SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES OF THE SINO-SOVIET BLOC 1959
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
S
Document Page Count:
59
Document Creation Date:
December 27, 2016
Document Release Date:
August 30, 2013
Sequence Number:
1
Case Number:
Publication Date:
October 1, 1960
Content Type:
REPORT
File:
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6.pdf | 3.09 MB |
Body:
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
SECRET
Economic Intelligence Report
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
OF THE SINO-SOVIET BLOC
1959
CIA/RR ER 60-28
October 1960
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Office of Research and Reports
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
N? 7i
50X1
50X1
SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
SECRET
Economic Intelligence Report
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
OF THE SINO-SOVIET BLOC
1959
CIA/RR ER 60-28
WARNING
This material contains information affecting
the National Defense of the United States
within the meaning of the espionage laws,
Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans-
mission or revelation of which in any manner
to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Office of Research and Reports
SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
,
S-E-C-R-E-T
CONTENT
Summary
I. Developments Within the Sino-Soviet Bloc and Trade
Page
1
with the Free World
3
A.
Mutual Assistance
3
B.
Trends in Integration of the Chemical Industries
of the Soviet Bloc
5
1. Specialization
5
2. Standardization
6
C.
Trade with the Free World, 1959
7
1. Chemical Products
7
2. Purchases of Chemical Plants and Process Data
from the Free World
7
3. Supply of Chemical Plants or Process Data to
Underdeveloped Countries
8
II.
Developments in Each Country
8
A.
USSR
8
1.
Significant Events During 1959
8
2.
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
9
3.
Progress in Major Products
10
4.
Major Problems Experienced in 1959
14
5.
Plan for 1960
15
6.
Outlook for Fulfillment of the Plan for 1960
and the Seven Year Plan (1959-65)
16
B.
East Germany
17
1.
Significant Events in 1959
17
2..
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
20
3.
Problems Encountered in 1959
22
I.
Plans for 1960
23
5.
Outlook
23
C.
Poland
25
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
1.
2.
3.
4.
Significant Events in 1959
Fulfillment of Plan, 1959
Plan for 1960
Outlook
Page
25
25
26
26
D.
Czechoslovakia
27
1.
Significant Events in 1959
27
2.
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
27
3.
Plan for 1960
28
4.
Outlook
29
E.
Rumania
29
1.
Significant Developments in 1959
29
2.
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
29
3.
Plans for 1960
30
)4.
Outlook
31
F.
Hungary
31
1.
Significant Events in 1959
31
2.
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
32
3.
Plans for 1960
33
4.
Outlook
34
G.
Bulgaria
34
1.
Significant Events in 1959
34
2.
Plan Fulfillment, 1959
35
3.
Plan for 1960
35
4.
Outlook
36
H. Albania 36
1. Significant Events in 1959
2. Outlook
I. Communist China
36
37
37
1. Significant Events in 1959 37
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959 38
3. Progress on Major Products 40
- iv -
-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Page
4. Plans for 1960 42
5. Outlook 43
J. North Korea 43
1. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
2. Plans
K. North Vietnam
Appendixes
Appendix A. Planned Cooperation in the Chemical
Industries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc in Fields
of Investment, Supply of Equipment, and
Technical Assistance
Appendix B. Production of Chemical Fertilizers in the
Sino-Soviet Bloc, Actual in 1958 and 1959
and Planned in 1960 and 1965
43
45
47
51
Tables
1. Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products
in the USSR, 1959
2. Production of Selected Chemical Products in East
Germany, 1958 and 1965 Plan
3. Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products
in East Germany, 1959
4. Planned Production of Selected Chemical Products in
Czechoslovakia, 1965
5. Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products in
Rumania, 1959
-v -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
10
19
21
28
30
50X1
' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Page
6. Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products in
Bulgaria, 1959 35
7. Estimated Production of Selected CheMical Products in
Communist China, 1959 38
8. Estimated Production of Selected Chemical Products in
North Korea, 1959 45
- vi -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
,CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
OF THE SINO-SOVIET BLOC*
1959
Summary
In 1959, most of the European Satellites announced new long-range
plans for their chemical industries. Under these plans, generally for
1961-65, production of chemicals is to increase faster than industrial
production as a whole, and major emphasis will be placed on mineral
fertilizers, petrochemicals, and synthetic materials such as rubber,
ple*ics, and fibers. Investment in the chemical industries is to be
increased to the extent that in Czechoslovakia and East Germany, for
example, it will amount to one-sixth of total investment in industry.
Increases in the value of chemical and industrial production in
1959 are shown in the chart below. In the USSR and East Germany, the
two largest producers of chemicals in the Sino-Soviet Bloc, the per-
centage increases in production of chemicals were less than those in
total industrial production, and in the USSR the increase of 10 per-
cent fell short of the average annual increases of 16 to 17 percent
required for fulfillment of the Seven Year Plan (1959-65).
USSR
EAST GERMANY
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
POLAND
HUNGARY
RUMANIA
BULGARIA
COMMUNIST CHINA
1096
1196
11096
112%
J12%
T11%
1 996
118%
121%
1196
iChemical Production
1 Total Industrial Production
1 28% (Plan)
125%
135%
?1 39%
1 4996
* The estimates and conclusions in this report represent the best
judgment of this Office as of 1 July 1960.
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
A variety of problems impeded expansion of the chemical industries
in the Sino-Soviet Bloc during 1959. Although investments in the
chemical industries rose significantly in the USSR, East Germany, and
Communist China, plans for such investment appear generally to have
been underfulfilled. The chemical industries in all countries of the
Bloc also were hampered by outdated technology, obsolete equipment,
poor planning of construction, and inadequate supplies of raw materials.
In Communist China the overburdened transportation system was unable
to maintain schedules of delivery, and the program for building a mul-
titude of small chemical plants failed to develop significantly.
Little progress was made in expanding production of fertilizers*
in the Sino-Soviet Bloc. Large percentage increases in some coun-
tries reflected the low level of production in 1958, and plans for
production of fertilizers in the European Satellites generally were
not fulfilled. A few advances were made in production of syhthetic
materials, such as commercial production of synthetic rubber in Poland
and initial production of polyvinyl chloride and synthetic fibers in
Rumania and Hungary, but progress was slow in most countries of the
Bloc. The USSR reported gains of 13 percent in production of plastics
and 8 percent in production of synthetic fibers, but greater annual in-
creases must be realized if the USSR is to achieve the goals of the
Seven Year Plan.
Under the auspices of CEMA (Council of Mutual Economic Assistance),
a number of new chemical installations went into operation as a result
of exchanges of technical data, extensions of credit, or mutual de-
liveries of equipment. Such installations included plants for produc-
tion of synthetic fiber in Poland, nylon in Hungary, cellulose and
superphosphate in Rumania, melamine plastic in East Germany, and nitro-
gen fertilizer in Communist China. A pipeline from Rumania to Hungary
was completed to supply natural gas for production of petrochemicals.
CEMA also continued to promote specialization and standardization in
the chemical industries of the Soviet Bloc.
The USSR and the European Satellites continued to make strenuous
efforts to purchase technology and equipment from the Free World, par-
ticularly for production of synthetic materials and petrochemicals.
The USSR placed orders in Free World countries for plants to produce
polyethylene and polyethylene pipe, chemical fibers, tire cord, am-
monia, acetylene, and a number of other chemicals. Poland and Czecho-
slovakia purchased process data for producing synthetic fibers. Ru-
mania contracted to purchase installations for producing tires, syn-
thetic fibers, and petrochemicals, and Hungary purchased equipment for
* Production of chemical fertilizers in the Sino-Soviet Bloc in 1958-59
and planned production in 1960 and 1965 are shown in Appendix B.
- 2 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
two plants for producing caustic soda. Negotiations are underway by a
number of the European Satellites to purchase plants producing poly-
ethylene.
The pattern of trade with the Free World in 1959 was much the same
as in 1958. An outstanding feature of this trade was the large-scale
import of natural rubber, principally by the USSR and Communist China.
In addition, Communist China imported substantial quantities of phos-
phates from Morocco in 1959. The USSR and Poland remained large ex-
porters of coal chemicals to the Free World.
Large increases in production of chemicals in the Sino-Soviet Bloc
are planned for 1960, ranging from an increase of 7 percent in Hungary
to 44 to 65 percent in Communist China.* The planned increases, how-
ever, are not yet sufficiently high to assure adequate progress toward
the long-range goals. The goals for production of chemicals in 1965
are unlikely to be fulfilled, particularly those for fertilizers and
synthetic materials. Of increasing significance will be the degree of
success the Bloc has in purchasing chemical technology and equipment
from the Free World. Although underfulfillment of the ambitious long-
range plans for chemical production in the Bloc is almost certain,
production of chemicals will have increased significantly by 1965,
permitting somewhat greater satisfaction of industrial and consumer
demands. Nevertheless, the Bloc will be unable to satisfy requirements
for fertilizers and synthetic materials. Communist China, particularly,
will remain dependent on foreign sources of supply for many chemical
inputs.
I. Development Within the Sino-Soviet Bloc and Trade with the Free
World
A. Mutual Assistance
The exchange of technical data and equipment for development of
the chemical industries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc continued in 1959,
chiefly in accordance with the directives of CEMA, and a number of
* Communist China recently has been' announcing in percentile ranges
many of the goals for increases of production, possibly because of
uncertainty as to the progress to be made.
- 3 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R -E -T
agreements were concluded on extension of credit to promote such devel-
opment.* The USSR reported that it was aiding in the construction of
37 chemical enterprises in the Soviet Bloc, including facilities for
production of 100,000 tons of synthetic rubber and 200,000 tons** of
phosphorus fertilizers.
Several new chemical plants and related facilities went into op-
eration during 1959 as a result of intra-Bloc cooperation. Poland be-
came the third country in the Sino-Soviet Bloc to produce synthetic rub-
ber in commercial quantities, with initial production reported at a
plant in Oswiecim. The plant is supplied with Soviet equipment and uses
a Soviet process for production of butadiene.t In Hungary a nylon
plant, equipped almost completely by East Germany, went into operation,
and a pipeline from Rumania to Hungary was completed in 1959 to supply
natural gas that will be used eventually as a raw material for produc-
tion of petrochemicals. Under the Rumanian-Hungarian mutual assistance
plan, a petrochemical process for production of acetone on a commercial
scale was developed at a jointly operated pilot plant located in Ru-
mania. A combine to produce cellulosett from reeds was buj\lt in
Rumania with the assistance of East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland,
the credit apparently to be repaid from production of the combine. A
superphosphate plant commissioned in Rumania was designed by Soviet en-
gineers, and most of the equipment also was supplied by the USSR. At
Piesteritz, East Germany, an installation to produce melamine plastic
was financed by Soviet credit. In Communist China, two nitrogen ferti-
lizer plants built by the USSR and one equipped by Czechoslovakia went
into operation. Trial production of synthetic rubber may have begun at
a Soviet-built plant in Lan-chou.
In spite of some progress in achieving cooperation among coun-
tries, a few unfavorable factors are still apparent. The technology
being traded is not always modern. The rubber plant in Poland, for ex-
ample, uses an outmoded process which results in a product perhaps twice
as expensive as similar products in the US. Furthermore, some of the
countries of the Soviet Bloc reportedly are reluctant to share techni-
cal data. The USSR, itself attempting to absorb important technical
details from other countries of the Bloc, is said to fall short in dis-
pensing Soviet knowledge. 2/
* For agreements reported in 1959 on exchange of data and equipment
and extensions of credit to promote development of the chemical indus-
tries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc, see Appendix A.
** Tonnages are given in metric tons throughout this report.
t An intermediate chemical used in production of synthetic rubber.
tt Initial production was restricted to cardboard, but cellulose
apparently is to be produced in 1960.
_J -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
B. Trends in Integration of the Chemical Industries of the Soviet
Bloc
Continued progress was made in 1959 toward integration of the
chemical industries of the Soviet Bloc. Although results have not been
outstanding, the projected coordination is rapidly moving beyond the
discussion stage. At a meeting in Berlin in April 1959, the CEMA per-
manent commission on chemicals considered questions concerning the
supply of raw materials to the participating countries in 1959-65 and
stressed the organization of joint research and planning in the chemi-
cal industry.
During 1959, additional information was revealed on plans to
increase specialization and standardization in relation to production
of both chemical products and chemical equipment. The available infor-
mation is summarized below.
