ICIS - chemical podcasts

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets continue to face blighted downstream sentiment in May tied to ongoing US trade developments and wider domestic economic malaise pertaining to principle end user segments including automotive, constriction and wider paints & coatings business.Better availability has facilitated further price pressure in May with few signs of a let up in the short term. Supply changes remain critical for price discovery.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

In this discussion, Alessia Iello, Global Sustainable Solutions Manager at Brenntag and ICIS Innovation Awards judge, teams up with Ian Temperton, CEO of Plastic Energy and 2024 Innovation Award winner. They dive into the crucial role of innovation in the chemical sector, emphasizing its potential to break down industry silos and foster collaboration. The conversation also highlights the importance of the ICIS Innovation Awards for recognizing groundbreaking advancements, particularly in chemical recycling, pivotal for a sustainable future.

Luckman Suratman, a journalist with ICIS Newsdesk in Singapore, and John Richardson from ICIS's market development team offer keen insights into the Asian petrochemical sector. They discuss the expected rebalancing of oversupply conditions by 2028-2030 and the notable growth in India amidst regional challenges. The impact of the US-China trade war on global trade dynamics comes to light, alongside the industry's pivot towards sustainability and a growing reliance on US ethane for chemical production.

Cease fires on both business and war fronts are the focus of this month’s European polyethylene (PE) & polypropylene (PP) podcast, from the US and China de-escalating their eye-watering tariffs battle for 90 days, to the India-Pakistan ceasefire.Senior editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake look at May’s price trends, how US-China trade relations are influencing sentiment in Europe, and are joined by senior editor Nadim Salamoun to discuss Trump's announcement regarding lifting sanctions on Syria, and how Pakistan’s market responded to its ceasefire with India.They also highlight ICIS coverage from the latest Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Thailand, including how petrochemical demand may ramp up as US lifts Syrian sanctions, how South Korea is mulling petchem rationalization, and another ICIS podcast on Asian C2 players’ survival strategies.

LONDON (ICIS)--Relatively stable demand and evolving global supply dynamics are expected in European ammonia and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets in 2025.In this latest podcast, global ammonia editor Sylvia Tranganida and Europe ACN editor Nazif Nazmul share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Ammonia players are expecting European demand from the nitrates market to pick up soon Availability is due to tighten with scheduled turnarounds in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Ammonia prices globally are softening due to a lack of major demand Geopolitics-led macroeconomic challenges dampen prospects of ACN derivatives demand resurgence Balanced-to-long ACN supply dynamics anticipated to endure

BANGKOK (ICIS) -- Asia benzene prices saw an uptrend early week. However, this gain was wiped out by a drop in crude prices by Friday.  Market gets boost from US-China trade breakthrough Early week increases of over $50/tonne eroded by crude drop at week's close Market cautious about sustainability of uptrend amid incoming European cargoes In this chemical podcast, Asia benzene editor Angeline Soh discusses the situation in the market and some insights from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK (ICIS)--Over the past week, Asia ethylene players arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, to reflect on the industry's drift towards oversupply, and probe opportunities for continued survival as supply-demand balance changes enter the horizon.  Feedstock cost competitiveness, ethane conversion considerations still on the table Consolidation a complex question, but looking more necessary for survival  SE Asia's new supply may cause supply-demand balance changes for Indonesia In this chemical podcast, ICIS editor Josh Quah discusses some insights gleaned from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

LONDON (ICIS)-- European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets are facing ongoing demand weakness in 2025, as well as uncertainty for global supply dynamics and the potential impact expected from US tariffs.In this latest podcast, Europe ABS market editor Stephanie Wix and markets editor for the Europe ACN report, Nazif Nazmul, share the latest developments and expectations ahead. Demand stability at a weak level expected to continue across 2025 Macroeconomic challenges persist, players monitor US tariffs situation Impact of ongoing antidumping investigation on ABS imports from South Korea, Taiwan ABS is the largest-volume engineering thermoplastic resin and is used in automobiles, electronics and recreational products.ACN is used in the production of synthetic fibres for clothing and home furnishings, engineering plastics and elastomers.

Tom Brown, Insights Editor at ICIS News, delves into the recent US-China tariff pause, shedding light on its implications for the chemical industry. He discusses how this temporary respite allows for resumed business operations while acknowledging that CEOs must strategize for a more protectionist global landscape. Tom analyzes potential spikes in demand and logistical challenges that may arise, alongside SABIC's strategic shifts, including asset sales in Europe and delays in facility upgrades. His insights provide a comprehensive view of the shifting trade dynamics.

BANGKOK (ICIS) -- Northeast Asia ethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets have seen a slower-than-expected tempo of spot talks for June cargoes, with the main driver of uncertainty being unclear start up timelines from new ethylene derivative expansions, particularly from Chinese PVC. Around 1.5million tonnes/year new PVC supply may face start-up postponements Import discussions on ethylene slow pending clearer demand picture  PVC demand clouded by India-Pakistan tensions amid pre-monsoon season In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Jonathan Chou and Josh Quah discuss their findings from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.