ICIS - chemical podcasts

Discover the current landscape of European oxo-alcohols and derivatives as uncertainty looms over the market. Experts discuss the cautious outlook amidst global tariff discussions and unpredictable economic conditions. Spring typically boosts demand from the coatings sector, but players are struggling with planning. The conversation dives into how new U.S. tariff measures are shaping the glycoethas market, with expectations of downward price pressure. It’s a lively examination of how market dynamics impact various sectors.

LONDON (ICIS)--European Melamine Editor Melissa Hurley interviews Senior Editor Sylvia Traganida, Deputy Managing Editor Deepika Thapliyal, Market Reporter Joy Foo and Connor Phillips.Market factors to consider ahead of May: Asia Melamine market grappling with weak demand and increasing supply Asia exports dropped in March but expected to flow into Europe May/June Reduced melamine supply in Europe offset by ongoing sluggish demand conditions No tariff impact on US melamine so far Global urea demand expected to slow from H2 May China not resuming urea exports yet despite the domestic season ending Subdued European Ammonia demand; waiting for nitrates market to pick up Natural gas TTF prices softened, but European fertilizer producers reluctant to ramp up production due low demand

In this podcast, ICIS analyst Jasmine Khoo and Mason Liang talk about the current situation and outlook for the methyl methacrylate (MMA) market.

Join analyst Seymour Chenxia from the ICIS editorial team as he dives into the turbulent world of the Asian propylene market. He discusses how surging propane import costs due to US-China tariffs could plummet China's PDH run rates below 60%. The conversation reveals shifting supply dynamics, potential plant shutdowns, and how these economic pressures impact downstream demand for propylene derivatives. Chenxia offers insights into market trends and pricing forecasts amid this chaotic landscape, painting a clear picture of the challenges ahead.

Join Paul Hodges, a seasoned chemicals commentator, and Tom Brown, insight editor at ICIS European News, as they dive into the chaos of the US-China trade war. They discuss how chemical companies must shift their focus to market identification amidst rising tariffs and evolving economic landscapes. The duo highlights the influx of cheap materials from Asia, the potential recession looming over major economies, and the urgent call for CEOs to strategize within a 90-day window. Tune in for insights on navigating a turbulent market and the impact on global supply chains.

Nigel Davis, a respected figure in chemicals journalism, shares insights from his 45-year career on the cusp of retirement. He discusses pivotal moments in the industry, like the impact of energy transitions and tariffs that hint at a move towards deglobalization. Davis highlights the vital role of journalism in clarifying market complexities, emphasizing the need for trusted information sources in an era of misinformation. He reflects on the shift from traditional journalism to digital and the importance of key skills for future journalists.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—With the implementation of import tariffs by the US, aromatics trade flow from Asia might see a shift, especially on the back of disparities in tariff rates on different countries. High volumes exported in Jan-Feb, slowdown from Mar onwards South Korea, possibly affected, as one of the major exports of aromatics to the US Global macroeconomic growth to witness a slowdown amid trade war In this chemical podcast, ICIS market specialist Samuel Wong discusses the potential impact of US tariffs on the Asian aromatics markets.

Join the ICIS content team to hear about some of the key discussions had at Plastics Recycling Show Europe on 1-2 April in Amsterdam. Topics include: Impact of high feedstocks on recyclers' margins Impact of legislation across recycled polymers markets Updates on chemical recycling  Brands' positions on recycled content US tariffs - how will they impact Europe's recycled polymers markets?  If you are interested in taking part in the Regulation Test and Learn mentioned by Alexandra during the podcast, please click here to register your interest and arrange an introduction and overview of the program. 

Chemical companies all over the world will suffer if the new US tariffs trigger a full-blown trade war.-          Tariffs will be bad news for the US and for the global economy-          Europe polymers producers might get short-term relief if EU imposes tariffs on US polyethylene (PE)-          US tariffs means China may now target other countries-          Chemical industry will become more regional-          If US becomes more isolated China could move closer to Europe, form new trading bloc-          Europe’s chemical industry has its back against the wall-          3.4% of European chemicals capacity has shut down -          EU attitude to energy pricing has reversed – they now want to reduce them-          Chemical industry now has unprecedented access to high level Commissioners-          Energy demand will soar – AI will use as much as chemicals-          Electricity production needs to double to full electrify chemicals, other sectors-          Survival of EU as a free trade zone is important-          Chemicals CEOs can seize an opportunity if competitors closeIn this Think Tank podcast, ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Cefic director general Marco Mensink, John Richardson from the ICIS market development team and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

The podcast dives into the surge in China's oxo-alcohols prices, spurred by anticipated supply reductions amid an upcoming turnaround season. It highlights the growing domestic production capacity and the implications for market output. The discussion also addresses how multiple plant shutdowns in April are reshaping the market dynamics, revealing a delicate balance between supply constraints and sluggish demand from downstream industries. The future of pricing remains uncertain as the industry navigates these challenges.