1. Specialization*
In conformance with the guidelines established by CEMA,
plants for production of sulfuric acid, chlorine, ammonia, ?nitrogen
fertilizer, and plastics are to be set up in each country. In addi-
tion, each country is to specialize in certain chemical products,
although the country involved may not be the sole producer of such
products.** According to information reported in 1959, the following
lines of specialization in production have been approved _V:
Product
Polyvinyl chloride
Synthetic fibers
Synthetic rubber
(thiokol type)
Synthetic rubber
(butadiene-styrene)
Calcium carbide and soda ash
Potash fertilizers
Phosphate raw materials
Pharmaceuticals and dyes
Coal chemicals
Cellulose
Country
East Germany
USSR, East Germany, and Poland
Poland
East Germany
East Germany and Poland
USSR and East Germany
USSR
Hungary
USSR, Poland, and Czechoslovakia
Bulgaria and Rumania
* The efforts at specialization appear to be restricted to the coun-
tries that are official members of CEMA and thus exclude the Asiatic
Bloc
** The USSR, for example, probably will produce most basic chemicals
and finished chemical products.
*** The list includes some of the more significant chemicals for which
lines of specialization have been approved but is not all-inclusive.
-5-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
There is little information on actual implementation of the
plans for specialization, although reportedly Rumania has discontinued
production of insulin and aureomycin according to a CEMA agreement.
The general lines of specialization in production of chemi-
cal equipment in the Soviet Bloc were approved by sessions of CEMA held
in 1959. Reportedly, specialization in production of chemical equipment
will lead to an increase of about 45 percent in mutual deliveries among
the members of CEMA in 1959-65. The USSR and Rumania are said to share
responsibility for production of petrochemical equipment.* New supple-
mentary quotas reportedly were set in December for chemical equipment to
be supplied to the USSR by East Germany and Czechoslovakia, ).:_[/ which ap-
parently are scheduled to produce equipment for processing synthetic
materials and important basic chemicals.
2. Standardization
Standardization of chemical products and plants under the
aegis of CEMA is still in early stages of development. In the field of
rubber articles, agreement was reached in 1959 on design parameters for
certain tires (sizes 9:00 x 20 for trucks, 11:00 x 20 for buses, and
5:90 x 15 for passenger cars). Following developmental work, prelimi-
nary tests of these tires will be made in February 1961. The quality
of the standardized tires is to be vastly improved over that of present
tires. A tire life of 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers has been set as the
goal** for the truck and bus tires and 50,000 kilometers for the passen-
ger car tires. The existing norm for Soviet truck tires is about
32,000 kilometers. 2/
Standardization of designs for entire shops and plants pro-
ducing rubber articles also is planned. The USSR has been assigned
major responsibility for preparation of standardized designs for a tire
plant; Poland, for designs of shops producing foam rubber; Czechoslo-
vakia, for shops producing V-belts; and East Germany, for shops pro-
ducing conveyor and flat belts.***
* East Germany and Czechoslovakia also may supply some petrochemical
equipment to the Soviet Bloc, particularly in view of the modest capa-
bility of Rumania.
** The goal appears to be considerably more ambitious than domestic
goals reported by the USSR, which call for extending average tire life
by perhaps 30 to 40 percent.
xxx The decisions on allocation of assignments actually occurred late
in 1958, but the details above were not published until 1959.
- 6 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
C. Trade with the Free World, 1959
1. Chemical Products
Features of the year included the continued large imports
of natural rubber by the Sino-Soviet Bloc, which imported about
452,000 tons* in 1959, the USSR taking 236,000 tons** and Communist
China, 146,000 tons. China imported large quantities of phosphatic raw
materials from Morocco, the trade agreement for 1959 having called for
the import of 500,000 tons of phosphorus ore. The USSR and Poland re-
mained large exporters of coal chemicals to the Free World. Exports of
benzene and naphthalene may be curtailed in future years, however, be-
cause increasing amounts of these products will be required to support
the rapidly growing production of synthetic materials in the Sino-Soviet
Bloc.
2. Purchases of Chemical Plants and Process Data from the Free
World
The USSR and the European Satellites are making strenuous
efforts to expedite development of their chemical industries by pur-
chases of equipment and process data from the Free World, particularly
in the fields of synthetic materials, petrochemicals, and fertilizers.
About one-third of the Soviet orders for or deliveries of complete plants
from the West in 1959 presumably were linked with the projected expan-
sion of the chemical industry. Y Most of the orders will be reflected
in trade from 1960 to 1963. Suppliers of the equipment will include the
US, the UK, West Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Japan. Among the important
plants ordered by the USSR in 1959 were installations for production of
polyethylene and polyethylene pipe, chemical fibers and tire cord,
caustic soda, ammonia, and acetylene.
The European Satellites also have increased the tempo of
purchases of chemical equipment and data from the Free World. Poland and
Czechoslovakia purchased process data from a UK firm to produce a poly-
ester fiber similar to Dacron. Rumania reportedly concluded contracts
during 1959 for the purchase of a tire plant from the UK, several plants
from West Germany for production of synthetic fibers, and equipment from
France for production of petrochemicals. Hungary purchased from France
complete equipment for two plants to produce caustic soda, each with a
capacity of 10,000 tons, and ordered from West Germany installations for
production of polyvinyl chloride and for recovery of argon. East
* Figures are based on estimates of the International Rubber Study
Group, with a conversion from long tons to metric tons. It is not known
to what extent these figures represent net imports.
** Official Soviet statistics on imports of rubber, not yet available,
sometimes differ somewhat from estimates of the Rubber Study Group.
-r -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R -E -T
Germany is to obtain from the UK installations for production of ethyl-
ene, and East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Rumania are negoti-
ating with the UK for purchase of process data and equipment for
production of polyethylene.
3. Supply of Chemical Plants or Process Data to Underdeveloped
Countries
The more highly developed countries of the Soviet Bloc sell
chemical plants and associated technology, largely for production of
basic chemicals, to some of the underdeveloped countries of the Free
World, although the volume of such trade is minor compared with the
imports of chemical plants by the Bloc. Inasmuch as the internal re-
quirements of the Bloc for chemical plants are not fully satisfied,
exports of such equipment must be considered either as a manifestation
of political policy or, in certain cases, as a means of earning urgently
needed foreign exchange.
In 1959 a tire plant supplied by Czechoslovakia went into
operation in Indonesia, and Czechoslovakia also is to collaborate in
building a tire plant in India. Poland is to supply a nitrogen plaftt to
India in 1960.
II. Developments in Each Country
A. USSR
1. Significant Events During 1959
In 1959 the Soviet chemical industry made rather modest pro-
gress toward the goals of the Seven Year Plan (1959-65), and many of
the difficulties experienced in 1958 continued to delay construction of
new facilities. A highlight of the year was the revelation, at the
June Plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, that
59 chemical projects were included in the list of 250 top-priority in-
dustrial construction projects scheduled during 1959-65.* In recogni-
tion of the lags in implementing the Seven Year Plan for chemicals,
measures were approved by the Plenum to grant higher priority to the
chemical industry in securing equipment and materials.
Just before the Plenum in June 1959, the USSR reviewed the
size of investments required for new chemical plants and decided that
significant economies could be effected by expansions and improvements
at existing plants. According to the data published, a saving of more
* In 1960 the number of first-priority industrial construction projects
scheduled is 271, of which 50 are chemical projects.
- 8 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R -E -T
than 3 billion rubles* of investment could be made possible in 1959-65
by expansion of existing plants, where production of basic chemicals,
fertilizers, synthetics, and other products could be increased by sig-
nificant amounts.** 1/ The amount of publicity accorded this report
suggests that some expansion will occur at existing plants beyond that
originally contemplated under the Seven Year Plan and that such expan-
sion may be accompanied by a corresponding decrease in construction of
new plants.
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
The value of production of the Soviet chemical industry in-
creased 10 percent in 1959, compared with a 13-percent increase in 1958
and an average annual increase of 16 to 17 percent required for fulfill-
ment of the Seven Year Plan. For the first time since at least 1950,
the increase in production by the chemical industry was less than that
for industry as a whole. Moreover, the reported increase of 5 percent
in labor productivity for the chemical industry compared unfavorably
with an increase of 7.4 percent for all industry, at least partly re-
flecting a lag in the introduction of automation in the chemical
industry.
Within the products sector, the plan for 1959 was exceeded
for plastics and artificial and synthetic fibers and fulfilled before
the end of the year for chemical fertilizers, caustic soda, and motor
vehicle tires. The rate of increase for some of these products, how-
ever, was actually less than that achieved in 1958. Table 1XXX shows
Soviet production of selected chemical products in 1959.
Capital investment in the Soviet chemical industry in 1959
was 59 percent above that in 1958, compared with a planned increase of
71 percent. Shortfalls in construction can be ascribed to a number of
causes, including shortages of equipment and materials and lack of ade-
quate planning and organization. Again, as in 1958, there is evidence
of some diversion of funds from chemical projects, which compounded the
adverse effects of the failure to absorb allocated funds in some areas.
* Rubles may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of ex-
change of 4 rubles to US $1. This rate of exchange, however, may not
reflect the dollar value.
** These expansions apparently would be in addition to those already
scheduled at existing plants under the Seven Year Plan. Because the
expansions presumably would replace equivalent capacities originally
scheduled for installation at new plants, there is no indication that
the over-all plan for chemicals during 1959-65 has been raised.
XXX Table 1 follows on p. 10.
- 9 -
S -E -C -R -E -T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Table 1
Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products
in the USSR
1959
Product
Artificial and
synthetic fibers
Motor vehicle
tires
Sulfuric acid
Fertilizer
Percentage Increase
Production
1959
Unit Amount Above 1958
1958
Above 1957
Thousand metric 179 8 12
tons
Million units
Thousand metric
tons
Thousand metric
tons
15.5
5,100
12,900 2/
8 13
6 5
4 6
a. Gross weight. All figures given in this report for production of
fertilizers are in terms of gross weight unless otherwise indicated.
3. Progress in Major Products
a. Synthetic Materials
(1) Synthetic Rubber
The absence of synthetic rubber from the list of
products for which fulfillment of plan was claimed by the USSR in 1959
suggests that the plan was not fulfilled. There is no evidence that
the planned increase of 38 percent in capacity for production of syn-
thetic rubber was attained. There is considerable evidence, however,
that lags occurred in construction of new rubber facilities at Sumgait,
Stavropol', SterlitamAk, Karaganda, and Krasnoyarsk. At Sumgait an
October report claimed completion of the new shops, which are to be the
first in the USSR to produce synthetic rubber from oil gases, but a sub-
sequent report suggests that production at the new shops had not been
mastered by the end of the year. The new rubber plants at Karaganda and
Sterlitamak and the expanded facilities at Krasnoyarsk, scheduled for
initial operation in 1959, are now apparently to start up in 1960.
Little progress was evident in 1959 in the building
of facilities to produce polyisoprene rubber, a possible substitute for
-10-
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
natural rubber that is scheduled to constitute almost 25 percent of the
total production of rubber in 1965. At the Plenum in June 1959, discus-
sion of a suitable process for polyisoprene revealed that considerable
disagreement existed between Viktor S. Fedorov, the Chairman of the State
Committee for Chemistry, and Aleksandr N. Nesmeyanov, the President of
the Academy of Sciences. Although pilot production of polyisoprene has
occurred and a basic process reportedly has been selected, there appar-
ently is some reluctance to proceed with construction on the large scale
required by the Seven Year Plan, possibly because of dissatisfaction
with costs or other aspects of the process.
(2) Tires
Production of tires in the USSR increased 8 percent
in 1959, compared with an increase of 13 percent in 1958 and an average
annual increase of 10.4 percent required for fulfillment of the Seven
Year Plan.
Progress on construction or expansion of tire plants
was erratic in 1959. The Baku Tire Plant, originally scheduled for op-
eration in 1958, went into operation in November 1959 but failed to
achieve the annual plan for value of output. The Krasnoyarsk Tire
Plant, also originally scheduled for operation in 1958, failed to start
in 1959. The tire plant at Yerevan was expanded during 1959, and the
plant at Yaroslavl' began production of tubeless tires. In mid-1959,
Khrushchev censured the project at Dnepropetrovsk for construction of a
tire plant purchased from the UK and scheduled for operation in 1960,
claiming that the imported equipment had been lying around for more than
6 months and was beginning to rust. It was reported in 1959 that tires
are to be produced at rubber combines under construction at Saransk in
Mordovskaya ASSR and at Volzhskiy, near Stalingrad.
A development that may have important implications
for the tire industry has recently been reported in a Soviet news-
paper. _8./ Work has been carried out at the tire plant in Yaroslavl' on
development of replaceable treads for tires. The treads consist of
three separate bands, which are placed on the tire carcass. When the
bands wear out, they may be replaced, using the same carcass, thus of-
fering the possibility of improving tire life* and simplifying produc-
tion of both treads and carcass. On the basis of the Soviet descrip-
tion, the new treads bear a striking resemblance to a development by an
Italian firm that was publicized in the Western press during 1959.
Soviet plans for 1960 call for further development of the replaceable
treads at the tire plants in Yaroslavl' and Moscow.
* Only a small portion of Soviet tires are presently recapped after the
original tread wears out.
