Episode 1306: PODCAST: Europe phenol, acetone and derivative chain still struggling; but a few glimmers of hope

LONDON (ICIS)--Halfway through Q1 - and it is no surprise that there are still a host of challenges facing the phenol, acetone and derivatives chain. These include high energy costs, ongoing poor demand and the uncertainty around future trade flows given fresh Asia capacity and any tariffs – and reciprocal tariffs - from the new Trump administration.

Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss current market conditions, in particular demand challenges, in view of residual macro and geopolitical headwinds, so far in 2025.

• European PC under a lot of pressure by low demand and Asian imports as all suppliers try to get a piece of the small cake
• Epoxy, BPA demand subdued, but EU ADDs for epoxy to bring some opportunities
• Low demand thwarts phenol market, with acetone yet to offer any real margin support
• Europe MMA facing growing pressures from rising production costs and stubbornly weak demand

Podcast editing by Mathew Jolin-Beech