Borouge Plc has reported an exceptional third quarter in 2025, achieving a remarkable 52% quarter-on-quarter increase in net profit, reaching $295 million. This stellar performance was driven by record production levels, robust sales, and stringent cost management, surpassing market expectations and solidifying the company’s leadership in the global polyolefins industry. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange-listed petrochemicals giant also posted an adjusted EBITDA of $565 million, reflecting a best-in-class margin of 39%, up from 34% in Q2. Despite a decline in benchmark prices, Borouge maintained premium pricing for its differentiated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) products, averaging $233 and $142 per tonne, respectively, over the first nine months of 2025. CEO Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi credited the company’s resilient business model and operational excellence for the outstanding results. Following the successful and ahead-of-schedule turnaround of its Borouge 3 plant in Q2, the company increased utilization rates to 110% for PE and 112% for PP, resulting in a 19% rise in quarterly sales volumes to 1.4 million tonnes. The Asia Pacific region emerged as a key growth driver, accounting for 61% of total sales, up from 57% in the previous quarter. For the nine-month period ending September 2025, Borouge reported revenues of $4.17 billion, slightly lower than the $4.41 billion recorded in the same period last year due to reduced average selling prices. However, net profit rose to $769 million, supported by operational efficiency and cost control. The company reaffirmed its full-year dividend intention of 16.2 fils per share, with the second-half payout expected in April 2026. Additionally, Borouge continued its share buyback program, repurchasing over 157.5 million shares by the end of Q3, reflecting strong confidence in its long-term growth prospects. Looking ahead, Borouge is nearing completion of its Borouge 4 expansion project, which is over 90% complete. The first plant is expected to commence operations by year-end, adding 1.4 million tonnes of annual capacity and significantly boosting earnings potential. The project will become a core asset of the proposed Borouge Group International (BGI), set for launch in Q1 2026. Innovation remains central to Borouge’s strategy, with the reintroduction of its enhanced BorSafe PE100-RC pipe grade, which won ‘New Product of the Year’ at the Asian Oil and Gas awards. In advanced packaging, Borouge unveiled a new Borstar PP grade supporting up to 50% post-consumer recycled content, reinforcing its commitment to circular and sustainable solutions. The company’s AI, Digitalisation and Technology (AIDT) program has already delivered $477 million in value this year, with a target of $575 million for 2025. Borouge is also pioneering AI-powered autonomous control room operations at its Ruwais facility in collaboration with Yokogawa and Honeywell. With strong fundamentals, expanding capacity, and a focus on innovation, Borouge is well-positioned to capitalize on improving market dynamics and deliver sustained value to shareholders.
作者： admin
-
Overwhelming majority of Palestinians oppose Hamas disarmament, poll finds
A recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) reveals that a significant majority of Palestinians are against the disarmament of Hamas and remain skeptical of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The survey, conducted between October 22 and 25, 2023, involved 1,200 respondents from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, with a margin of error of 3.5 percent. Approximately 70 percent of Palestinians oppose Hamas’s disarmament, even if it means a return to Israeli attacks. Opposition is particularly strong in the West Bank, where 80 percent of respondents support Hamas retaining its weapons, compared to 55 percent in Gaza. The poll also highlights widespread pessimism about Trump’s peace plan, with 62 percent of Palestinians doubting its ability to end the conflict permanently. This skepticism is more pronounced in the West Bank (67 percent) than in Gaza (54 percent). Despite the ongoing violence, 53 percent of Palestinians believe the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel was justified, with higher support in the West Bank (59 percent) than in Gaza (44 percent). Hamas continues to enjoy greater popularity than Fatah, with 35 percent of Palestinians supporting Hamas compared to 24 percent for Fatah. The poll also reveals dissatisfaction with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, with 85 percent of respondents calling for his resignation. Trump’s peace plan proposes a committee of Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza, overseen by a U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace.’ While 45 percent of Palestinians support this idea, opposition remains strong in the West Bank. The plan also includes deploying Arab and Muslim peacekeepers to Gaza, which faces mixed reactions, with 78 percent opposition in the West Bank and 52 percent in Gaza. However, support increases when peacekeepers are tasked with securing Gaza’s borders without disarming Hamas. The ceasefire has been marred by Israeli violations, including a devastating attack on Gaza City and Khan Younis, resulting in over 100 Palestinian deaths, including 46 children.
