ICIS - chemical podcasts

With some economists now forecasting a recession in China, chemicals executives should analyze the possible impact on their businesses. -          China’s economy at a turning point, possibility of recession in 2025-          New government stimulus measures announced today-          Lack of domestic demand makes China reliant on export-driven growth-          Other markets increasingly resistant to Chinese exports, put up trade barriers-          Further slowing of China’s economy will increase global overcapacity pressure-          Chemical companies need to plan for scenario of stagnant China economy

Volatile gas prices illustrate a finely balanced market Tight ammonia availability; some scheduled maintenances expected Unexpected gas related shutdowns in Egypt short-lived; India urea tenders boost sentiment Certain factors support global urea market despite thin demand in Europe  Demand in China showing signs of recovery before National Day holiday (1-7 October) China's average melamine operating rates hovering around 60%, market to track urea costs  Additional reporting from market reporter Joy Foo, Senior Editor Sylvia Traganida, Deputy managing editor Deepika Thapliyal, Markets Reporter Joy Foo and Energy Market Reporter Lars Hoeylo Kjoellesdal.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's fatty alcohol mid-cuts prices may be near the ceiling as demand from Europe is expected to wane after October, given the looming EUDR or EU Deforestation Regulation which starts on 30 December 2024.Meanwhile, east Asian and south Asian linear alkylbenzene (LAB) markets remained in the doldrums despite expectations of an improvement in September. The weak performance of the crude oil and upstream markets since July have weighed on sentiment and led to caution among buyers. Limited spot availability to lend support to the mid-cuts C12-14 prices near term Heavy fatty alcohol plant shutdown schedule in September-November in Asia LAB market could potentially improve on upstream revival Elevated mid-cut alcohols market could prompt switching to LAB In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Helen Yan and Clive Ong discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

September’s hoped-for post-summer revival has been a blowout for Europe’s polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets, and this upturning of what used to be a surefire seasonal trend is typical of 2024.In this latest podcast, European PE and PP editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake take stock of the year so far and are joined by ICIS senior polymer analysts Lorenzo Meazza and Umberto Torresan to pick out key themes for the rest of 2024 and 2025.They touch on the challenge of unpredictable events, changing demand trends, unplanned disruption, as well as the huge number of plants coming online around the world.

Nigel Davis and John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, along with Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive deep into the chemical industry's malaise. They discuss the oversupply from China and the Middle East, predicting a continued struggle in petrochemical markets. The trio examines China's shifting demand growth, projected at only 2-4% yearly, and the potential for global deflation. They emphasize the critical need for new business models and strategic shifts amidst declining sales and profitability.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--ICIS has revised down its forecast for China’s combined imports of propane and butane for 2024 because of weaker-than-expected demand in fuel applications. Full-year LPG imports projected at 36.7 million tonnes  Fuel LPG demand falls on increased natural gas usage amid weak economy  Strong feedstock LPG demand partly offset decline in fuel consumption

Europe’s beleaguered petrochemical industry could see its fortunes improve dramatically if Mario Draghi’s new industrial policy proposals are adopted, along with a fair regulatory framework.  -          New industrial strategy can rescue region from structurally higher costs, low levels of investment-          Historic moment with momentum building for new approach to Europe industry transformation -          Green Deal objectives need to work alongside measures to improve competitiveness-          New requirements for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will have big impact on chemicals-          Compliance teams face a “nasty cocktail” because of lack of regulatory clarity -          Shift from risk to hazard-based approach-          Regulations create opportunities for innovative chemical companies  

In this podcast, Senior Editor Emily Friedman, and Analyst, Josh Dill, dive deeper into the challenges US chemical recyclers face.

New analysis suggests the chemical industry may face a more rapidly aging and shrinking population in key markets such as China, while the subsequent drag on demand means new business models will be required. -          China-driven petrochemicals Supercycle is over-          China’s population may be aging and shrinking more quickly than previously thought-          China may switch to become net exporter of many synthetic resins-          Demographic shifts will shrink demand for chemicals throughout developed world-          Developing world faces challenges which may slow growth-          New business models will be required to create opportunities from these trends

The summer has been challenging for the oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets in Europe, experiencing sluggish activity due to supply constraints and seasonal slowdowns. Insights reveal contrasting supply situations for key products like 2-VH and NBA. The glycol ethers market is feeling the pinch as well, with cautious optimism for future demand amidst ongoing disruptions. Moreover, the Butak sector is seeing impacts from economic downturns in construction and automotive influences, setting an intriguing stage for price dynamics in the coming months.