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
(3) Plastics
Soviet production of plastics increased 13 percent
in 1959, which, although repdrtedly an exceeding of the plan, compares
unfavorably with the average annual increase of more than 30 percent
required by the Seven Year Plan. New installations producing plastics
or intermediates for plastics included shops producing polyvinyl chlo-
ride and dissocyanates in Dzerzhinsk, a large phenolic plastic shop in
Kemerovo, and a polyurethane foam unit in Moskovskaya Oblast.
Progress appears to have been particularly poor in
1959 on development of the versatile plastic polyethylene, production
of which is scheduled for a 246-fold increase during 1959-65. The lag
in development of polyethylene illustrates one of the critical areas of
the Soviet plan for plastics where Free World aid is essential. A poly-
ethylene shop using a high-pressure process reportedly went into opera-
tion at Sverdlovsk in July 1959, but subsequent reports indicate that
operating difficulties probably prevented shipment of polyethylene to
fabricating plants until January 1960. 2/ The difficulties were as-
cribed largely to the lack of proper equipment, including automatic
control and measuring devices. A second high-pressure polyethylene
shop, at Ufa, appears to have missed its scheduled starting date in
December 1959.
At Dzerzhinsk a pilot plant producing polyethylene
by a low-pressure process reportedly was put into operation in January
1959, but an October report revealed that defects in technical data and
equipment had adversely affected both the productivity of the unit and
the quality of the end product. 12/ The failures at Dzerzhinsk retarded
construction of a commercial-scale polyethylene plant atGroznyy, for
the latter plant depended on receipt of the necessary technical data
from the pilot plant.
()-) Chemical Fibers
Although the Soviet plan for production of chemical
fibers allegedly was exceeded in 1959, the 8-percent increase reported
compares unfavorably with the 12-percent increase achieved in 1958 and
even more unfavorably with the rate of increase required for fulfillment
of the Seven Year Plan -- about 22 percent yearly. There is abundant
evidence that the planned 35-percent increase in production capacity was
underfulfilled by a considerable margin. A report on the construction
of 10 fiber plants during the first 8 months of 1959 showed underful-
fillment of plan for all but 3 of the plants. Installations for produc-
tion of chemical fibers went into operation in Krasnoyarsk, Kiev, Minsk,
Kalinin, and in Moskovskaya Oblast, but several major facilities, in-
cluding those at Ryazan', Engel's, and Barnaul apparently failed to go
into operation as planned.
- 12 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
',CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Among the accomplishments of the Soviet fiber indus-
try in 1959 was the completion of the following: an experimental shop
at Lisichansk producing chemicals for a Dacron type of fiber, an experi-
mental unit at Leningrad to produce fiber from polyvinyl alcohol, and an
installation at Kirovakan for production of caprolactam (an intermediate
for nylon) by a photosynthesis process.
The quality of Soviet chemical fibers apparently
showed little improvement in 1959. A number of reasons are cited, in-
cluding the lack of technology, equipment, and instrumentation and the
poor quality of raw and intermediate materials. 11/ A number of orders
for fiber equipment were placed with Free World companies in 1959, and
some improvement in quality can be anticipated within 2 to 3 years.
b. Fertilizers
The 12.9 million tons of chemical fertilizers produced
in the USSR in 1959 exceeded the amount produced in 1958 by only
500,000 tons, an insignificant increase when compared with the Seven
Year Plan, which calls for production to rise to 35 million tons in
1965. The absolute increase in 1959 was less than that achieved th
preceding year and below the average annual increase of 855,000 tons
planned for 1959-61, 12/ the latter goal itself being surprisingly low
when contrasted with the goal under the Seven Year Plan.
Major reasons for the lag in production of fertilizers
are to be found in the continued slow progress in construction of new
plants and the lack of readily available raw materials. Production of
superphosphate is limited by inadequate supplies of sulfuric acid and of
phosphatic raw materials that have been upgraded sufficiently. Con-
struction of new fertilizer facilities apparently fell below the plan in
1959. The Stalinogorsk Chemical Combine has been converted to the use
of natural gas,* but the scheduled expansions in production of nitrogen
fertilizers at Dneprodzerzhinsk, Lisichansk, Rustavi, and Chirchik are
not believed to have been fully implemented. For example, a complaint
was made that equipment valued at 12 million rubles had accumulated at
the Rustavi site, a condition indicative of poor scheduling. Construc-
tion of some facilities that are to produce phosphorus fertilizers also
lagged in 1959. At the Sumgait Superphosphate Plant, only 53 percent of
the planned annual investment had been absorbed by mid-November.
Further progress was made in 1959 on construction of the Starobin Potas-
sium Combine in the Belorussian SSR, scheduled to supply more than
* The completed conversion to natural gas applies only to natural gas
used as a raw material for production of ammonia. The combine has not
yet completed work on using natural gas for fuel or for production of
other chemical products.
-13 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
20 percent of the total Soviet output of potassium fertilizers. Among
the decisions announced during 1959 to implement the 7-year goal for
wider use of petrochemical raw materials was the plan to produce ammo-
nia for nitrogen fertilizers at the Salavat Petrochemical Combine and
the Shchekino Gas Plant and at new plants located in Uzbek SSR at
Fergana and Nava.
The slow introduction of new production facilities was
only one of several unfavorable aspects of the Soviet program for ferti-
lizer in 1959. A considerable amount of fertilizer continues to be lost
during transport and storage. According to a statement in October 1959
by Fedorov, the Chairman of the State Committee for Chemistry, losses of
phosphorus fertilizers in many areas of the USSR average 39 percent; of
nitrogen fertilizers, 18 percent; and of potassium fertilizers,
28.5 percent. 1.31 The losses are attributable partly to lack of proper
precautions during transport and storage and partly to the poor quality
of the product itself. Both the ammonium nitrate and the potassium
chloride are said to cake excessively.
Considerable dissatisfaction with the fertilizer situa-
tion was voiced at the December 1959 Plenum of the Communist Party.
Attention was directed to the necessity for increasing production of
organic fertilizers such as manure and peat, contrasts being drawn be-
tween the modest investment required for these and the huge investment
needed for plants producing chemical (inorganic) fertilizers. Khru-
shchev, admitting that funds were insufficient to expand production of
chemical fertilizers to the extent needed,* even made the surprising
suggestion that it might be feasible to divert some of the planned funds
from production of fertilizers to production of herbicides and feed sup-
plements. 1V There has, however, been no indication as yet that the
plan for production of chemical fertilizers in 1965 has been lowered.
4. Major Problems Experienced in 1959
The major problems encountered by the Soviet chemical indus-
try in 1959 bear a striking resemblance to those that plagued the indus-
try in 1958 and earlier years. Moreover, the ambitious nature of the
Seven Year Plan for chemicals and the resulting severe demands for new
equipment and technology, for large supplies of raw and other materials,
and for technical and skilled labor, all present problems that will con-
tinue to harass the Soviet chemical industry for several years to come.
* It is not clear, however, whether Khrushchev meant that there was in-
sufficient investment for the planned expansion in fertilizers during
1959-65 or that there was not enough investment to produce chemical fer-
tilizers in amounts sufficient to satisfy all needs of Soviet agricul-
ture.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
As in 1958, the most vexing problems continued to be those
associated with the lack of equipment and technology. According to
Fedorov, the Chairman of the State Committee for Chemistry, although
chemical equipment valued at more than 1 billion rubles was planned for
his projects in 1959, deliveries at the end of 9 months totaled only
356 million rubles. 12/ The effects of the shortages of equipment are
intensified by the poor quality of some of the new equipment and poor
scheduling of deliveries.
The problem of equipment is intimately related to the Soviet
lag in technology. Complaints continue that planning institutes are
supplying technical data on outdated processes or inadequately developed
data on new processes. The technological difficulties are reflected not
only in the slow pace of construction of new plants but in the continued
low quality of many Soviet chemical products, including fertilizers and
synthetic materials.
The technological lag is at least partly responsible for the
modest progress in automation. Although outlays in 1959 for automation
of the chemical industry reportedly were to be 10 percent of the total
cost of equipment for the industry (rising to 20 percent by 1965), 1W
there is considerable doubt that the plan was fulfilled. An indication
of the inadequate attention to automation is the complaint that the
publishing house of the chemical industry failed to produce a single
work on automation in 1959 and was planning only one such publication
in 1960.
The ambitious scope of the Seven Year Plan for chemicals and
the emphasis on development of new products have apparently placed a
severe strain on the available supply of skilled and technical personnel
at all levels, from research* to engineering to the administration and
operation of chemical plants. The shortage of such personnel reportedly
has delayed the introduction of new processes, hampered the administra-
tion of the chemical industry in certain economic regions, and even
caused underfulfillment of plan by some plants.
5. Plan for 1960
The plan for development of the Soviet chemical industry in
1960 calls for a 10-percent increase in production, with investment
scheduled to be 30 percent greater than that in 1959 and 2.3 times that
in 1958. Construction-installation work on all chemical projects in
1960 is planned to cost 6.2 billion rubles, with installations valued at
7.8 billion rubles coming into operation. 11/
* The shortage of technical personnel is particularly evident in
applied research.
-15 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R -E -T
Production of plastics is scheduled to rise 20 percent in
1960 and that of chemical fibers, 17 percent. A modest increase (in
terms of the Seven Year Plan), of only 600,000 tons is planned for fer-
tilizers, bringing the total production to 13.5 million tons, and pro-
duction of tires is to increase 1.3 million units to a total of 16.8 mil-
lion units. Capacities for production of ammonia, synthetic rubber,
tires, and caprolactam* that are to be put into operation in 1960 re-
portedly are much greater than those planned for 1959.
The chemical construction projects that are to receive the
highest priority in 1960 include synthetic rubber plants at Stavropol',
Omsk, Sterlitamak, and Karaganda; chemical fiber plants at Barnaul,
Ryazan', Engel's, Kursk, Balakovo, Chernigav, and Kirovakan; and tire
plants at Krasnoyarsk and Dnepropetrovsk.
6. Outlook for Fulfillment of the Plan for 1960 and the Seven
Year Plan (1959-65)
During 1960 the partial fruition of measures adopted in 1959
to assure a higher priority for the chemical industry should be evident,
particularly in the matter of the supply of construction materials and
equipment, although the current lag in development and production of
equipment for new chemical products by no means will be eliminated. The
chemical industry probably will achieve or exceed the increase in pro-
duction of 10 percent that is planned for 1960, but this planned rate of
increase is still far below that originally required for fulfillment of
the Seven Year Plan (16 to 17 percent annually).** Fulfillment of the
plan in 1960 will be facilitated by the large carryover from 1959 of
uncompleted chemical plants, a significant number of which will produce
products of high value such as synthetic rubber, chemical fibers, and
plastics. Among the new plants going into operation in 1960 will be a
tire plant and one or more fiber plants purchased from the Free World.
The Seven Year Plan for production of chemical products
appears unlikely to be fulfilled, the chief doubts centering about the
Soviet goals for chemical fertilizers, plastics, and synthetic rubber.
In view of the modest goal for production of chemical fertilizers in
1960 (13.5 million tons), fulfillment of the plan for 1965 (35 million
tons) will require an average annual increase of 21 percent during
1961-65. In the light of past performance, the achievement of such a
rate of growth seems highly improbable. There is even considerable
doubt that sufficient financing has been provided to support the
* Caprolactam is used in production of Nylon 6.
** The annual rate of increase now required to fulfill the 7-year goals
for chemicals probably exceeds 16 to 17 percent, for the increase in
1959 was only 10 percent.
-16-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
projected expansion in fertilizers. At the December 1959 Plenum on
agriculture, D.S. Polyanskiy, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers
of the RSFSR, declared that additional funds were required for construc-
tion of fertilizer plants and that a positive decision had to be made
concerning construction of these plants, lY thus implying that the
government had not yet provided the necessary investment funds.
The ambitious goals for production of synthetic rubber and
plastics in 1965 also are unlikely to be fulfilled, largely because of
the shortages of equipment, technology, and skilled labor. Production
of plastics, which increased 13 percent in 1959, is scheduled to in-
crease 20 percent in 1960, but even if the plan for 1960 is achieved,
an average annual increase of approximately 39 percent would be re-
quired for the subsequent 5 years (1961-65) in order to fulfill the
goal for 1965.
Present Soviet technology does not appear adequate to imple-
ment the ambitious goal for production of synthetic rubber, particularly
that part of the plan which calls for polyisoprene rubber to constitute
almost 25 percent of the total production of synthetic rubber in 1965.
Failure of the latter goal will result in a continuing Soviet require-
ment for natural rubber in 1965 -- perhaps 150,000 to 200,000 tons -- if
planned requirements are to be met.
