ICIS - chemical podcasts

Asia and Europe oxo-alcohols face weak demand in 2024 due to new supply, weak global economy, and geopolitical instabilities. Tight import supply supports Asia. Demand for oxo-alcohols and plasticisers to remain sluggish in 2024. European contract discussions begin with caution. Outlook for 2024 includes limited demand and cautious planning in the construction and automotive sectors. Discussion on the challenges faced by the European building sector and factors monitored in the plasticizers market in 2024.

European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor, Melissa Hurley, looks at the global situation for MEG with Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu and Melissa Wheeler as year end approaches. China MEG post inventories hit their highest level in 2023 during November Contract negotiations for 2024 still ongoing in Asia, Europe US TEG spot prices continue to be elevated on strong demand, low availability Additional reporting from senior editor Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu and Melissa Wheeler.

As we’re fast approaching the end of the year, thoughts are typically turning towards 2024 and the New Year ahead in the oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets.But before the curtain falls on 2023, ICIS takes a look at whether there is any life left in the markets.Acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech is joined by butac editor Marion Boakye, oxo-alcohols editor Nicole Simpson, and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch for the November edition of the oxo-alcohols and derivatives podcast.

Exploring the differences in China's N-butanol and 2-ethylhexanol markets, and their impact on the market and derivatives. Discussion on limited rise in supply of 2-year products and announcement of new capacities for MBA and 3-year products.

New 'supermajors' emerging in the chemical industry through record-breaking cracker projects using crude oil to chemicals technology. Low carbon technologies like electric furnaces and CCS being harnessed by these 'supermajors'. Cost-advantaged ethane projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and North America. Disadvantaged regions can invest in hydrogen, CCS, recycling, and renewables. Exploration of the impact of COTC technology on the industry and the need for adaptation and investment in new ethylene capacity, hydrogen, CCS, and waste refineries. Challenges and strategies in the European chemical industry and the shift towards electric vehicles. Importance of expanding the workforce, recycling, and caution against sticking to old methods in the chemical industry.

New wave of Chinese chemical exports to Latin America causing price deflation. Latin American producers fighting imports from China, Middle East, and US. Reshoring of manufacturing in Mexico stimulating chemicals. Climate emergency hindering emerging markets. UN conference aims to agree on binding global agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.

The US Department of Agriculture released the November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate report which showed the agency is projecting higher production numbers for the US corn crop and has lifted soybean output as well.Join ICIS Senior Editors Mark Milam and Sylvia Traganida as they discuss the latest WASDE report and get an update on the US fertilizer market.

Hear what the ICIS Recycling Analytics team are expecting from the up-coming ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference in Brussels on 21-22nd November. Helen McGeough, Senior Analyst and global team lead for Plastics Recycling and Carol Perujo Holland and Alexander Tomczyk, plastics recycling analysts at ICIS for Europe, Middle East and Africa, talk to Senior Editor for Recycling Matt Tudball about what to expect from the packed conference agenda, and what the mood like be at the event after a very turbulent year. Click here to find out more about the Conference: https://events.icis.com/website/11605/ 

In this Podcast, ICIS analyst Floria Dai discusses China’s gasoline and gasoil markets. 

The Europe acetone, phenol and derivative markets are slow ahead of year end and the outlook is cautious for 2024.Economic troubles, capacity increase in Asia and ongoing derivative import competition are likely to continue to weigh heavy on markets. Although there may be a few demand bright spots for BPA and epoxy into the downstream wind energy and marine sectors.Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate) analyse trends in the acetone, phenol and derivatives markets.