8. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

        We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity pricing risks. From time to time, we enter into transactions, including transactions involving derivative instruments, to manage certain of these exposures.

        All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged items are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, to the extent effective, and will be recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. To the extent applicable, we perform effectiveness assessments in order to use hedge accounting at each reporting period. For a derivative that does not qualify as a hedge, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

        We also hedge our net investment in certain European operations. Changes in the fair value of the hedge in the net investment of certain European operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

        Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Our revenues and expenses are denominated in various currencies. From time to time, we may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Where practicable, we generally net multicurrency cash balances among our subsidiaries to help reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. Certain other exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of one year or less). We do not hedge our currency exposures in a manner that would eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on our cash flows and earnings. As of June 30, 2011, we had approximately $250 million in notional amount (in U.S. dollar equivalents) outstanding in forward foreign currency contracts.

        On December 9, 2009, we entered into a five-year interest rate contract to hedge the variability caused by monthly changes in cash flow due to associated changes in LIBOR under our Senior Credit Facilities. The notional value of the contract is $50 million and was designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the swap was recorded in other comprehensive loss. We will pay a fixed 2.6% on the hedge and receive the one-month LIBOR rate. As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of the hedge was less than $2 million and is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities.

        On January 19, 2010, we entered into a five-year interest rate contract to hedge the variability caused by monthly changes in cash flow due to associated changes in LIBOR under our Senior Credit Facilities. The notional value of the contract is $50 million and was designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the swap was recorded in other comprehensive loss. We will pay a fixed 2.8% on the hedge and receive the one-month LIBOR rate. As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of the hedge was less than $3 million and is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities.

        Beginning in 2009, Arabian Amines Company entered into a 12 year floating to fixed interest rate contract providing to us LIBOR interest payments for a fixed payment of 5.02%. In connection with the consolidation of Arabian Amines Company as of July 1, 2010, the interest rate contract is now consolidated by Huntsman International. See "Note 5. Variable Interest Entities." The notional amount of the hedge as of June 30, 2011 is $40 million and the interest rate contract is not designated as a cash flow hedge. As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of the hedge was $5 million and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (unaudited). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded interest income of $1 million and nil, respectively.

        In 2009, Sasol-Huntsman entered into derivative transactions to hedge the variable interest rate associated with its local credit facility. These derivative rate hedges include a floating to fixed interest rate contract providing Sasol-Huntsman with EURIBOR interest payments for a fixed payment of 3.62% and a cap for future periods with a strike price of 3.62%. In connection with the consolidation of Sasol-Huntsman as of April 1, 2011, the interest rate contract is now included in our consolidated results. See "Note 5. Variable Interest Entities." The notional amount of the hedge as of June 30, 2011 is €54 million (approximately $77 million) and the derivative transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting. As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of this hedge was €1 million (approximately $2 million) and was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (unaudited).

        In conjunction with the issuance of $350 million of 8.625% senior subordinated notes due 2020, we entered into cross-currency interest rate contracts with three counterparties. On March 17, 2010, we paid $350 million to these counterparties and received €255 million from these counterparties and at maturity on March 15, 2015 we are required to pay €255 million and will receive $350 million. On March 15 and September 15 of each year, we will receive U.S. dollar interest payments of approximately $15 million (equivalent to an annual rate of 8.625%) and make interest payments of approximately €11 million (equivalent to an annual rate of approximately 8.41%). This swap is designated as a hedge of net investment for financial reporting purposes. As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of this swap was $5 million and was recorded as noncurrent liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited). For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of $9 million and $24 million, respectively was recorded at a loss in other comprehensive income.

        As of and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, the changes in fair value of the realized gains (losses) recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) of our other outstanding foreign currency rate hedging contracts and derivatives were not considered significant.

        A significant portion of our intercompany debt is denominated in euros. We also finance certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries with intercompany loans that are, in many cases, denominated in currencies other than the entities' functional currency. We manage the net foreign currency exposure created by this debt through various means, including cross-currency swaps, the designation of certain intercompany loans as permanent loans because they are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future ("permanent loans") and the designation of certain debt and swaps as net investment hedges.

        Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are not designated as permanent loans are recorded in earnings. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses on intercompany loans that are designated as permanent loans are recorded in other comprehensive loss. From time to time, we review such designation of intercompany loans.

        From time to time, we review our non-U.S. dollar denominated debt and swaps to determine the appropriate amounts designated as hedges. As of June 30, 2011, we have designated €363 million (approximately $521 million) of euro-denominated debt and cross-currency interest rate swap as a hedge of our net investments. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the amount of loss recognized on the hedge of our net investments was $12 million and $35 million and was recorded as a loss in other comprehensive loss. As of June 30, 2011, we had €1,050 million (approximately $1,507 million) in net euro assets.