Although fulfillment of the plan for the chemical industry
in 1965, as indicated, is quite unlikely, the extent of the underful-
fillment remains unclear. An increasingly significant factor in plan
fulfillment is the amount of aid that may be obtained through Soviet
purchases of plants and technology from the Free World. In the past
2 years, the easing of trade barriers between the USSR and many coun-
tries of the Free World has resulted in large Soviet orders for chemical
plants and equipment and the technical data required to operate them.
Such purchases, if continued, will not only serve to facilitate the
rapid growth of the Soviet chemical industry but also will aid materi-
ally the attainment of a higher rate of productivity, decreased costs
of production, and improved quality of end products, for much of the
imported equipment can be expected to embody the latest advancements,
including mechanization and automation.
B. East Germany
1. Significant Events in 1959
a. Adoption of the Law for the Seven Year Plan (1959-65)
On 1 October 1959 the East German Peoples Chamber for-
mally approved the "Law for the Seven Year Plan" for 1959-65. The law
-17-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
states that "rapid development of the chemical industry is the central
point in solving the tasks of the Seven Year Plan" and lays down goals
that the chemical industry must meet to attain the desired development.
Gross production of the chemical industry* in 1965 is planned to be
205 percent of production in 1958. The average annual rate of increase
thus is to be about 11 percent, compared with a rate of 9 to 10 percent
for industry as a whole. Some other industries, such as the construc-
tion industry, the machine building industry, and the electrotechnical
industry, are scheduled for still more rapid growth, but much of their
expansion is in support of the chemical industry. 12/
Goals set in the law for production of specific commo-
dities in 1965 represent upward revisions of earlier, tentative plans
for plastics, synthetic fibers, and fertilizers. Goals for so-called
"heavy chemicals" (calcium carbide, sulfuric acid, soda ash, and caus-
tic soda) were revised downward from earlier plans, however, as was the
plan for synthetic rubber. 22/ Planned increases in production of se-
lected chemical products during the Seven Year Plan are shown in
Table 2.**
The Law for the Seven Year Plan allocates approximately
11 billion East German marks (DME )XXX in investment funds to the chemi-
cal industry for the 7-year period, out of total industrial investments
of 60 billion DME. It also specifies that 70 percent of the increase
in production in the industry is to be achieved through "Rekon-
struktion," that is, modernization and improvement of existing facili-
ties and processes with minimum expenditure. The two largest chemical
projects, expansion of the VEB Leuna-Werke and of the VEB Chemische
Werke Buna, together are to account for somewhat more than one-quarter
of total investment in the industry. The third largest project of the
chemical industry is the petroleum refinery to be built at Schwedt/Oder,
at the western terminus of the pipeline from the USSR. Earlier East
German statements described this plant as the nucleus of a petrochemical
industry to supply East Germany with part of the raw materials for the
projected expansion in production of plastics and synthetic fibers.
Recent reports, however, indicate that the plant is to concentrate, at
least initially, on producing fuels and that the new installations at
Leuna are to become the main source of petrochemicals for making syn-
thetic materials. 21/
* The chemical industry in East Germany produces synthetic motor
fuels and lubricants in addition to normal chemical products.
** Table 2.follows on p. 19.
*** Deutsche Mark East (DME) may be converted to US dollars at the of-
ficial rate of exchange of 1 DME to US $0.45. A more realistic equiva-
lent for investments (construction and equipment) is 1 DME to US $0.25
or US $0.30.
-18-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Table 2
Production of Selected Chemical Products in East Germany 2/
1958 and 1965 Plan
Product
Plastics
Of which:
Production
in 1958
Planned Production
for 1965
Thousand Thousand Percentage
Metric Metric Increase
Tons12/ Tons 12/ Above 1958
93.0 311.0 234
Polyvinyl chloride 55.0 126.0 128
Polystyrene 3.7 20.0 440
Polyethylene 0 50.0
Unsaturated polyester
resins Negligible 5.0
Synthetic fibers 6.7 38.9 481
Of which:
Dederon (nylon) 2/ , 4.7 13.4 185
Synthetic rubber 83.8 105.0 25
Motor vehicle tires
(thousand units)
1,626.0 1/
3,750.0
131
Calcium carbide
830.7
1,180.0
42
Soda ash
553.0
658.0
19
Caustic soda
296.2
403.0
36
Pure phenol
16.7
50.1
200
Caprolactum
7.6
23.9
215
Sulfuric acid (as H2SO4)
650.3
1,231.1
89
Nitrogen fertilizer 2/
320.0
386.0
21
Phosphorus fertilizer 2/
136.3
284.0
108
Potash products 2/
1,528.0
2,128.0
39
a. 22/
b. Unless otherwise indicated.
c. Staple fiber, filament, and tire cord.
d. Reported in the official East German Seven Year Plan as includ-
ing all types of tires, but the East German statistical yearbook
lists the figure of 1,979,800 tires for all types.
e. In terms of pure nutrient.
-19-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R-E -T
b. Increased Emphasis on Agricultural Chemicals
In December 1959, 2 months after the Law for the Seven
Year Plan was approved, the Central Committee of the SED (Sozialistische
Einheitspartei Deutschlands -- Socialist Unity Party of Germany) held
its seventh plenum, at which Walter Ulbricht, First Chairman of the
Central Committee, and Dr. Hans Stubbe, President of the Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, called on the chemical industry for greater con-
tributions to agriculture, particularly in the form of chemically im-
proved animal feeds and increased supplies of fertilizers. 232 It de-
veloped later that these appeals were part of a general program to
emphasize agriculture in the East German economy, culminating in the
drive to collectivize all East German farms before the summit meeting
that was scheduled for May 1960.
In response to the appeal for more agricultural chemi-
cals, Werner Winkler, head of the East German chemical industry, cited
the virtual impossibility of changing the plans for production and dis-
tribution of some of these commodities after balances had already been
established for supplies of raw materials and for distribution of pro-
ducts. He promised, however, that the chemical industry would try to
improve the quality of fertilizer and would produce additional amounts
of fungicides, herbicides, and feed supplements. L./
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
a. Production
The production plan of the East German chemical industry
for 1959 reportedly was fulfilled 101.1 percent, production being
10.1 percent higher than in 1958. These results were lower, however,
than comparable figures for industry as a whole, which were reported as
101.4 percent and 12.3 percent, respectively.
Although plans for production were exceeded for some
chemical commodities, including calcium carbide, nitrogen and phosphorus
fertilizer, photographic films, and motor vehicle tires, production fell
somewhat short of the plan for several basic heavy chemicals. Produc-
tion of sulfuric acid, soda ash, and caustic soda reached only 96 to
97 percent of the amounts planned. g2/ Reported production of 12 key
chemical products is shown in Table 3.
The high percentage increase in production of poly-
acrylonitrile fiber merely reflects the low base of the preceding year.
The percentage increase in production of motor vehicle tires, however,
Table 3 follows on p. 21.
-20 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Table 3
Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products in East Germany 2/
1959
Product
Production
Thousand
Metri
Tons 12/
Percentage
Increase
Above 1958
Polyvinyl chloride
56.2
3.0
Dederon (nylon) staple fiber
2.8
10.3
Polyacrylonitrile fiber
1.0
34.9
Synthetic rubber
85.2
1.7
Motor vehicle tires (thousand units)
1,892.0
16.4
Calcium carbide
887.5
6.8
Soda ash
559.2
1.1
Caustic soda
303.6
2.5
Sulfuric acid (as 112SO4)
688.9
5.9
Nitrogen fertilizer 2/
329.2
2.9
Phosphorus fertilizer 2/
138.8
1.8
Potash products 2/
1,566.2
2.5
a. 2..&
b. Unless otherwise indicated.
c. In terms of pure nutrient.
represents a large numerical increase, which is particularly notable in
view of the comparatively small increase in production of synthetic rub-
ber. Inasmuch as East Germany has been a large-scale exporter of both
synthetic rubber and tires, the sizable increase in production of tires
without a concomitant rise in production of synthetic rubber presumably
denotes larger exports of tires and reduced exports of rubber and indi-
cates progress toward the announced goal of exporting more finished
chemical products and fewer chemical raw materials and intermediates.
b. Investments
Approximately 1 billion DME was invested in the chemical
industry in 1959, out of total East German investments of 14 billion
DME. Although this amount is less than one-tenth of the total scheduled
for the chemical industry during the Seven Year Plan, it represents an
increase of 40 percent in comparison with investments in the industry in
1958, whereas industrial investments as a whole increased only 23 per-
cent. 22/
- 21 -
S -E -C -R -E -T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Construction for the chemical industry fell short of
plans, even though the construction industry reported fulfillment of its
over-all plan. In Halle District (Bezirk), in which all of the larger
existing chemical plants are located, progress on construction of the
12 most important chemical projects was reported on 10 December 1959 to
average only 85 percent of the plan for the year. Fulfillment of plans
for the individual projects ranged from 70 to 98 percent. 2.?./
3. Problems Encountered in 1959
a. Shortcomings in Planning
The East German chemical industry in 1959 continued to
be afflicted with the familiar problems of a centrally planned economy,
particularly those associated with shortcomings in planning, scheduling,
and management. These difficulties, in turn, resulted in the failure to
achieve planned goals for production of some basic chemicals and the
considerable underfulfillment of plans for construction. Shortcomings
that have been particularly cited have been inadequate coordination of
plans between various branches of the economy and a failure, especially
on the part of local officials, to recognize that the chemical industry
has top priority. 22/
b. Shortages of Materials, Labor, and Electric Power
Shortages of materials and equipment in the East German
chemical industry have adversely affected construction. Cement and
gravel, acid-resistant materials (plastics and special concrete), rolled
products, and alloy tubing have been reported to be in short supply and
often inferior in quality. Construction machinery, such as cement
mixers and cranes, was inadequately furnished to chemical construction
sites in 1959, and machine-building enterprises failed to meet require-
ments for delivery of chemical equipment. 2/
Shortages of manpower have been most evident in 'design-
ing and drafting and in construction. The labor force within the chemi-
cal industry itself seems to have been generally adequate to operate
existing plants, but some concern has been expressed concerning the
continuing flight of chemical specialists to West Germany. L/
Supplies of electric power have not been sustained
throughout the year at the levels required by the chemical industry, but
shortages apparently have not been acute or of long duration. Lags have
been reported, however, in the construction of new powerplants, so that
coverage of the expanding demands of the chemical industry cannot be re-
garded as assured. 2/
-22 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
c. Shortcomings in Quality
Qualitative inadequacies have been reported, particu-
larly in the products being stressed under the East German Seven Year
Plan -- synthetic fibers and plastics. The quality of Dederon (nylon)
fiber in particular has been reported to be declining steadily. Com-
plaints about East German plastic and rubber products, however, probably
reflect an increasing consciousness of the gap between East German and
world standards rather than an actual deterioration in the quality of
the East German products. The press has carried many exhortations to
improve quality in order to raise the competitive position of East
German products on world markets and to meet or exceed West German
standards. al/
4. Plans for 1960
Little information is available on specific plans for the
East German chemical industry in 1960, but several new plants and in-
stallations are scheduled to go into operation during the year. Pro-
duction of several products, therefore, should increase perceptibly.
above that in 1959. For example, supplies of sulfuric acid, an impor-
tant material for both synthetics and fertilizers, will be augmented
considerably if the large gypsum sulfuric acid plant in Coswig starts
production in 1960 as scheduled.all/ Units at Bitterfeld and Premnitz
are expected to start producing "PeCe" (polyvinyl chloride) and Prelana
(polyacrylonitrile, similar to US Orion) fibers, respectively, in 1960)
and a unit for producing hydrocyanic acid, used in making polyacrylon-
itrile fibers, started operation in January 1960 at the VEB Chemische
Werke Buna in Schkopau. Production of melamine resin (a urea-base
plastic) and of the high-grade mixed fertilizer "Nitrophoska" is ex-
pected to start in 1960 at new installations at the VEB Stickstoffwerk
in Piesteritz. 35/
5. Outlook
There is some indication that problems may be encountered
by East Germany in 1960 in constructing new chemical installations. The
USSR reportedly will not be able to meet all commitments for deliveries
to East Germany in 1960 because of increased requirements for domestic
expansion and commitments to underdeveloped countries. a?_/ Failure of
the USSR to make promised deliveries could have serious consequences for
the East German chemical industry, which depends on the USSR for impor-
tant materials, such as nonferrous metals and alloy steels needed for
new chemical plant and equipment.
A further difficulty is the fact that East German production
of plastics and synthetic fibers is expanding more rapidly than produc-
tion of some of the vital input materials for these products, such as
-23-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
chlorine. Importation of chlorine poses problems not only because it is
not readily obtainable, especially within the Soviet Bloc, but also be-
cause special equipment is needed to ship it.
