ICIS - chemical podcasts
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Episode 1164: Caution, closures, mismatched demand and recycling - big themes from World Polyolefins 2024
April 26, 2024 00:00 - 33 minutes - 47 MBThe choppy economic backdrop, unprecedented growth of global polyolefins capacity, and how Europe can pivot under pressure from chunky legislation, were huge themes at the 10th ICIS World Polyolefins conference. Fresh from the stage, ICIS experts dig into the biggest themes that cropped up for delegates including converters, brands and producers in Vienna. In this podcast, PE and PP senior editor Vicky Ellis is joined by fellow senior editor Ben Monroe-Lake, senior analysts Emilia...
Episode 1163: PODCAST: European oxo-alcohols, derivatives markets attention remains on supply changes, demand still subdued
April 25, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 9.5 MB VideoLONDON (ICIS)--In April, for European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets the focus has remained on supply-side changes to drive market sentiment and prices. This is largely expected to continue for the remainder of the quarter. Across markets, underlying demand continues to struggle amid the muted downstream environment in a variety of end user segments. Anticipated supply improvements for the rest of the quarter remain closely monitored Glycol ethers report editor Cameron Birch...
Episode 1162: Think Tank: Cracker closures could be first of a big wave as overcapacity grows
April 23, 2024 00:00 - 21 minutes - 30.4 MBRecent cracker closure announcements in Europe and Japan may be the first of many as the industry grapples with chronic overcapacity driven by China and the Middle East. - Three cracker closure announcements in Europe, Japan since late March - 1.4 million tonnes of ethylene capacity affected, but up to 20 million may be needed - Europe, Japan, South Korea suffer from higher costs - Negative chemicals demand growth possible in China - ...
Episode 1161: Chinese and Iranian supply to determine urea trend
April 23, 2024 00:00 - 12 minutes - 6.57 MBThe urea market is expected to remain subdued as Chinese exports resume over the next few months and given Iranian producers eagerness to move product before any fresh sanctions are imposed. China exports to resume but challenges remain Iran offers over 200,000 tonnes for May India’s return unlikely before June In this podcast, ICIS senior editors Sylvia Traganida and Deepika Thapliyal discuss the globally supply and demand situation for urea and ammonia, and the future de...
Episode 1160: PODCAST: Production constraints keep Asian BD spot trades buoyant in Q1, demand outlook mixed
April 22, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 7.16 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) – Persistent production constraints have driven Asia’s spot prices for butadiene (BD) to near two-year-high levels, but how the rally may go from here may hinge on downstream demand conditions. Prolonged under-utilisation of regional crackers dented regional BD output Exports from China helped to plug some of these supply gaps Mixed views about downstream demand outlook In this podcast, ICIS editors Ai Teng Lim and Aviva Zhang discuss how regional supply...
Episode 1158: ICIS looks forward to meeting you at Chinaplas2024.mp3
April 19, 2024 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.32 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS Analyst Sijia Li and ICIS Senior Industry Analyst Joanne Wang talk about highlights in in polyolefin market to provide background for you to visit Chinaplas.
Episode 1159: Europe Asia oxo-alcohols, plasticizers markets react to unplanned shutdowns, sudden tightness
April 19, 2024 00:00 - 10 minutes - 6.6 MBThe arbitrage between Europe and northeast Asia opened up in Q1 as OQ Chemicals declared force majeure on oxo-alcohols at its German site, tightening the European market. However, as underlying European demand remains sluggish and economic malaise continues, import opportunities for Asian sellers may be short lived. Europe markets editor, Nicole Simpson, and Asia markets editor, Julia Tan, discuss the outlook for supply, demand and trade flows in the coming quarter.
Episode 1156: PODCAST: Asia, Mideast PET sees need-based buying, geopolitical factors weigh on sentiment
April 18, 2024 00:00 - 2 minutes - 1.82 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) – Buying in Asia and the Middle East polyethylene terephthalate (PET) markets remained relatively need-based, with factors like geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in freight rates clouding sentiment. · Mixed sentiment in Asian markets, PET tracks upstream closely · Uncertainty around freight rates leads to need-based buying · Inventories with Mideast buyers high, however some replenishment expected post-Eid break In this chemical po...
