ICIS - chemical podcasts

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Sustainable finance is a key interest for companies that are seeking to enter the market or expand their current capacities. Despite the various available financial instruments, the absence of a clear entry point often results in confusion. In this podcast, ICIS Analysts Chua Xin Nee and Joshua Tan explore the different types of sustainability related loans available and their successful use cases.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's propylene (C3) market will continue to see weak demand, although potentially curbed run rates in China amid weak margins could lend support. Downstream, China’s propylene oxide (PO) import demand may continue to be adversely impacted by domestic Chinese start-up capacities, while demand in the main downstream polyols sector is unlikely to recover in Q2.   South Korea June-loading C3 volumes likely to increase month on month Domestic Chinese start-up capacities keep domestic supply lengthy, hamper import demand Global PO supply excluding China remains tight, downstream polyols likely muted in Q2 In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Shannen Ng discuss trends in the Asian C3 and PO markets.

LONDON (ICIS)—Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are derived from renewable electricity, air and water. The power-to-liquid process entails chemical conversion of energy. In this latest podcast, markets editor Nazif Nazmul interviews Paddy Lowe, CEO and founder of the synthetic fuels producing company Zero Petroleum. Synthetic fuels can play a vital role in slashing emissions across the transport sector in the coming years, although the road to scaling up is fraught with obstacles and opportunities.  Energy density of synthetic fuels and compatibility with international combustion engine (ICE) vehicles could provide a long-term decarbonisation alternative to electric vehicles (EVs) and biofuels Rail, marine, aviation, agricultural sectors can utilise synthetic fuels alongside road transport  Synthetic fuels gaining traction in the aviation industry in the form of e-SAF Achieving cost parity with fossil-based gasoline will still take approximately 10 more years Legislative support likely to expedite time needed to achieve economies of scale   Production process reliant on sourcing vast amount of renewable energy 

Europe’s chemical industry stands to benefit in the long-term from the expansion of wind, solar and other low carbon methods of producing energy.- Growth in renewables means spot electricity prices can turn negative if demand dips- Europe electricity prices higher than pre-war as tied to price of natural gas, now mainly LNG-  Europe has seen significant growth in solar, while wind faces delays due to supply chain issues- Decarbonizing includes reducing emissions from gas plants via carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other technologies- Challenges include grid infrastructure to transport electricity across regions with varying renewable generation- Despite regulatory hurdles, there is political will for grid investment as part of the energy transition

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.