Importation of chemical materials and equipment from the
Free World also is becoming more difficult, because East German chemical
products traditionally exported to the Free World, such as fertilizers
and fuels, are being used domestically under the current plans and no
longer serve as a source of foreign exchange to pay for imports. An
effort is being made to export to the Free World more pharmaceuticals,
dyes, textile-processing agents, and other highly processed chemical
products in place of the traditional exports, a shift which is described
as being "extraordinarily difficult." 3.7/
Although complete fulfillment of the goals of the Seven Year
Plan can hardly be expected, the progress achieved in 1959 probably
foreshadows a considerable expansion of the East German chemical indus-
try. The degree of success attained will depend on the extent to which
the East German government is able to keep the various problems in bal-
ance, so that no one of them becomes insuperable. The configuration of
these problems will change somewhat within the next year or two as the
principal focus shifts from construction to equipping and operating the
new plants. Shortages of labor in construction will become less impor-
tant, but shortages of skilled labor for operation and maintenance of
new chemical plants will be of greater concern.
Development of the chemical industry during the Seven Year
Plan also will, depend in no small degree on access to technological
data and processes from the Free World, for the rapid rate of develop-
ment required to meet the goals for 1965 precludes devoting the neces-
sary time and domestic manpower to the development of processes and
equipment for products that have not yet been produced commercially
within the Soviet Bloc. The USSR is providing technological aid in some
fields, such as the refining of petroleum, .1Y but it has not yet been
able to furnish much assistance in plastics because of its own inexperi-
ence. The contract concluded in February 1960 for delivery from Great
Britain of complete installations for ethylene, the starting material
for polyethylene, will contribute materially to the East German poten-
tial for meeting its goals for production of plastics. These installa-
tions are to be ready for operation by the end of 1962 and are to have
a capacity of 40,000 tons of ethylene, equal to one-half of the total
planned output of this commodity at the Leuna plant in 1965.
-24-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C -R-E-T
C. Poland
1. Significant Events in 1959
A highlight of the year 1959 in Poland was the announcement
of the new Polish Five Year Plan (1961-65). Production of chemicals is
scheduled to double by 1965, the value of output rising to about 60 bil-
lion zlotys,* with a subsequent increase to 85 billion to 90 billion
zlotys by 1970. Wider use is to be made of raw materials that have had
limited domestic application to date, including petroleum, natural and
coke gases, and elemental sulfur. As in most countries of the Soviet
Bloc, major emphasis is to be placed on production of synthetic fibers,
rubber, plastics, and fertilizers. In addition, production of sulfuric
acid is planned to increase from 665,000 tons in 1960 to 1.1 million
tons in 1965; caustic soda, from 162,000 tons to 245,000 tons; and soda
ash, from 510,000 tons to 646,000 tons. 3
Another significant event in the Polish chemical industry
in 1959 was the initial production of synthetic rubber at a plant in
Oswiecim. The plant is scheduled to produce 20,000 tons of rubber in
1960 and 36,000 tons in 1962. Under consideration is a plan to supply
petroleum-derived butadiene** to Oswiecim, permitting a further expan-
sion to 45,000 tons.
2. Fulfillment of Plan, 1959
The plan for production of chemicals in Poland in 1959 was
exceeded, an increase of 17.8 percent being registered above production
in 1958. The largest percentage gains were reported for synthetic rub-
ber and pesticides, with modest exceeding of the plan claimed for sul-
furic acid, caustic soda, polyvinyl chloride, pharmaceuticals, and
motor vehicle tires. Although the plan had called for production of
only 1,500 tons of synthetic rubber at the new plant at Oswiecim, about
5,000 tons were produced, permitting the cessation of imports of syn-
thetic rubber for one of the two tire plants in Poland. The value of
pharmaceutical production rose to 2.4 billion zlotys, a gain of almost
24 percent above that in the preceding year. The planned production of
plastics, 38,000*** tons, was equivalent to production of about 1.3 kil-
ograms per capita, compared with 0.8 kilograms in 1958.
* Zlotys may be converted to US dollars as the official rate of ex-
change of 1 zloty to US $0.25. This rate of exchange, however, may not
reflect the dollar value.
** An intermediate used in production of synthetic rubber. Butadiene
at the plant is currently derived from alcohol produced from edible
agricultural products, a costly method.
XXX The actual production in 1959 probably was very close to this plan
because the plan was announced in October 1959.
-25 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C -R -E -T
In spite of the reported exceeding of the plan for the
chemical industry, the goals were not reached for production of a number
of important products, including soda ash, phosphorus and nitrogen fer-
tilizers, synthetic fiber, polystyrene, and phenol.Ill/
3. Plan for 1960*
Poland has announced an ambitious plan for production of
chemicals in 1960, the last year of the current Five Year Plan
(1956-60). The plan calls for production to increase 13.7 percent above
that in 1959, compared with a planned increase of 7.6 percent in total
industrial production. Investment is tentatively scheduled to be
4.9 billion zlotys.** Major emphasis of the plan centers on production
of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Production of phosphorus
fertilizers is to be increased to about 190,000 tons, XXX and, in addi-
tion, an effort is to be made to improve quality by increasing the per-
centage of pure nutrient. Production of pharmaceuticals will be aug-
mented chiefly by increasing the variety of antibiotics and vitamins.
Production of plastics is scheduled to rise to nearly 54,000 tons, with
production of polyvinyl chloride rising 87 percent and that of poly-
styrene, 127 percent. Production of synthetic fibers is planned to in-
crease from 2,400 tons in 1959 to 4,500 tons. Other targets scheduled
for 1960 include production of 665,000 tons of sulfuric acid, an in-
crease of 9 percent, and 510,000 tons of soda ash, an increase of
14 percent. LT/
4. Outlook
In 1960, Poland probably will experience shortfalls in pro-
duction of several important chemical products. The goals for produc-
tion of synthetic materials, with the possible exception of synthetic
rubber, are unlikely to be met. In view of the report that the original
investment scheduled for the chemical industry has been reduced, Li-3./ the
plans for a number of other chemicals may be revised downward.
* There appear to have been a number of revisions of the plan for
1960, and it is possible that additional changes will still be made.
** The planned investment is not to be used solely for production of
chemicals. For example, 7 percent of the total investment is to be used
for the construction of petroleum pipelines and refineries. A recent
report suggests that planned investment in the chemical industry wa6 re-
duced subsequently by 400 million zlotys.
xxx Expressed in terms of P205. This goal apparently represents an
opinion of official Polish circles that the original plan for 1960,
which calls for production of 207,000 tons of phosphorus fertilizers,
will be underfulfilled.
-26-
S-E -C -R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
The goals for production of chemicals in Poland in 1965 will
be difficult to meet, particularly because the shift in the raw material
base to natural gas and petroleum may not be achieved easily. The sup-
ply of the petroleum raw materials depends in part on expeditious com-
pletion of a pipeline from the USSR. Experience is lacking in produc-
tion of a number of synthetic materials, possibly a critical factor for
certain of the products that are scheduled for initial production late
in the plan period. Much depends on Polish success in implementing
plans to introduce technological improvements, such as mechanization of
processes and more efficient utilization of raw materials, and on con-
tinued purchases of plants and process data from the Free World.
D. Czechoslovakia
1. Significant Events in 1959
Details of the Czechoslovak Third Five Year Plan (1961-65)
were announced in October 1959. By 1965, production of chemicals in
Czechoslovakia is scheduled to increase 86 percent above that in 1960,
compared with an increase of 50 percent in total industrial production.
The planned investment in the chemical industry in 1961-65 -- 20 billion
crowns* -- is one-sixth of the planned investment in all industry and
exceeds the aggregate investments in the chemical industry since 1945.
A feature of the plan will be the accelerated development of the chemi-
cal industry in Slovakia, where production of chemicals is scheduled to
rise to 20 to 30 percent of the nation's output of chemicals by 1965:
Production of several important chemical products is sched-
uled to rise significantly during the Third Five Year Plan, as shown in
Table 4.**
Production of antibiotics is scheduled to increase 90 per-
cent and that of vitamins, more than 100 percent. Chemical products to
be made for the first time in commercial quantities in 1961-65 include
polyethylene, synthetic rubber, polypropylene, and polyester (Dacron
type) fibers. 11-V
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
The plan for production of chemicals in Czechoslovakia in
1959 was exceeded, with production rising 12 percent above that in 1958,
compared with an increase of 10.9 percent for all industry. Production
* Crowns may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of ex-
change of I crown to US $0.139. This rate of exchange, however, may not
reflect the dollar value.
** Table 4 follows on p. 28.
-27-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Table 4
Planned Production of Selected Chemical Products in Czechoslovakia
1965
Product
Index of Planned
Planned Production Production
(Thousand Metric Tons) (1960 = 100)
Plastics
Synthetic fibers
Sulfuric acid
Nitrogen fertilizers 12/
Phosphorus fertilizers 12/
183.5
21.1
1,000
292.5
285
326
449 2/
179
202
194
a. 1?.51
b. In terms of pure nutrient.
of phosphorus fertilizers rose 15 percent to 135,000 tons.* Production
of nitrogen fertilizers -- 133,000 tons* -- was 23 percent above that in
1958, but the plan was nevertheless underfulfilled. Production of sul-
furic acid rose 11 percent to 513,000 tons, but again there were indica-
tions that the plan was underfulfilled. No indication was given that
the plan for production of plastics was fulfilled, although production
of polyvinyl chloride increased 19 percent to a level of 5,700 tons.
Production of a nylon type of fiber was initiated in a new plant at
Humenne.
3. Plan for 1960
The plan for 1960 calls for production of chemicals to in-
crease 12.2 percent, compared with a planned increase of 10.2 percent in
total industrial production. Planned investment in the chemical indus-
try -- 3.2 billion crowns -- will be about 9 percent of the total in-
vestment in industry. An important objective of the plan for 1960 is
the completion of several new chemical plants, including installations
producing synthetic rubber, petrochemicals, and nitrogen ferti-
lizers. LI/ Production of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and sul-
furic acid is scheduled to rise by about 9 percent. The plan for 1960
also envisions production of tubeless tires, not previously produced in
Czechoslovakia, and the commissioning of a new shop for production
of polyvinyl chloride.
* In terms of pure nutrient.
-28-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
4. Outlook
Fulfillment of a considerable part of the plan for produc-
tion of chemicals in 1960 appears likely. The goals for production of
chemical fertilizers and sulfuric acid probably will be achieved, but
attainment of the goals for plastics and synthetic fibers is less cer-
tain. The goals for 1965, again except those for production of syn-
thetic materials, are likely to be fulfilled, although the planned in-
crease of 10.1 percent annually in productivity of labor is rather
high./21/ Major factors in plan fulfillment will be the timely receipt
of raw materials from the Soviet Bloc, particularly petroleum from the
USSR, and the expeditious completion of new chemical plants.
E. Rumania
1. Significant Developments in 1959
Rumania terminated its Second Five Year Plan (1956-60) in
1959, 1 year ahead of schedule, and announced a new Six Year Plan
(1960-65). Production of chemicals, particularly fertilizers and syn-
thetic materials, is to be expanded significantly, using domestic sup-
lies of petroleum and natural gas as the principal raw materials. By
1965, production of chemicals is to be four times that in 1958. Produc-
tion of chemical fertilizers is scheduled to rise to 500,000 tons* in
1965, compared with production of 52,000 tons in 1959. In the field of
synthetic materials, a plant with an ultimate capacity of 50,000 tons
of synthetic rubber is to be built. Production of phenol and acetone
from petrochemical raw materials is to bring production of these pro-
ducts to 18,000 tons and 11,000 tons, respectively, by 1965 or even
earlier.
A number of new chemical plants went into operation in Ru-
mania during 1959, but full capacities probably will not be attained
for several years. The new installations included plants for produc-
tion of superphosphate, soda ash, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic fibers,
phthalic an4ydride, and reed cellulose. 22/
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
Fulfillment of plan for the Rumanian Ministry of the Petro-
leum and Chemical Industry in 1959 was reportedly 102 percent, compared
with 103.8 percent for heavy industry as a whole. Production of selec-
ted chemical products and the percentage increase above the preceding
year are shown in Table 5.**
* In terms of pure nutrient. This goal also has been reported on a
gross weight basis as about 2 million tons.
** Table 5 follows on p. 30.
-29-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Table 5
Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products in Rumania
1959
Product
Production
Percentage
Increase
Above 1958
Unit
Amount
Tires
Thousand units
321
19 2./
Soda ash
Thousand metric tons
106
27
Caustic soda
Thousand metric tons
64
56
Sulfuric acid
Thousand metric tons
199
38
Chemical fertilizer
Thousand metric tons
52 12/
8o
Organic dyes
Thousand metric tons
3.75
22
b. In terms of pure nutrient.
Production of chemical fertilizers, as indicated, almost
doubled in 1959, rising to 52,000 tons and almost equaling an earlier
goal of 53,000 tons planned for 1960. The major factor in the increase
was the output of superphosphate* at the newly- opened plant in Navodari.
