ICIS - chemical podcasts

Chemicals and liquefied natural gas (LNG) players are switching from global to a more regional approach to their markets as logistics challenges caused by the Red Sea attacks and Panama Canal drought persist.-          Red Sea disruption may not end until 2025-          Some US chemical prices rising as Panama Canal restrictions continue-          Poor downstream demand caps increases -          Europe isocyanates and polyols react to logistics pressures-          Margins rising for European producers as purchasers switch to local sourcing-          LNG prices are falling despite logistics disruption-          LNG markets now becoming more regional -          LNG globally expected to be oversupplied by 2027/8 as wave of new capacity starts up

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's ethylene (C2) market saw supply tighten amid fewer volumes from the US in Q1 as a direct result of congestion at the Panama Canal. Over in the Asian propylene (C3) markets, while arbitrage flows remain curtailed by high freight rates, some emerging interest has also been gleaned in the market as regards moving Asian material westwards.In this podcast, ICIS market editors Josh Quah and Julia Tan discuss Asia's olefins flows, with a forward view on the March market. C2 sees support from constrained deep-sea supply NE Asia C2 and C3 outlooks for March Impact of shipping congestion on olefin trade flows

As the phosphoric acid settlement for Q1 is announced and India is eagerly awaiting further details on government subsidies, phosphates markets editor Chris Vlachopoulos and ammonia senior editor Sylvia Traganida discuss developments in their respective markets.They talk about demand, recent developments, and provide insight on the possible ways forward for both markets.

Senior Editor, Recycling in the US, Emily Friedman and VP for the PET chain Antulio Borneo discuss their takeaways from The Packaging Conference held in Austin, Texas from the 12-14 February. Among the key topics, presenters and attendees continued to discuss innovation in sustainability, advocacy within legislation and market drivers that will steer the US recycling markets in 2024. 

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia recycled polymers markets were sluggish for the most part, in 2023.  In early 2024 too, challenges that dim short-term outlook persist.Some legislations surrounding recycling were also put in place in the region over the last few years, but the obstacles that limit the growth of this sector still remain. In this chemical podcast, ICIS Senior editor Arianne Perez and analysts Joshua Tan and Chua Xin Nee share their insights on the topic. 

This podcast discusses the potential impact of trade barriers and regional isolation on the chemical industry in Europe and the US. It highlights the need for companies to bid for EU funding for investments and predicts 4-5% growth in European chemicals volumes. The podcast also explores the potential for regional isolation in Europe, the influence of slow growth in the automotive and construction industries. It emphasizes the importance of investment in manufacturing and supply chains to secure the future of the chemical industry and promote cleaner practices.

Senior Editor, Recycling, Matt Tudball and Senior Analyst, Plastics Recycling, Helen McGeough discuss the key takeaways from the recent Petcore Europe Annual Conference held in Brussels from 7-8th February.Highlights include: Legislation updates from the European Commission and European Parliament Growth in Petcore Working Groups to tackle wider PET market issues Textiles recycling Depolymerisation technology Tray to tray market developments

Red Sea shipping issues dominating the European phenol, acetone, and derivatives markets. Impact of rising sea freight and feedstock costs. Effects on VPN epoxy resin and polycarbonate markets. Low demand from downstream sectors. Outlook for acetone and phenol amid weak construction sector and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Potential supply pressure on the BPA in epoxy market in Europe. Lack of demand improvement. Main areas of focus for the MMA market: supply chain, market tightness, and price increases.

Europe polyols editor Zubair Adam and Asia editor Shannen Ng take an in-depth look at the current trade flows between Europe and Asia and discuss the influences on future trade.

Saudi Arabian petrochemical producers face a steep increase in production costs as the state-controlled price of ethane rises towards free market levels. -          Saudi Arabia has increased ethane price from $1.50/MMBtu to $2.50/MMBtu-          Pressure on producers as ethylene production costs rise from $75/tonne to $130/tonne-          Middle East cannot continue to rely on China as a key chemical export market-          As energy transition accelerates, chemicals will lose access to fossil-based feedstocks-          High cost of electric vehicles is deterring mainstream buyers