A ceasefire in the Gaza conflict could potentially end attacks in the Red Sea, reopening the Suez Canal and normalising the Asia-to-Europe container shipping route.   -          Gaza ceasefire could stop Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping-          Route via Cape of Good Hope takes 10 days longer than Suez Canal-          Reopening Suez would add 10 days of chemicals inventory to the market-          Europe would be open to more Asia exports-          Freight rates could fall as container capacity is freed up  -          ‘Stunning’ levels of overcapacity expected in China in 2025-          New Cefic report highlights need for new Europe industrial deal for chemicals

Chemicals leaders must plan for a year in which powerful trends will alter the markets they serve, promising another period of rapid change across the industry landscape.  -          Global overcapacity will get worse this year, ICIS Supply & Demand data shows-          Depressed demand set to continue-          Donald Trump tariffs may change trade flows, fuel inflation-          China economy will continue to struggle-          Disinformation will make it difficult to navigate trends-          Look for pockets of growth from low carbon agenda 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia ethylene editor Josh Quah and analyst Aliena Huang talk about the Asia outlook for ethylene arbitrage cargoes for 2025 with markets editor Damini Dabholkar.  Ethylene loadings from US in December continue to favour southeast Asia destinations More intra-Asia tradeflows between northeast and southeast Asia expected for H1 2025 Increasing ethane competitivity and demand may curtail US ethylene exports to Asia

This discussion features Cameron Birch, the glycol ethers report editor at ICIS, who provides keen insights into the European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets. The panel highlights the subdued winter demand and ongoing de-stocking practices as 2023 closes. They delve into supply dynamics, particularly in the automotive sector, and the cautious outlook for 2025 amidst economic challenges. The conversation raises questions about potential market recovery while acknowledging that significant improvements remain unlikely.

The podcast delves into the effects of expanding oxo-alcohols capacity in China, highlighting challenges in the market and weak demand from the plasticisers sector. It discusses domestic production surges, the impact on import demand, and export strategies amidst oversupply pressures. Insights into how construction sector obstacles are influenced by population trends and government initiatives provide a comprehensive view. Additionally, fluctuations in propylene prices could reshape industry margins as 2025 approaches.

BARCELONA (ICIS)—European polyethylene (PE) markets face growing pressure from cheaper imports, highlighting the impact of rising overcapacity driven by China and the US. -          Plants in Europe operating at technical minimum levels-          Minimal stocks held amid plentiful supply-          Demand poor across most end uses, packaging stronger-          Europe will see more PE imports as global overcapacity grows-          More polymer plant closures are likely in Europe and other high-cost regions-          US has more to lose from trade war as it is a major exporter of PE to China-          Trade flows could change dramatically if tariff walls go up-          Supply/demand imbalance may take up to nine years to correct

Nigel Davis, a member of the ICIS market development team, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive into the pressing issues facing the plastics industry following failed UN treaty negotiations. They discuss the critical need for effective plastic waste management and how consumer demand will shape future practices. With a shift towards localized solutions and better recycling technologies, the duo emphasizes reconnecting chemical companies with brands and consumers to move beyond the current recycling crisis.

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor, Melissa Hurley, explores the global glycol situation with Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu, Melissa Wheeler. China inventory levels could remain limited near term; domestic supply increases on plant restart Bearish demand outlook to weigh on Asia market Asia, Europe annual contract discussions tough Heavy Q1 US turnaround could limit imports into Asia/Europe and bolster discussions

MUSCAT (ICIS)--In this special edition of the ICIS podcast, Asia deputy news editor Nurluqman Suratman speaks with ICIS market development executive John Richardson on the sidelines of the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals (GPCA) Annual Forum in Muscat, Oman, on the current issues facing the regional industry.  Ongoing issues over a UN plastics treaty highlights divide between major producers and smaller players Upcoming US tariffs may change trade flows, dynamics for Middle East Global oversupply remains in focus as China's demand growth slows

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen subdued performance into November with availability now healthy across markets and underlying demand still underperforming.Focus is now on managing inventory targets into year end with destocking already underway. The autumn in general has been slower than many had hoped.Glycol Ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to Oxo-Alcohols editor Nicole Simpson, Acrylate Esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech and Butyl Acetate editor Marion Boakye about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.