-
K-pop group NewJeans loses legal battle against agency
In a significant legal development, K-pop sensation NewJeans has been unsuccessful in its bid to terminate its contract with record label Ador. A South Korean court ruled on Tuesday that the group’s agreement with the agency, which extends until 2029, remains legally binding. The five-member group, consisting of Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji, had announced their unilateral departure from Ador last year, alleging mistreatment and manipulation by the label. Despite their claims, the court upheld the contract’s validity, prompting the group to plan an appeal, as reported by local media. This case has sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry, marking a dramatic escalation in the year-long dispute between the chart-topping act and its agency. Earlier this year, the group rebranded as NJZ, released a new single, and performed in Hong Kong before their independent activities were halted by a court injunction. The ruling underscores the complexities of artist-label relationships in the highly competitive K-pop industry.
-
Egg freezing before cancer treatment gives young women hope for future motherhood
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Orchid Fertility highlights a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. For many young women and men, a cancer diagnosis during their reproductive years can jeopardize their dreams of parenthood due to the damaging effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Fertility preservation, or cryopreservation, offers a lifeline by enabling patients to freeze eggs, sperm, or embryos before undergoing cancer therapy, safeguarding their ability to have biological children in the future. Despite growing awareness of early cancer detection and treatment, fertility preservation remains underdiscussed, a gap Orchid Fertility aims to bridge. Dr. Partha Sarathi Das, Medical Director at Orchid Fertility, emphasizes that decisions made before treatment can profoundly impact a patient’s future family-building options. Modern cryopreservation techniques provide tangible hope for young patients, allowing them to preserve their fertility potential before life-saving therapies. For women, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is particularly valuable, as it can be initiated quickly without delaying cancer treatment. Men can opt for sperm freezing, a straightforward procedure, while couples may choose embryo cryopreservation. Advanced methods like ovarian tissue cryopreservation are also emerging for patients who cannot delay treatment or are prepubescent. A 33-year-old woman diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma exemplifies the transformative impact of fertility preservation. After freezing her eggs before chemotherapy, she later returned to undergo further fertility treatment, resulting in healthy embryos stored for future use. Her story underscores how timely fertility preservation empowers cancer survivors to pursue parenthood on their terms. With breast cancer survival rates improving, the ability to start a family post-treatment is increasingly recognized as a vital component of comprehensive care. Dr. Das advocates for integrating fertility preservation into every cancer care plan for young patients, offering hope, choice, and a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
-
US Fed cuts interest rate by 25 basis points
In a significant monetary policy move, the US Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday, October 30, 2025, a reduction in the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing the target range to 3.75 to 4 percent. This decision marks the second interest rate cut by the Fed this year, reflecting its ongoing efforts to navigate economic challenges and stimulate growth. The rate adjustment was made during the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, where policymakers assessed the current economic landscape and determined the necessity of easing monetary conditions. The move is expected to influence borrowing costs across the economy, impacting consumers, businesses, and financial markets. Analysts suggest that the rate cut could provide a boost to economic activity, particularly in sectors sensitive to interest rate changes, such as housing and automotive industries. However, concerns remain about the potential long-term effects on inflation and financial stability. The Fed’s decision underscores its commitment to balancing economic growth with price stability, as it continues to monitor global economic trends and domestic indicators.
-
Tokyo auto show highlights technology but Trump’s tariffs loom large
The Tokyo Mobility Show, currently underway at Tokyo Big Sight, is showcasing a dazzling array of futuristic transportation solutions, ranging from electric vehicles to cutting-edge personal mobility devices. Among the highlights is Honda Motor Co.’s Uni-One, a robotic chair designed for quick, quiet personal transport by 2035. Toyota Motor Corp. also unveiled a helicopter-like aircraft with six propellers, developed in collaboration with U.S. aviation firm Joby, though it remains in the experimental phase. The event, which opened to the public on November 9 after a media preview, emphasizes innovation in mobility while addressing broader industry challenges. A significant backdrop to the show is the looming impact of U.S. tariffs on Japanese automakers. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise auto tariffs from 2.5% to 15% is projected to slash over 2 trillion yen ($13 billion) from annual operating profits. Japanese automakers, including Mazda and Nissan, are responding with strategies to mitigate these effects. Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, highlighted efforts to develop emotionally intelligent vehicles and sustainable technologies. Nissan showcased its Sakura electric car prototype, featuring a solar-powered roof called the ‘Ao-Solar Extender,’ designed to generate electricity for household use and emergency power during disasters. Meanwhile, Toyota and Nissan are considering importing U.S.-made models back to Japan to address trade imbalances. The Japanese government has pledged to invest $550 billion in the U.S. and purchase Ford vehicles. Despite these challenges, Japanese automakers remain committed to innovation and market adaptation. Toyota’s CEO, Koji Sato, emphasized tailoring offerings to diverse customer preferences, while Nissan’s Ivan Espinosa underscored the importance of Japan as a core market. The show also featured Toyota’s Land Hopper, a collapsible electric bicycle designed to complement the upcoming Land Cruiser FJ. As automakers brace for the full impact of tariffs in 2024, analysts predict increased U.S. production and diversification into markets like Australia and Canada.
