ICIS - chemical podcasts

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia's polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets are expected to see some uncertainty in the coming months, with factors like China’s domestic demand, the impact of India’s monsoon and some trade policy changes expected to shape the landscape. June offers from Asian producers awaited next week SE Asian economies see healthy growth in Q1, expected to support PVC demand Low domestic demand in China encourages exports, especially to India In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Jonathan Chou, Damini Dabholkar and analyst Lina Xu discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

SHANGHAI (ICIS)—Asia’s 1,4-butanediol (BDO) market continues to be pressured by oversupply amid slowing demand.With the first peak season in March to April ending, demand in some sectors has started to slow.In this chemical podcast, ICIS Markets Reporter Corey Chew reports from China on market expectations before Enmore’s 14th BDO and downstream derivatives forum.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia's olefins brace for headwinds amid sustained weak demand in May, although some support is expected from curtailed supply in China. Lengthening supply from South Korea could continue to weigh on the market's outlook as it navigates upstream volatility amid tensions in the Middle East.  Asia's olefins market to see increasing supply from South Korea in May Relatively low PDH run rates could lend support to NE Asia C3  Poor demand weighing on Asia C2 amid multiple supply options for June arrivals In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Josh Quah discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

Guests Emily Friedman and Natalie Stephens discuss how sustainability, risk management, and technology are crucial topics at NPE'24. They highlight the importance of future-proofing businesses, managing risks in unstable markets, and integrating technology throughout the value chain.

Global economy and chemicals face challenges from rising geopolitical instability as CEOs express cautious optimism. China's manufacturing is growing, but it grapples with debt and demographics. Europe's economy is stabilizing, while the US anticipates a soft landing. The podcast explores economic uncertainties, industry trends, and geopolitical tensions impacting the chemical sector.

Market players expressed bearish views on consumption throughout value chains at the recently concluded polyurethanes exhibition and conference UTECH Europe held between 23-25 April 2024 in Maastricht, the Netherlands.ICIS isocyanates (toluene diisocyanate -TDI and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-MDI) and polyols, European market editor, Zubair Adam and ICIS senior analyst for isocyanates and polyols, Umberto Torresan who attended the event share their engagements and discuss future developments that will shape future demand in Europe for these products.

ICIS analysts Sijia Li, Yvonne Shi, Zhibo Xiao, Lucy Shuai, Joanne Wang, and Cindy Qiu discuss China's polymer industry trends, including innovations at China Plus 2024, sustainability efforts, high-end products in automotive, demand for PE pipes and polyester materials, trade barriers, export challenges, and rise of new players in the sector.

The European and US epoxy resins markets are facing a tug of war between margin and cost struggles versus still fragile underlying demand and competition from China.The US anti dumping case for epoxy resins against several Asian countries and the EU anti subsidy probe against Chinese wind turbines are also talking points as the west looks to protect its industry against unfair competition.Senior editor Heidi Finch who covers the Europe epoxy market discusses current and near-term expectations with fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market. 

The choppy economic backdrop, unprecedented growth of global polyolefins capacity, and how Europe can pivot under pressure from chunky legislation, were huge themes at the 10th ICIS World Polyolefins conference.Fresh from the stage, ICIS experts dig into the biggest themes that cropped up for delegates including converters, brands and producers in Vienna.In this podcast, PE and PP senior editor Vicky Ellis is joined by fellow senior editor Ben Monroe-Lake, senior analysts Emiliano Basualto, Lorenzo Meazza and Egor Dementev, and polyolefins consultant John Richardson.

LONDON (ICIS)--In April, for European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets the focus has remained on supply-side changes to drive market sentiment and prices. This is largely expected to continue for the remainder of the quarter.Across markets, underlying demand continues to struggle amid the muted downstream environment in a variety of end user segments. Anticipated supply improvements for the rest of the quarter remain closely monitoredGlycol ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols Editor Nicole Simpson, acrylate esters Editor Mat Jolin-Beech and butyl acetate Editor Marion Boakye about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.