ICIS - chemical podcasts

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asian spot market for butadiene (BD) saw a bullish start to 2025, as prices in both Chinese yuan and US dollar terms surged dramatically.In this latest podcast, ICIS senior editor Ai Teng Lim and industry analyst Elaine Zhang come together to discuss the factors moving prices and to take a peek into what may lie ahead for downstream demand.  Domestic China prices surge on supply factors, raising imports too Uncertainties prevalent on whether downstream demand will hold out Supply outlook uneven between China and wider Asia

At the end of 2024, the European bioplastics industry met to discuss innovations, barriers to growth and the future outlook for production capacity, demand and changes in legislation. ICIS Recycling Analyst Alexandra Tomczyk attended the conference and updates us on the current state of play for the bioplastics market. Some of the key takeaways included: Global capacities are set to grow rapidly in the next 5 years It’s unclear how the rise of bioplastic packaging will impact the goals set in Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations Bioplastics are only one of a range of tools needed to improve the sustainability of plastics

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

Nigel Davis from ICIS shares insights on chemical industry trends, while John Richardson analyzes global capacity and trade dynamics. Paul Hodges discusses how geopolitical factors will impact the market. They explore the troubling rise of global overcapacity and depressed demand. The conversation highlights the potential effects of Donald Trump's tariffs on trade and inflation. Plus, they delve into China's struggling economy and the challenges of misinformation. Amidst the chaos, they pinpoint growth opportunities linked to the 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