ICIS - chemical podcasts

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The ample supply of propylene in Asia as well as some new polypropylene (PP) capacities in China is expected to weigh on discussions in SE Asia in the coming months. Asia C3 to see length from China PDH restarts, SE Asia volumes China PP exports to weigh on SE Asia discussions  Asia PP prices to come under pressure in June-July In this podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan, Jackie Wong and Lucy Shuai discuss some of the trends in the Asian propylene and PP markets and what we can expect going forward.

This podcast discusses the cautious approach of Asian oxo-alcohols buyers, limited ACN spot demand, and the impact of Chinese capacities on market sentiment. It also covers the influence of BIS regulations on Chinese import flows in SE Asia and NE Asia, providing insights on trends in the Asia propylene and derivatives markets.

Phosphates prices have been under pressure in India recently, while demand is expected to return strong soon. Meanwhile, the lack of ammonia spot demand globally is weighing down on the market. Phosphates editor Chris Vlachopoulos talks to senior editor Sylvia Traganida about the state of the phosphates market ahead of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) annual conference (20-22 May).

The closure of chemical plants in Europe and elsewhere could remove essential raw material supplies, threatening the future of downstream industrial value chains. -          Global oversupply, driven by China, forecast to reach over 200 million tonnes/year by 2028-          Interconnected value chains threatened if important raw materials cease production-          Globally 20 million tonnes of ethylene capacity may need to be shut down by 2030-          In Europe 5.6 million tonnes/year of polypropylene (PP) capacity may need to close-          Integrated chemicals sites under threat if parts shut down-          Industry associations could help plan to maintain critical raw materials supplies-          Anti-dumping measures could protect exposed markets-          China polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overcapacity may increase exports globally

It is a rarity to see sulphur or sulphuric acid take centre-stage in Europe when discussing a lack of feedstock for downstream petrochemicals - but tight supply for both has become a key talking point through the first and second quarter of 2024.ICIS' Senior Editor for sulphuric acid, Andy Hemphill, and Julia Meehan, Managing Editor of ICIS Fertilizers, discuss what caused this tightness and explore what options the industry has to counter the crippling shortages.

Join European Senior Editor/Manager Vicky Ellis, as she talks to European and African PE/PP Senior Editor Ben Lake and Turkey PE/PP Senior Editor/Manager Samantha Wright. The group discuss the coming month, as players see sentiment cool from a hectic first quarter. Senior Analyst, Lorenzo Meazza also drops in to react to Lyondell Basel's announcement that it plans to "review" all European polymer and olefin assets. Following on from announcements of closures of Exxon and Sabic crackers. 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Sustainable finance is a key interest for companies that are seeking to enter the market or expand their current capacities. Despite the various available financial instruments, the absence of a clear entry point often results in confusion. In this podcast, ICIS Analysts Chua Xin Nee and Joshua Tan explore the different types of sustainability related loans available and their successful use cases.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's propylene (C3) market will continue to see weak demand, although potentially curbed run rates in China amid weak margins could lend support. Downstream, China’s propylene oxide (PO) import demand may continue to be adversely impacted by domestic Chinese start-up capacities, while demand in the main downstream polyols sector is unlikely to recover in Q2.   South Korea June-loading C3 volumes likely to increase month on month Domestic Chinese start-up capacities keep domestic supply lengthy, hamper import demand Global PO supply excluding China remains tight, downstream polyols likely muted in Q2 In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Shannen Ng discuss trends in the Asian C3 and PO markets.

LONDON (ICIS)—Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are derived from renewable electricity, air and water. The power-to-liquid process entails chemical conversion of energy. In this latest podcast, markets editor Nazif Nazmul interviews Paddy Lowe, CEO and founder of the synthetic fuels producing company Zero Petroleum. Synthetic fuels can play a vital role in slashing emissions across the transport sector in the coming years, although the road to scaling up is fraught with obstacles and opportunities.  Energy density of synthetic fuels and compatibility with international combustion engine (ICE) vehicles could provide a long-term decarbonisation alternative to electric vehicles (EVs) and biofuels Rail, marine, aviation, agricultural sectors can utilise synthetic fuels alongside road transport  Synthetic fuels gaining traction in the aviation industry in the form of e-SAF Achieving cost parity with fossil-based gasoline will still take approximately 10 more years Legislative support likely to expedite time needed to achieve economies of scale   Production process reliant on sourcing vast amount of renewable energy 

Europe’s chemical industry stands to benefit in the long-term from the expansion of wind, solar and other low carbon methods of producing energy.- Growth in renewables means spot electricity prices can turn negative if demand dips- Europe electricity prices higher than pre-war as tied to price of natural gas, now mainly LNG-  Europe has seen significant growth in solar, while wind faces delays due to supply chain issues- Decarbonizing includes reducing emissions from gas plants via carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other technologies- Challenges include grid infrastructure to transport electricity across regions with varying renewable generation- Despite regulatory hurdles, there is political will for grid investment as part of the energy transition