Episode 1156: PODCAST: Asia recycled polymers see slow 2023; legislations, waste management to shape future
April 17, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 7.9 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia recycled polymers markets were sluggish for the most part in 2023. In early 2024 too, challenges that dim the 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.
Episode 1157: Think Tank: EU close to signing off most important packaging regulation in decades
April 17, 2024 00:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBEurope is finalizing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with far-reaching implications for both virgin and recycled polymer producers. - Most significant EU packaging legislation in decades - Includes binding targets for recycling and recyclability - PPWR will have huge impact on virgin and recycled packaging sectors - Working groups need to be set up across recycling value chains
Episode 1155: PODCAST: China PDH run rates to rebound from historical low in Q2
April 11, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.17 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)— China recently recorded an average propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit run rate of 47.6% on 3 April, down from 58.7% from a week before, marking the biggest week-on-week decrease ever and hitting the lowest point on record, according to ICIS data. However, the average operating rate of PDH units in China is expected to pick up from late April as restarts are expected amid expectations of wider propylene-propane price spreads in Q2 and Q3. In this podcast, ...
Episode 1154: Think Tank: Walls go up around the world against China chemicals exports
April 10, 2024 00:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBGovernments around the world are accelerating moves to impose anti-dumping duties as China ramps up exports of excess chemicals capacities. - New wave of chemicals anti-dumping investigations against China - Led by EU, US, India, Brazil, South Korea - China exporting more excess chemicals and other industrial products - China imports an added burden for struggling chemical companies in Europe - More trade barriers could drive deglo...
Episode 1153: April gear change eyed for Europe PE, PP ahead of ICIS World Polyolefins Conference in Vienna
April 09, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 5.19 MBApril is opening differently to March for Europe’s virgin polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets, and has been slow to start after the Easter break. Ahead of the ICIS 10th anniversary World Polyolefins Conference in Vienna this week, ICIS editors look at the early supply/demand signs for April, and what are the obvious changes from March. This podcast features Matt Tudball, senior editor for Europe R-PET & R-LDPE, and Vicky Ellis, senior editor manager for Europe virgin PE...
Episode 1152: Think Tank logistics special: why fracturing global supply chains may benefit ISO tank container market
April 03, 2024 00:00 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBThe chemical ISO tank container market may benefit from the shift to regional supply chains as well as growth in low carbon supply chains. - ISO tank containers may benefit from growth in low carbon supply chains - Shift from global to more regional supply chains may benefit ISO tanks - ISO tank containers fit into 20 and 40-foot shipping containers - Fill gap between chemical parcel tankers and steel drums - Global fleet of 850,000...
Episode 1151: 2024 Plastics Recycling Conference recap and key takeaways
April 02, 2024 00:00 - 20 minutes - 12.8 MBAnalyst Joshua Dill, Senior Analyst Andrea Bassetti, and Senior Market Editor Emily Friedman reflect on their experiences and key takeaways from the 2024 Plastics Recycling Conference in Grapevine, Texas. They dive into various topics regarding notable trends, legislation, chemical recycling, and more.
Episode 1148: PODCAST: Asia Pacific's sustainability-related regulations complex, landscape remains fragmented
March 27, 2024 00:00 - 7 minutes - 4.59 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The importance of regulations cannot be overlooked as countries work towards their sustainability targets. However, the regulatory landscape in Asia Pacific is fragmented, resulting in a complex web of intricacies. As a result, countries may have similar policies, but implemented at different levels of maturity. For example, Southeast Asian countries tend have detailed roadmaps but lack specificity while countries in Northeast Asia tend to have matured policies ...
Episode 1150: PODCAST: A Tale of Two Olefins - Diverging Trends in Asia's Olefins Market
March 27, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 7.48 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's ethylene (C2) market will see northeast Asia supply in Q2 remain ample on the back of relatively high run rates at northeast Asian crackers. Similarly, propane dehydrogenation (PDH) units in the region are also expected to sustain current run rates for Q2. In this podcast, ICIS market editors Josh Quah and Julia Tan discuss Asia's olefins flows, with a forward view on the Q2 market. NE Asia C2 supply ample, SE Asia C2 supply tight NE Asia and SE Asia C3...