Underfulfillment of the construction and investment plans
for the chemical industry in 1959 was reported. The initial production
of polyvinyl chloride apparently fell short of expectations, and the
plan to initiate production of polyethylene and vinyl acetate presumably
failed to materialize.
3. Plans for 1960
The plan for 1960 calls for Rumania to increase production
of chemicals 22 percent above that in 1959, compared with a scheduled
increase of 14 percent in total industrial production. Of 23.5 billion
lei** scheduled for industrial investment in 1960, 21 percent (4.9 bil-
lion lei) is to be invested in the industries producing chemicals, rub-
ber, and cellulose. 22/
* Production of nitrogen fertilizers declined slightly in 1959.
** Lei may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of exchange
of 1 leu to US $0.1667. This rate of exchange, however, may not reflect
the dollar value.
-30-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Production of chemical fertilizers is scheduled to increase
36 percent, polyvinyl chloride about 300 percent, and soda ash nearly
100 percent in 1960. With the opening of a new unit for acrylic fiber,
production of synthetic fibers also is scheduled to increase. Initial
production of cellulose is planned at the Chiscani Reed-Cellulose Com-
bine, and construction of a new tire plant is to be started.
4. Outlook
The goals for production of chemicals in Rumania in 1960
appear generally capable of realization, although difficulties may be
experienced in fulfilling the plans for plastics and synthetic fibers.
With construction of two new installations to produce nitrogen ferti-
lizers almost completed and the additional output from the new super-
phosphate plant in Navodari, attainment of the goal for production of
chemical fertilizers is reasonably assured.
Available data on the new Rumanian Six Year Plan for produc-
tion of chemicals do not permit a complete analysis of probable develop-
ments by 1965. The goal for production of chemical fertilizers in
1965 -- 500,000 tons* -- appears clearly unrealistic without the intro-
duction of considerably more plant capacity than has been planned to
date. Rumania occupies an advantageous position relative to the other
European Satellites as a potential producer of petrochemicals, but sat-
isfactory development will be assured only if sufficient investment
funds are available and if Rumania has access to Western technology and
equipment. On present evidence, Rumania should begin production of syn-
thetic rubber by 1961, and by 1965 the increased production of rubber
should permit a considerable increase in production of tires.
F. Hungary
1. Significant Events in 1959
A highlight of the year for the Hungarian chemical industry
was the announcement of a new 5-year plan for 1961-65. The new plan,
similar to those announced for other countries of the Soviet Bloc,
stresses the accelerated growth of the chemical industry, with major em-
phasis on developing production of synthetic materials, petrochemicals,
fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. An annual investment of 1 billion
* In terms of pure nutrient.
-31-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
forints* reportedly is to be spent on the chemical industry** in
1961-65, compared with 300 million to 400 million forints in 1959. 22/
As a result of the increased investment, production of all types of
chemical fertilizers is scheduled to increase from 355,000 tons in
1958*** to 1.37 million tons in 1965; plastics, from 5,800 tons to
36,500 tons; and synthetic fibers, from zero to 2,300 tons. 211/
Production of pharmaceuticals is to be doubled. Production of petro-
chemical raw materials also is to be developed: by 1965, about 200 mil-
lion cubic meters of natural gas and 100,000 tons of crude oil are to be
Processed into chemical products annually.
Another highlight of the year was the completion of a pipe-
line for natural gas from Rumania to Hungary. This line eventually is
to provide the basic raw material for a large petrochemical combine
under construction at Tiszapalkonya and for the nitrogen fertilizer com-
bine at Kazincbarcika. 22/
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
A report in October indicated that the 1959 goals for most
major chemicals had been exceeded by the end of September, but the mea-
ger reporting on fulfillment of the annual plan for chemicals implied
some shortfalls. Available evidence suggests that production of coal
chemicals and polyvinyl chloride plastic failed to meet expectations.
Production of the Hungarian chemical industryt in 1959 in-
creased 21 percent above that in 1958, compared with an increase of
about 11 percent for industrial production. Significant advances in-
cluded an increase of about 55 percent for nitrogen fertilizers, produc-
tion rising from 33,000 tons in 1958 to 50,000 tonstt in 1959, and an
increase of 20 to 22 percent in pharmaceuticals, production of the
* Forints may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of ex-
change of 1 forint to US $0.085. This rate of exchange, however, may
not reflect the dollar value.
** The Hungarian chemical industry includes branches for refining of
petroleum and production of aluminum in addition to branches producing
chemical products. The annual investment of 1 billion forints is be-
lieved to be largely or solely for development of the branches producing
chemical products. There has been noted a higher investment figure
which apparently applies to total investment in the chemical industry.
See 3, below.
XXX The year 1958 has been used in Hungarian reports rather than 1960,
possibly because the plan was announced early in 1959 or else to facili-
tate comparison with the plans of other countries of the Bloc.
t Possibly including production of the petroleum and aluminum indus-
tries.
tt In terms of pure nutrient.
-32-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
latter being some 13 percent (180 million forints) above plan by 10 De-
cember. Thus it is estimated that the value of the pharmaceutical pro-
duction for 1959 was approximately 1.6 billion forints.*
Hungary made further progress in 1959 toward developing a
synthetic materials industry. Although the plan for production of poly-
vinyl chloride plastic apparently was not fulfilled in 1959, an instal-
lation with a capacity of 600 tons per year went into operation at the
Hungaria Chemical Works. At the same plant a unit to make caprolactam,
used for producing "Danulon," a nylon fiber, was put into operation with
an initial annual output of 300 tons. Pilot plant production of poly-
ester fiber (similar to Dacron) was begun at Veszprem.
3. Plans for 1960
In 1960, the last year of the current Hungarian Three Year
Plan, investment in the chemical industry is scheduled to be 2.3 billion
forints,** 28 percentxxx above that in 1959 and 6.9 percent of the
planned total national investment for 1960. The investment for those
sectors producing only chemicals may be about 20 to 25 percent of the
total investment in the chemical industry.t Production of chemicals in.
1960 is planned to increase 7.1 percent above that in 1959.
The planned percentage increases in production of selected
chemical products are as follows:
Rubber products
Nitrogen fertilizers
Pharmaceuticals
Dyes
12.0
9.9
14.8
12.3 27/
* According to the Hungarian Statistical Yearbook for 1957, the value
of the pharmaceutical output for that year was slightly more than 1 bil-
lion forints. In 1957, pharmaceuticals represented about 21 percent of
the value of the total chemical output, excluding the value of aluminum
products.
** This amount probably includes the investment
the chemical industry producing other products as
produce chemicals.
xx* the investment in
industry is to be 50 percent above that in 1959.
may apply only to the sectors producing chemicals
t Investment data for 1959 and 1960 permit the
that the sectors producing only chemicals may have accounted for 17 to
22 percent of the total investment in the chemical industry in 1959
The increasing emphasis on chemicals presumably will result in this sec-
tor obtaining a slightly higher proportion of total investment in 1960.
for the branches of
well as for those that
1960 for the chemical 50X1
This latter statement
tentative estimate
-33-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S -E -C -R -E -T
4. Outlook
The planned increases in production of nitrogen fertilizers
and pharmaceuticals in Hungary in 1960 probably can be achieved. Pro-
duction of synthetic fibers in 1960 will not be significant.
To compensate for the extremely small domestic production,
imports of synthetic fibers will double in 1960.
The goals for production of chemicals in Hungary in 1965 ap-
pear generally difficult to attain. Production of chemical fertilizers,
in the light of past performance, probably will not reach the goal of
1.37 million tons, unless more external aid is supplied than is now
foreseen. The facilities for production of synthetic materials are
still largely in the planning stage, and, consequently, the achievement
of these goals is even more doubtful. The goal for production of phar-
mhceuticals, however, an increase of 100 percent above production in
1958, probably will be achieved in view of the increase of 20 to 22 per-
cent in 1959.
G. Bulgaria
1. Significant Events in 1959
In 1959, under the impetus of the "great leap forward," Bul-
garia raised the previous goals for production of chemicals during the
Third Five Year Plan (1958-62) and announced a number of tentative goals
for 1965. Production of chemicals in 1962, originally scheduled to reach
a level 2.5 times that in 1957, is now to be 3 times that in 1957 and by
1965 is to rise to 7 times that in 1957. Production of chemical ferti-
lizers, originally scheduled to reach 890,000 tons in 1962, is now plan-
ned to be 1 million tons in that year, and the original plan for produc-
tion of plastics in 1962 -- 8,000 tons -- has been doubled. 2?./
Tentative goals for production of chemicals in 1965 include
the following:
Plastics
Chemical fibers
Soda ash
Caustic soda
Sulfuric acid
Chemical fertilizers
Synthetic urea
-34 -
S-E,C-R-E-T
40,000 tons
26,000 tons
285,000 tons
43,200 tons 22/
350,000 tons
1.6 million tons
20,000 tons
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
In support of the increased goals for production of chemical
fertilizers, construction of a new nitrogen fertilizer plant at Kaliti-
novo was begun in 1959. The plant is to have an annual capacity of
440,000 tons, but full production is not scheduled until 1964.
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
The chemical and rubber industries in Bulgaria reportedly
exceeded their plans for production in 1959, both industries claiming
to have increased production by about 35 percent above that in 1958.
Although production of major chemical products in 1959 was significantly
greater than in 1958, in many cases it fell below the level necessary to
implement the "great leap forward." The plan for 1959 had called for
production of 100,000 tons of sulfuric acid and 400,000 tons of fertili-
zers, whereas only 91,000 tons and 338,000 tons, respectively, were pro-
duced. Exceeding of the plan was reported, however, for nitrogen ferti-
lizers, soda ash, caustic soda, plastics, and automobile tires. Initial
production of streptoMycin was reported. Table 6 shows production of
selected chemical products in Bulgaria in 1959.
Table 6
Reported Production of Selected Chemical Products in Bulgaria
1959
Production
Percentage
Increase
Product Thousand Metric Tons Above 1958
Soda ash
114
15
Caustic soda
16
13
Sulfuric acid
91
42 2/
Nitrogen fertilizer
185
39
Phosphorus fertilizer
153
129
a.
3. Plan for 1960
The plan for 1960 calls for a continuation of the acceler-
ated development of the chemical'industry, with production scheduled to
increase 34 percent, compared with a planned increase of 15.3 percent
-35-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
for all industry. Planned investment in the chemical industry is
4.3 percent (approximately 186.6 million leva*) of total capital invest-
ment in industry. The goals of the chemical industry include production
of 247,700 tons of nitrogen fertilizers, 275,000 tons of phosphorus
fertilizers, 135,850 tons of soda ash, and 151,000 tons of sulfuric
acid. Work is to begin in 1960 on new facilities to produce chlorine
and polyvinyl chloride at Reka Devnya and sulfuric acid at Dimitrovgrad,
the latter installation to have an annual capacity of 8o,000 tons of
sulfuric acid. In addition, expansion of the soda plant at Reka Devnya
is scheduled to provide additional capacity for production of
85,000 tons of soda ash. ..1/
4. Outlook
Fulfillment of the immediate and longer range plans of the
Bulgarian chemical industry is unlikely, although a considerable expan-
sion of production will occur. The plans for production of chemical
fertilizers and sulfuric acid in 1960 are unlikely to be fulfilled, as
are those for production of plastics and fertilizers in 1962 and 1965.
H. Albania
1. Significant Events in 1959
The Albanian chemical industry** currently is of minor im-
portance, consisting of four small plants producing oxygen, rubber pro-
ducts, tannin, and pharmaceuticals. Other chemical products must be im-
ported, largely from other countries of the Soviet Bloc. In 1959 it was
revealed that the gross production of the Albanian chemical industry in
1958 amounted to 146.6 million leks,*** compared with only 5.5 million
leks in 1950. No similar statistics have been reported for 1959.
In 1959, details of the Albanian Third Five Year Plan
(1961-65) were announced. The plan provides for the establishment of a
heavy chemical industry. A phosphorus fertilizer plant and a sulfuric
acid plant are to be constructed in connection with a planned metallurgi-
cal combine. In addition, a nitrogen fertilizer plant is to be construc-
ted, using Albanian natural gas as the primary raw material. Although no
* Leva may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of ex-
change of 1 lev to US $0.147. This rate of exchange, however, may not
reflect the dollar value.
XX The Albanian chemical industry is subordinate to the Ministry of
Industry and Mines.
* Leks may be converted to US dollars at the official rate of ex-
change of 1 lek to US $0.02. This rate of exchange, however, may not
reflect the dollar value.
-36-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
mention was made of establishing production of other petrochemicals, a
base for such will exist if production of petroleum should reach its
1965 goal of 2 million to 2.5 million tons.
