability of feedstock crude C4 (CC4). SEE MORE Key petrochemicals in Asia have tumbled to multi-year lows in the fourth quarter, with some struggling to stage a rebound as the typical demand lull toward the end of the year is being exacerbated by concerns over the US-China trade war. SEE MORE China’s spot battery-grade lithium carbonate market was steady week on week. Producers are focused on finalizing negotiations for prices of lithium raw material spodumene with miners and insisted on the current price range. Meanwhile, downstream buyers were in no hurry to place new orders because they still have stocks on hand. SEE MORE China’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday it resolutely opposed “slanderous” accusations from the United States and other allies criticizing China for economic espionage, urging Washington to withdraw its accusations. SEE MORE The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed hope that Britain and the EU would be able to strike a Brexit deal in the near future, and called for a greater "openness" of the European economy to Chinese investment as well. SEE MORE