-
UAE Central Bank lowers key benchmark rate to 3.90%
In a significant monetary policy move, the UAE Central Bank announced a reduction in its key benchmark rate to 3.90%, effective October 30. This decision, which lowers the base rate on overnight deposit facilities by 25 basis points from 4.15%, comes in direct response to the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points earlier on Wednesday. This marks the second rate cut by the Fed this year. The UAE’s monetary policy is closely tied to the US due to the dirham’s peg to the US dollar, necessitating alignment with Federal Reserve actions. Additionally, the UAE Central Bank has opted to maintain the interest rate for short-term liquidity borrowing at 50 basis points above the base rate for all standing credit facilities. The base rate, which is anchored to the US Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate on Reserve Balances, serves as a critical indicator of the UAE’s monetary policy stance and sets a floor for overnight money market rates. The US rate cut aims to stimulate the economy amid ongoing challenges, including the lingering effects of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the prolonged government shutdown, which has disrupted the publication of official economic data. Fed officials have expressed concerns about a cooling labor market, prompting a focus on bolstering employment despite inflation remaining above target. While financial markets had anticipated the October and December rate cuts, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) remains open to future decisions. Analysts, including EY chief economist Gregory Daco, suggest that Powell has not yet committed to a December rate cut, though two quarter-point reductions this year are widely expected. Amid these developments, Trump’s efforts to exert greater control over the Federal Reserve and plans to replace Powell add further complexity to the economic landscape.
-
Cruise ship ‘failed’ woman who was left on island and died, family says
The daughter of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind by a cruise ship on a remote island and later died has accused the operator of a ‘failure of care and common sense.’ Suzanne Rees, a healthy and active woman from New South Wales, was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, on Sunday. She had been hiking with fellow passengers the previous day but was not on the ship when it departed hours later. Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed her shock and sadness, stating that the Coral Adventurer left ‘without my mum.’ She criticized the cruise operator for not ensuring her mother’s safety, especially given the extreme heat and her mother’s need to rest during the hike. Suzanne had been on the first stop of a 60-day cruise around Australia, which had departed from Cairns earlier in the week. Passengers, who pay tens of thousands of dollars for the cruise, were taken to Lizard Island for a day trip with options for hiking or snorkeling. Suzanne had joined a group hike to the island’s highest peak, Cook’s Look, but separated from the group to rest. Katherine Rees revealed that her mother fell ill during the hike and was instructed to return unescorted. The ship allegedly departed without conducting a passenger count, leaving Suzanne alone on the island. Katherine hopes a coronial inquiry will determine what actions the company could have taken to save her mother’s life. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is investigating the incident and will meet with the ship’s crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. AMSA was first alerted to Suzanne’s disappearance by the ship’s captain at around 21:00 local time on Saturday. A search party was dispatched but failed to locate her until her body was discovered by a helicopter on Sunday morning. Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and assured that the company is cooperating with authorities. The Coral Adventurer, designed to access remote areas of Australia’s coast, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Harriet Mallinson, a cruise editor, noted that such incidents are rare, as cruise ships typically have robust systems to track passenger movements. She described the event as a ‘shocking and tragic one-off.’
-
At least 20 dead as Hurricane Melissa hits Haiti
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Haiti, claiming at least 20 lives and causing widespread devastation, according to local media reports. The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit the Caribbean in recent years, brought torrential rains and severe flooding to multiple regions, particularly impacting the southwestern coastal town of Petit-Goave. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of Petit-Goave, described the scene as catastrophic, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and debris. Footage from the area revealed extensive damage, with victims’ remains still buried under collapsed structures. The hurricane has exacerbated the already dire situation in Haiti, where over 1.3 million people have been displaced due to gang violence. Many of these displaced individuals sought refuge in shelters, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port-au-Prince, where makeshift homes with plastic sheet roofs were inspected during the storm. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as Haiti faces yet another humanitarian crisis in the wake of this natural disaster.
-
Hurricane Melissa floods and destroys towns across Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic flooding across the Caribbean, resulting in widespread destruction and a mounting death toll. In Jamaica, authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least four individuals, while neighboring Haiti has reported a staggering 20 fatalities due to the relentless flooding. The storm’s ferocity has submerged towns, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced countless residents, leaving communities in disarray. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to provide aid and assess the full extent of the damage. Meteorologists warn that the hurricane’s path may continue to pose significant threats to other regions in the coming days. The Caribbean nations, already vulnerable to extreme weather events, are now grappling with the aftermath of this latest natural disaster, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.