2. Outlook
Albanian plans for development of a chemical industry will
materialize only if considerable aid is obtained from other members of
the Soviet Bloc, especially the USSR. A technical assistance program
has been promulgated, whereby Albania is to receive a credit of 300 mil-
lion rubles from the USSR for industrial construction, including chemi-
cal plants and pipelines for petroleum and gas. L/ Unless such con-
struction and the training of Albanian personnel to operate these in-
stallatiohs are given priority, it is unlikely that the goals can be at-
tained by 1965. A start, however, will have been made toward production
of heavy chemicals.
I. Communist China
1. Significant Events in 1959
The chemical industry of Communist China made substantial
progress during 1959. In value of output the chemical industry possibly
attained fourth place in the Sino-Soviet Bloc, after the USSR, East
Germany, and Poland. Communist China became the leading producer in the
Bloc, except for the USSR, of sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and soda ash.
Production of fertilizers, the focal point of efforts to expand the
chemical industry, also was increased considerably.
The Chinese Communist Ministry of the Chemical Industry con-
tinued to pursue the state's policy of 'walking on two legs" -- that is,
developing simultaneously both central government and locally operated
chemical industries; large, medium-sized, and small plants; and produc-
tion by both modern and "native" methods. Although construction of
large and medium-sized chemical plants continued during 1959, the Minis-
try gave special attention to promoting the program for small plants,
particularly plants using modern methods of production rather than crude
or "native-style" methods. Emphasis was put on designing and building
prototype small plants for producing synthetic ammonia and sulfuric
acid.
A number of large chemical plants, construction of which was
started in the period of the First Five Year Plan (1953-57), were put
into operation during 1959. Among these plants were the Soviet-built
synthetic ammonia-nitrogen fertilizer plants at Lan-chou and T'ai-yuan
and a similar plant equipped by Czechoslovakia at Chin-t'ang. These
three plants alone ultimately will have a combined annual capacity of
-37-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
more than 1 million tons of nitrogen fertilizer. By the end of the
year, trial production of synthetic rubber apparently started in the
Soviet-built plant at Lan-chou. Other chemical plants in Dairen, Kirin,
Nanking, and Chin-hsi were greatly expanded and became large centers of
chemical production.
2. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
The value of gross production of the Chinese Communist chem-
ical industry reportedly increased about 49 percent above that in 1958
compared with an increase of 39 percent for all industry. L/ Invest-
ment in the chemical industry in 1959 exceeded 1.3 billion yuan,* larger
than the total chemical investment during the First Five Year Plan.
According to official statements, production of caustic soda, soda ash,
tires, and antibiotics reached the original goals for 1962, the last
year of the Second Five Year Plan (1958-62). LI/ The estimated produc-
tion of selected chemical products in 1959 is shown in Table 7.
Table 7
Estimated Production of Selected Chemical Products in Communist China
1959
Product
Production
Percentage
Increase
Above 1958
Unit
Amount
Motor vehicle tires
Thousand units
1,800
20
Soda ash
Thousand metric tons
800
25/
Caustic soda
Thousand metric tons
364
35/
Sulfuric acid
Thousand metric tons
1,050
42 2/
Chemical fertilizer
Thousand metric tons
2,000 12/
48
Antibiotics
Metric tons
344
137 21
a.
b. The reported production of 1.333 million metric tons is believed not
to include the output of small plants using crude indigenous methods of
production or the total output of ammonium nitrate produced in large
chemical fertilizer plants.
* Yuan may be converted to US dollars at the standard rate of exchange
of 2.5 yuan to US $1. This rate of exchange, however, may not reflect
the dollar value.
- 38 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6,
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
In 1959, Communist China began excluding data on production
of ammonium nitrate from official statistics on production of fertili-
zers. This exclusion may result from a desire to suppress information
concerning this product, which has applications not only as a nitrogen
fertilizer and an industrial explosive but also as a military explosive.
It is estimated that production of chemical fertilizers,* including
ammonium nitrate, increased from 1.354 million tons in 1958 ?.2/ to
nearly 2 million tons in 1959.
During 1959, considerable emphasis was placed on the devel-
opment of small chemical plants to help meet the requirements of local
industry and agriculture. It was reported that, in Shanghai, 1,000 sets
of equipment were built for small sulfuric acid plants, each plant capa-
ble of producing 400 tons of acid per year. By the end of 1959, an ad-
ditional program had been drafted for the construction of acid plants
with capacities of 4,000 tons per year. 72/
One key aspect of the Second Five Year Plan for production
of chemical fertilizer was a program for constructing an extensive net-
work of small plants producing ammonium bicarbonate. Most of these
plants were to have an annual production capacity of 2,000 tons of syn-
thetic ammonia and 8,000 tons of ammonium bicarbonate per year. There
was increasing evidence in 1959 that the program might have been cur-
tailed. As a possible substitute program, the Dairen Chemical Plant
built a small prototype plant capable of producing 800 tons per year of
synthetic ammonia. The ammonia would be prepared in aqueous form for
direct application to crops as a nitrogen fertilizer. It was claimed
that such a plant could be built in 4 to 6 months, with an investment of
only 900,000 yuan and would need only 200 tons of iron and steel. 22/
Some 30 experimental plants of this kind were to be built in 1959 to de-
termine their feasibility. There were indications that this program
lagged, and possibly only a few, if any, of these plants were in oper-
ation by the end of the year. The program/ however, is scheduled to re-
ceive a high priority in 1960.
Even with the increased productive capacity in operation in
1959, the chemical industry reportedly was able to meet only one-half to
two-thirds of Chinese Communist requirements for industrial chemicals.
Production of sulfuric acid and soda ash was reported to have been only
about 70 percent of the amount required, and production of nitric acid
and calcium carbide was far below domestic needs. E/ Although produc-
tion of raw materials for the chemical industry also increased, the
transportation system of Communist China was unable to maintain a con-
tinuous supply of these materials to all consumers.
* Excluding output of small plants using native methods.
-39-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
3. Progress on Major Products
a. Chemical Fertilizers
The fanciful claims of 1958 concerning planned increases
in production of chemical fertilizers by 1962 -- at one time, the target
was said to be 35 million tons -- apparently gave way in 1959 to a more
realistic appraisal of the tremendous technical and material problems to
be overcome in reaching such high levels of production. In October
1959, Vice Premier Po I-po presented a 10-year plan for modernizing ag-
riculture and called for an annual production of chemical fertilizer
approximating 20 million tons by 1969, IV a goal which the regime will
have great difficulty in achieving but which is more feasible than the
earlier plans. Also, by the end of 1959, Peking was again publicizing
the original goal for 1962 of 3 million to 3.2 million tons of chemical
fertilizer.
The uncertainty of Chinese Communist plans for produc-
tion of fertilizers is illustrated even more strikingly by the revision
in the plans for 1959 and 1960. Premier Chou En-lai, speaking before
the National Peoples Congress in April 1959, stated that production of
chemical fertilizer in 1959 would increase by 60 to 85 percent above
production of 811,000 tons* in 1958. In mid-September, Hou Te-pang,
Vice Minister of the Chemical Industry, declared that the goal had been
revised downward to only 22.1 percent above the figure for 1958. In
early November, Peking indicated that the estimated production would in-
crease from 37 to 45 percent. Final results announced on 21 January
1960 stated that production in 1959 was 1.333 million tons,* an increase
of 64.4 percent above production in 1958. At the end of 1959, official
statements indicated that production of chemical fertilizer in 1960 was
expected to reach the original goal for 1962 of 3 million to 3.2 million
tons. On 30 March 1960, however, at a session of the National Peoples
Congress, a goal of 2.8 million tons was announced for 1960. /V
A number of new large chemical fertilizer plants began
operating in 1959, and the output of several other plants that were put
into production in 1957 or 1958 rose significantly. Production of ni-
trogen fertilizers started in plants located at Lan-chou, T'ai-yuan, and
Chin-t'ang, and the original production capacity of the Soviet-built
plant at Kirin was trebled by 1 October 1959. /2/ Production of phos-
phorus fertilizers also increased during 1959, chiefly because of in-
creased output at two large superphosphate plants built by the Chinese
Communists in 1958 at Ttai-yuan and Nanking. In 1959, production of
* Reported production. This amount is believed not to include output
of small plants using crude indigenous methods of production or total
output of ammonium nitrate produced in large chemical fertilizer plants.
- 40 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
potassium fertilizer commenced on a commercial scale in Communist China
at a plant located in Ka-erh-mu in Tsinghai province. This plant is
situated in the Tsaidam Basin in the vicinity of a huge dry salt lake
which reportedly contains billions of tons of carnallite, a source of
potassium chloride. The plant was scheduled to produce 200,000 tons of
potassium fertilizer during 1959, /W but output probably was no more
than 50,000 tons.
The need for greater supplies of crude phosphates for
the growing fertilizer industry prompted the regime to emphasize the de-
velopment of domestic phosphorus mines. Although the country has large
resources of crude phosphates, Communist China imported a considerable
amount of phosphates from Morocco in 1959. A trade agreement between
the two countries for that year called for delivery of 500,000 tons of
phosphorus ore, and a subsequent agreement for 1960 specified a shipment
of 600,000 tons.
b. Synthetic Materials
Considerable priority was given in 1959 to production of
synthetic rubber, plastics, and chemical fibers. Communist China ex-
pects to be producing a significant amount of synthetic rubber by the
end of 1962. Major plants equipped by the USSR have been under con-
struction for several years at Lan-chou and Kirin. The Lan-chou instal-
lation, a producer of butadiene-styrene copolymer rubber, was completed
and apparently underwent trial production by the end of 1959. 2,Y No
date has been specified for initial production at the Kirin plant, which
is scheduled to make chloroprene rubber. The annual capacity of each of
these plants eventually may be 30,000 tons.
Final reports on the progress of the plastics industry
in 1959 are lacking, but during the year the regime emphasized its pro-
gram to develop large-scale manufacture of polyvinyl chloride. Produc-
tion of this plastic was to begin at plants located in Chin-hsi, Peking,
and Shanghai. Trial production was said to have started at Peking in
October 1959. Additional facilities were reported to be under construc-
tion at Foochow, Tientsin, and Kirin. A number of these plants are
scheduled to have annual production capacities of 6,000 tons of poly-
vinyl chloride each.
In the field of chemical fibers, two new plants were
scheduled to begin operating during 1959. One plant located in Pao-ting
is a producer of rayon filament with an initial capacity of 5,000 tons
per year, and the second plant, in Peking, has an annual capacity of
684 tons of "Chinlon" (similar to US "Nylon 6"). Although statistics on
production of chemical fibers in 1959 are lacking, it is clear that Com-
munist China is far behind in the development of its chemical fiber in-
dustry, if it is to reach the production goal of 100,000 tons in 1962.
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
c. Acids and Alkalies
By early 1959 the Chinese Communists recognized that
their grandiose plans for 1962 for the chemical industry did not include
provisions for assuring a sufficient increase in the output of essential
raw materials and basic chemicals. Pieng Tao, Minister of the Chemical
Industry, therefore, declared at a chemical conference in January 1959
that first priority must be given to the exploitation of minerals and to
production of acids and alkalies.
In February the Ministry of the Chemical Industry dis-
cussed capital construction of enterprises for producing acids and alka-
lies. A plan was approved to build 40 plants in 1959 and to complete
the construction of 77 projects begun in 1958. I2/ Among the 40 new
plants to be constructed were sulfuric acid installations, each with a
production capacity of 120,000 tons, in the provinces of Szechwan,
Honan, and Hunan, and soda ash installations, each with a capacity of
80,000 tons, in the provinces of Szechwan and Kwantung. .q12/ The Minis-
try also declared that 300,000 to 400,000 tons of natural soda, enough
to produce 100,000 tons of soda ash, would be mined in Inner Mongolia,
Kansu, and Tsinghai during 1959. L./
The weak link in the program to provide increased sup-
plies of chemical raw materials proved to be transportation bottlenecks.
It was reported that because of the lack of transport facilities only
about 70 percent of the output of pyrite, phosphorus, and borax ores
was shipped. ,E1E/
4. Plans for 1960
Communist China plans further substantial development of its
chemical industry in 1960. Peking has stated that the industry will
continue the "big leap forward" and that the value of gross production
is scheduled to rise by 44 to 65 percent above production in 1959. L/
Efforts will be concentrated on production of chemical fertilizers,
acids, alkalies, and synthetic rubber. L./ The production goals for
chemical fertilizers and sulfuric acid are 2.8 million tons and 1.5 mil-
lion tons, respectively. ?2/ The goal for chemical fertilizers presuma-
bly includes only the output of plants using modern methods of produc-
tion but may also include all or a portion of production of ammonium
nitrate.
The construction of 17 large plants for the manufacture of
chemical fertilizers is to be continued during 1960, and many small and
medium-sized plants reportedly will be built throughout the country. LiW
Priority has been assigned to the construction of small plants for pro-
duction of synthetic ammonia and sulfuric acid.
