PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Proman Trinidad says it will temporarily suspend operations at its melamine plant in Point Lisas in central Trinidad for an initial two-year period, citing continued unfavourable global market conditions.
“We do not take these decisions lightly. Proman has been a key contributor to the Trinidad and Tobago energy sector for over 35 years, and we will continue to invest in our operations, our people, and our local communities. This decision does not affect the production or operations of our other plants in Trinidad,” said Proman Trinidad’s executive director, Anand Ragbir.
Headquartered in Switzerland, Proman is a multi-asset, multi-regional diversified energy producer with methanol and fertilizer production facilities in Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, and Oman, and is currently expanding into Mexico.
Melamine is a chemical used to make many products, including heat-resistant plastics and dinnerware. Proman Trinidad, which describes itself as the leading integrated petrochemical company here, said that the decision follows a detailed review of international market dynamics and is intended to safeguard the long-term sustainability and efficiency of its operations in Trinidad and Tobago.
“The pause in production comes after the International Trade Commission (ITC) in the United States imposed significant anti-dumping and countervailing duties in January 2025 of 154.28 per cent on melamine exports from Trinidad and Tobago and other countries into the United States. These duties, combined with ongoing global price pressures, have made the continued production of melamine economically unviable at this time.”
Proman said its top priority during the transition is supporting its employees and that the vast majority of the 89 potentially impacted employees will be redeployed to other plants, projects, and roles across Proman’s operations, with access to training and resources to ensure a smooth transition.
It said that for the small number of employees the company cannot redeploy, Proman will provide full outplacement support, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and statutory benefits, ensuring that all employees are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Looking ahead, Proman Trinidad said it will continue to monitor market conditions and evaluate the feasibility of resuming melamine production should circumstances change.
“The company remains focused on strengthening its core operations and ensuring long-term competitiveness.”
Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper that the decision reflects challenging market conditions affecting the global melamine trade.
“It is clear that this is an issue arising from challenging market circumstances. I am aware that Proman has been seeking alternative markets for melamine, but the global environment is challenging. In the short term, the company has decided to pause production,” Moonilal said.
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