ICIS - chemical podcasts

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.

Senior editors Vicky Ellis, Ben Lake and Samantha Wright look at what else made August unusual, and look ahead to September in this latest podcast on Europe, Africa and Turkey markets.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report, which shows the latest outlook for increased corn and soybean production with corn being calculated at 15.1 billion bushels, up 47 million bushels from the July report, while soybeans are projected to be 4.6 billion bushels, up 154 million bushels.Senior Editor Mark Milam talks to Sylvia Traganida about the report and the current trends in the US market.

Recycled Plastics analyst Corbin Olson and US Recycled Plastics senior editor Emily Friedman discuss the main takeaways from the latest round of corporate quarterly earnings calls, as they relate to the US recycled plastics industry. Key takeaways included: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies largely showed positive North American sales volumes, though some continue to see negative volumes due to the current inflationary environment. Durables markets, such as pipe and composite decking which use recycled plastic as a raw material, showed moderate progress, with weakness in agricultural and residential end markets. Broader economic softness in construction, automotive and housing continues to exert downwards pressure. Waste management companies largely saw strong earnings, with several investing in recycling collection and sortation infrastructure, but also in downstream in plastics recycling capacity. Republic Services notes progress on their Polymer Centers. Virgin petrochemical players continue to integrate with recycling operations Dow aquires Circulus LyondellBasell pending FID on Houston chemical recycling unit ExxonMobil pledes increased chemical recycling capacity in 2025 Eastman shows progress on operation of Kingsport methanolysis facility, lowers earnings guidance PET sales volumes increase, amid weaker market pricing; R-PET forecasts remain strong for future demand  Additional questions or concerns? Please contact us. 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The third plenary session of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee recently concluded in July, with the CCP underlining the country’s long-term economic strategy. This session, a significant event in China’s economic planning, serves as a guide for both immediate and long-term policies.  Market balance healthier than expected on delays in capacity additions No specific stimulus policies announced, market participants eye 5% GDP target Market sentiment generally supported by Third Plenum Senior editor Julia Tan speaks with senior analyst Joey Zhou on what China's Third Plenum could mean for Asia's propylene markets. 

Market participants in Europe and Asia are bracing for underwhelming demand for plasticizers and oxo-alcohols in the latter half of the year. Rising freight costs and macroeconomic pressures are complicating trade flows. The construction industry's struggles further dampen prospects. Despite hopes for recovery driven by stimulus policies and lower interest rates, skepticism lingers about their effectiveness in 2024. Overall, the outlook remains cautious as margins tighten and competition intensifies.

Recent prices skyrocketing in Asia styrene prices is because of unexpected outages at European plants and it is expected to pull up Asia benzene and downstream styrene prices in August.