-42-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
5. Outlook
During 1960, Chinese Communist production of some major pro-
ducts such as acids, alkalies, and rubber tires will be well above the
original goals for 1962. Production of chemical fertilizers, however,
probably will not reach the 1962 goal of .3 million to 3.2 million tons.
Production of organic chemicals, plastics, and chemical fibers is not
likely to advance at the same pace as production of basic industrial
chemicals and will continue to fall behind the rapidly growing needs of
the economy.
As in 1959, most Chinese Communist production of chemicals
in 1960 will come from large existing plants, many of them built with
aid from other countries of the Sino-Soviet Bloc. Considerable new
construction may be started during 1960, but claims by the regime that
large quantities of synthetic ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer will be
produced by many small plants using modern methods of production proba-
bly will not be realized.
There has been no evidence to date that the Chinese Com-
munist machine-building industry has significantly increased its ability
to produce a large volume of equipment and machinery for the chemical
industry, particularly of the types that will withstand high pressures
and temperatures, such as are required for production of synthetic am-
monia. Because continuance of extensive technical aid from the Sino-
Soviet Bloc is uncertain, Communist China may seek aid from non-Bloc
countries, possibly Western Europe, in the form of equipment and com-
plete plants. Equipment for the manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers is
especially needed.
In spite of advances in production, the Chinese Communist
chemical industry Vrill still be incapable of meeting domestic needs of
agriculture and industry. Communist China must continue to rely heavily
on foreign sources for many chemical products, including fertilizer and
natural rubber, but imports of some commodities, such as acids, alka-
lies, tires, and insecticides, will be negligible.
J. North Korea
1. Plan Fulfillment, 1959
North Korea claimed in July 1959 that the Five Year Plan
(1957-61) for industry had been fulfilled some 2.5 years ahead of sched-
ule in terms of the value of total production. A number of production
goals of the chemical industry remained unfulfilled at the end of 1959,
however, indicating that the chemical industry had not reached its goal
for 1961. One ambitious aim of the chemical industry was achieved in
-43-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
1959, when, for the first time under the Communist regime, production of
chemicals exceeded the peak reached in 1944 under the Japanese. Produc-
tion of selected chemical products in North Korea in 1959 is shown in
Table 8.*
Production of chemical fertilizer in 1959 was officially re-
ported as 391,000 tons, a marked drop from the reported production of
457,000 tons in 1958. 4?7/ The reported production for 1959 is difficult
to accept, considering reports of increased output at individual plants.
A possible explanation is that North Korea has adopted the Chinese Com-
munist procedure of excluding production of ammonium nitrate from sta-
tistics on production of chemical fertilizer. The total production of
chemical fertilizer, including ammonium nitrate, appears to have been
about 500,000 tons in 1959.
Although total production of chemical fertilizer probably
increased in 1959, production of superphosphate lagged behind plan.
Steps were taken to expand production of superphosphate, however, and it
was reported that there were added at the Hungnam Fertilizer Factory and
the Nam-p'o Smeltery new facilities that would provide a combined pro-
duction capacity of 175,000 tons a year. The superphosphate shop of the
Hungnam Fertilizer Factory, with a capacity of 150,000 tons, began trial
operations in 1959 and eventually will have a capacity of 300,000 tons.
The superphosphate shop of the Nam-p'o Smeltery, with a capacity of
25,000 tons, also began operations in 1959 and reportedly will have a
capacity of 200,000 tons by 1962.
Another major development in the chemical industry was the
start toward making the country self-sufficient in production of plas-
tics and chemical fibers. Construction began at the Pon'gung Chemical
Plant on a vinyl chloride plant with an annual capacity of 6,000 tons
and a vinalon fiber plant with a capacity of 10,000 tons.
2. Plans
The chemical industry reportedly is to receive a large share
,of the investment in capital construction in North Korean industry in
1960, and priority will be given to expanding the chemical fiber and
plastics industries. t3.Y The Pon'gung vinyl chloride plant is scheduled
to be completed by the end of 1960 and the vinalon plant by the end of
1962. The regime is emphasizing production of synthetic fiber from car-
bide and hopes to become self-sufficient in fibers by the end of the
First Five Year Plan. Plans call for expansion of the chemical fiber
industry to continue during the Second Five Year Plan (1962-66).
* Table 8 follows on p. 45.
-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Plyong-yang has indicated, however, that the main long-run
task of the chemical industry is to increase production of chemical fer-
tilizer and, toward this end, plans in 1961 to build a fertilizer plant
with a capacity of 400,000 tons. ?2/ The regime has a production goal
of 1.5 million to 2 million tons of chemical fertilizer by 1964, but,
without substantial external aid and technical assistance, this goal is
not likely to be reached.
Table 8
Estimated Production of Selected Chemical Products in North Korea
1959
Production
Percentage
Increase
Product Thousand Metric Tons Above 1958
Calcium carbide
135 2/
-10
Caustic soda
24
71
Sulfuric acid
.al
255
6
Chemical fertilizer
500
9
Chlorine
21
69
2/ Reported.
K. North Vietnam
North Vietnam has virtually no chemical industry and, conse-
quently, has been dependent on imports, chiefly from the Sino-Soviet
Bloc, to satisfy the limited requirements for chemicals. The Three Year
Plan (1958-60), however, has called for establishing the base of an in-
dustry designed eventually to make North Vietnam self-sufficient in
chemicals. The construction of a superphosphate fertilizer plant with
a capacity of 100,000 tons began at Phu Tho in June 1959. This plant,
which is scheduled to begin operating in 1960, is being built with
Soviet aid and reportedly will have an ultimate annual capacity of
200,000 tons when the second stage of construction is completed. 22/
Plans also call for the building of two ammonium nitrate plants, with a
combined capacity of about 30,000 tons. 21/ Other construction plans
include the building in 1960 of installations near Phu Tho for produc-
tion of sulfuric acid, caustic soda, chlorine, and insecticides. The
-45-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
construction, presumably with Chinese Communist aid, of a tire plant at
Hanoi will begin early in 1960. 22/ This plant reportedly will make
North Vietnam self-sufficient in production of both automobile and bicy-
cle tires. The North Vietnamese also plan construction, with assistance
from East Germany, of an artificial fiber plant with an annual capacity
of 5,000 tons.
-46-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
APPENDIX A
PLANNED COOPERATION IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRTES OF THE SINO-SOVIET BLOC
IN FIETDS OF INVESTMENT, SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE*
Recipient of Aid Supplier of Aid Type of Aid Comment
USSR East Germany Technical data In 1958 and 1959 the USSR obtained
technical data from East Germany on
a number of chemical products, in-
cluding synthetic rubber, polyvinyl
chloride, caprolactam, acetylene,
phthalic anhydride, and chemical
fibers.
East Germany Chemical equipment
East Germany is scheduled to deliver
equipment valued at 700 million
rubles (US $175 million)** in the
6-year period 1960-65. The plan for
1959 called for delivery by East
Germany of equipment valued at
65.5 million rubles (US $16.4 mil-
lion) for the Soviet chemical and
rubber industries.
* Appendix A embraces plans announced in 1959 for mutual aid in significant areas of the chemical industries of
the Sino-Soviet Bloc. These plans, to be implemented largely in 1960-65, do not, however, represent all aid to be
extended in this period. Sources for this appendix will be available on request.
** All ruble values in this appendix are converted to US dollars at the official rate of exchange of 4 rubles to
US $1, a ratio which may not reflect the dollar value.
-7 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Recipient of Aid Supplier of Aid Type of Aid Comment
USSR (Continued) Hungary Chemical equipment Hungary reportedly is scheduled to de-
liver equipment for a number of
Soviet plants, including units for
production of penicillin, strepto-
mycin, calcium carbide, and phos-
phorus.
East Germany USSR Technical data Technical data obtained in 1958 and
1959 for a number of products, in-
cluding chloroprene rubber, synthetic
phenol, and terephthalic acid. The
USSR also is supplying technical data
for an oil refining plant at Schwedt.
Poland
Czechoslovakia Equipment for the potash industry The reported value of the equipment
is 110 million rubles (US $27.5 mil-
lion).
Rumania Technical assistance in the use Possibly related to the use of natural
of natural gas gas as a raw material in the chemical
industry
USSR Technical assistance To include plans for a petrochemical
plant to be erected at Plock
-48-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Recipient of Aid Supplier of Aid
Poland
(Continued)
Type of Aid
Czechoslovakia Credit and equipment for develop-
ment of sulfur deposits and equip-
ment for a refinery
Czechoslovakia Equipment for the rubber industry
Czechoslovakia Poland
Rumania
USSR
USSR
East Germany
East Germany
Three sulfuric acid plants and a
synthetic phenol plant
Equipment for petrochemical combine
Equipment for nitrogen fertilizer
combine
Technical aid for production of
synthetic fibers
Technical aid and probably equip-
ment for plants to produce am-
monia and urea
Czechoslovakia Equipment for production of ammonia
-49-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Comment
Poland, in return, is to supply
Czechoslovakia with plants to produce
sulfuric acid and synthetic phenol
and with shipments of sulfur and coal.
In return, Poland is to receive credit
and equipment for development of sul-
fur deposits and equipment for a re-
finery.
This combine is located at Borzesti.
East Germany and Czechoslovakia also
have supplied equipment for this com-
bine.
This ccMbine is located at Roznov.
Negotiations apparently took place in
1959; the final status is unknown.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S-E-C-R-E-T
Recipient of Aid
Supplier of Aid
Type of Aid
Comment
Hungary
USSR
Extension of credit for development of
chemical and petroleum industries
Credit of 140 million rubles (US $35
million)* for use starting in 1960
USSR
Equipment for nitrogen fertilizer
plant
Bulgaria
Hungary
Pharmaceutical plant
Communist China
Poland
Equipment for three nitrogen
plants
Planned value of aid is to be 8 mil-
lion rubles (US $2 million).
Czechoslovakia
Equipment for four nitrogen plants
Delivery is to take place between
1960 and 1963.
Czechoslovakia
Five oxygen plants
Deliveries are to take place between
1960 and 1963.
North Korea
Bulgaria
Technical data for production of
urea
North Vietnam
USSR
Technical data and equipment for a
superphosphate plant
Construction began in 1959, with ini-
tial operation scheduled in 1960.
East Germany
Synthetic fiber plant
This plant apparently is scheduled to
use rice husks as a raw material.
* This extension of credit is in addition to the credit of US $75 million granted Hungary by the USSR in 1957.
The earlier loan was scheduled to extend to 1960.
-50-
S-E-C-R-E-T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
S?E?C?R?E?T
APPENDIX B
PRODUCTION OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS IN THE SINO?SOVIET BLOC
ACTUAL IN 1958 AND 1959 AND PLANNED IN 1960 AND 1965
Thousand Metric Tons
Country
Production
Planned Production
1958
1959
1960
1965
Gross Weight 21
Pure Nutrient 12/
Gross Weight 2/
Pure Nutrient 12/
Gross Weight 2/
Pure Nutrient 12/
Gross Weight 2/
Pure Nutrient bJ
USSR
East Germany
Poland
Czechoslovakia
Rumania
Hungary
Bulgaria
Albania
Communist China
North Korea
North Vietnam
12,400
N.A.
1,795
N.A.
152 2/
355
207
0
1,354
457
0 di
2,940 2/
1,984
382
225
29
70 2/
55 2/
0
266 s/
94 2./
0 1/
12,900
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
314 s/
476
338
0
2,000 s/
500 s/
0 1/
3,050 2./
2,034
430
268
52
92 2/
84 2/
0
410 sj
102 2/
0 di
13,500
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
426 s/
5292/
523
0
2,800
N.A.
N.A.
3,190 31
N.A.
487
292
71
102 s/
123 2/
0
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
35,000
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
2,130
1,370
1,600
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
8,220 2/
2,798
84o
578
500
265 2/
416 2/
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
a. Reporting of production of chemical fertilizers in terms of so-called "gross weight" varies from country to country. For example, production of nitrogen
fertilizers in the USSR, Communist China, and Hungary is reported in terms of ammonium sulfate -- that is, about 20 to 20.5 percent nitrogen, whereas in Rumania
and Bulgaria it is reported in terms of about 26 and 32 percent nitrogen, respectively. Similarly, production of phosphorus fertilizers in the vaLous countries
is reported in terms of 16.7 to 19 percent P205 and production of potassium fertilizers in terms of about 4o to 41.6 percent K20.
b. In terms of nitrogen, phosphoric anhydride, and potassium oxide.
c. Estimated.
d. Production is limited to a small amount of phosphate rock, which, strictly speaking, is not a chemical fertilizer.
- 51 -
S?E?C?R?E?T
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30: CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
R
Next 3 Page(s) In Document Denied
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6
SECRET
SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/30:
CIA-RDP79R01141A001700140001-6