Japanese chemical giant Shin-Etsu has announced a $3.4 billion investment to expand its PVC and chlor-alkali chain in Plaquemine, Louisiana. The project includes new electrolysis facilities that will significantly increase caustic soda and VCM production capacity.
Since chlor-alkali operations rely on salt as a core raw material, this massive expansion will drive long-term industrial salt demand and reshape logistics flows in the Gulf Coast region. The move is aimed at strengthening feedstock security for Shin-Etsu's global supply chain.