ICIS - chemical podcasts

Join John Richardson and Nigel Davis from the ICIS market development team, along with Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, as they dive into ADNOC's strategic acquisition of Covestro for €11.7 billion. They discuss the challenges facing Europe’s petrochemical sector, including poor demand in key markets and the surge in mergers and acquisitions. The talk highlights the industry’s shift toward sustainability and the implications of fluctuating oil prices on demand. It's a captivating look at the evolving landscape of chemical markets.

Ahead of the approaching European Petrochemical Conference (EPCA) in Berlin 7-10 October, ICIS editors discuss market conditions in a variety of solvent markets.-          Market updates on methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), isopropanol (IPA), phenol, acetone, toluene, mixed xylenes, glycol ethers and propylene glycol ethers, butyl acetate and ethyl acetate.-          Trade flows and impact of freight rate movements-          Overcapacity versus low demand levels-          Upcoming maintenance programmes In this episode, Jane Massingham talks to editors Nick Cleeve, Jane Gibson, Zubair Adam, Cameron Birch and Marion Boakye.

Ahead of the approaching European Petrochemical Conference (EPCA) in Berlin 7-10 October, ICIS editors discuss market conditions in the olefine and derivative chain.-          Market updates on propylene, ethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), monoethylene glycol (EG), ethylene oxide (EO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile, monopropylene glycol (MPG) and oxo-alcohols-          Trade flows and impact of freight rate movements-          Overcapacity versus low demand levels-          Upcoming cracker turnarounds In this episode, Jane Massingham talks to editors Nel Weddle, Vicky Ellis, Melissa Hurley, Chris Barker, Nazif Nazmul and Nicole Simpson.

Join Matt Jolan-Beech, Acrylate Esters editor; Cameron Birch, Glycol Ethers editor; and Marion Boakye, Butyl Acetate editor, as they unpack the current challenges in the oxo-alcohols industry. They discuss disappointing post-summer demand and economic uncertainties affecting key sectors like construction and automotive. The trio shares insights on cautious purchasing behaviors and supply constraints. Their outlook for 2025 reveals a tight link between market performance and broader economic trends.

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