Episode 1149: PODCAST: Asia continues to see healthy PVC supply as India launches ADD inquiry
March 27, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 2.89 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) – China’s continuing real-estate sector woes ensured healthy exports, especially to the major market of India. Supply continued to be ample in the region, while market participants digested news of impending implementation of BIS regulations and the initiation of the ADD investigation. Influx of exports from China continues amid sluggish domestic consumption India’s DGTR releases notification on ADD investigation Sentiment to be swayed by elections, monsoon, pote...
Episode 1147: PRC '24: PODCAST ICIS recycled plastics experts highlight key topics, trends for week ahead
March 26, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.25 MBGRAPEVINE (ICIS)-- The Plastics Recycling Conference is underway in Grapevine, Texas, and Senior Market Editor Emily Friedman and Senior Analyst Andrea Bassetti break down the key topics among discussions and presentations at the show: US R-PET market experiencing a divergence from historic trend, as well as stark regional differences Chemical recycling capacities still set to grow through 2028 Recycling markets facing virgin, import price pressure and sluggish demand in 1H2024 ...
Episode 1145: Think Tank: Plastic recyclers need maximum protection as chronic overcapacity hits virgin markets
March 19, 2024 00:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBGovernments must do much more to protect recycled polymer producers in the West as rising oversupply in virgin markets, led by China, threatens to undermine their business model. - Europe recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) producers face existential threat - Feedstock prices soar while subdued demand, price of virgin, caps selling prices - Growing global overcapacity depresses prices, margins for virgin plastic producers - Recycler mar...
Episode 1146: PODCAST: Oxo-alcohols and derivatives - March 2024
March 19, 2024 00:00 - 10 minutes - 7.39 MBLONDON (ICIS)--With the already challenging supply chains taking a further hit with the force majeure declared by OQ on oxo-alcohols, there is growing tightness across the oxo-alcohol and derivatives markets. Oxo-alcohols editor Nicole Simpson joins acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech, butyl acetate (butac) editor Marion Boakye and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch for the March 2024 edition of the oxo-alcohols and derivatives podcast and to assess just how tight and challen...
Episode 1143: Chinese Group III base oils grabbing market share of imports amid quality upgrading
March 12, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.85 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS analysts Whitney Shi and Jady Ma talk about supply and demand changes in China’s Group III base oils market.
Episode 1144: Think Tank: Why stock markets soar yet chemicals slump
March 12, 2024 00:00 - 20 minutes - 28.9 MBStock markets around the world are surpassing previous highs while the chemical industry continues to be bogged down by low demand, poor profitability and rising overcapacity. - Chemicals supply/demand imbalance will persist even if economy picks up - China, Middle East will continue to add capacity - China chemicals demand growth could be low or even negative - Stock markets dominated by technology companies - Valuations bloated b...
Episode 1142: Asia and Europe BDO markets face contrasting supply conditions, but downstream demand remains subdued
March 08, 2024 00:00 - 10 minutes - 6.79 MBThe Asian and European butanediol (BDO) markets have faced differing availability during Q1, with Europe dealing with tightness because of the difficulty in importing volumes, while Asia supply remains more than sufficient and has seen little impact from the Red Sea disruptions. But the key issue of subdued demand, which impacted global markets in 2023, is set to persist in the short term. Europe tightness due to challenges in importing from Asia, hurting initial plans China an...
Episode 1140: Technical grade urea demand on the rise as AdBlue sales grow
March 05, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 4.53 MBMarket activity for technical grade urea (TGU) appears to be gathering pace in several regions like Europe and Asia, backed by growing demand for AdBlue. ICIS is planning to capture the excitement in this space with the launch of three new price quotes on 14 March, which include FOB Russia, FOB Middle East and CFR India. Nitrates and TGU markets editor Manuja Pandey talks to senior editor Sylvia Traganida about the latest developments in the market.
Episode 1141: Think Tank: Indorama, BASF strategy shift could signal end of integrated European sites
March 05, 2024 00:00 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBHigh costs and cheap imports from Asia may force the owners of integrated petrochemical sites in Europe - such as Indorama Ventures and BASF - to import feedstocks and cease local upstream production. - Indorama suffers low operating rates, poor profitability - Six upstream sites under review for closure - More feedstocks in Asia as refineries start up, less in Europe - Moves may not be enough to save downstream plants - Massive ...
Episode 1139: Podcast-Europe, Africa, Turkey PE/PP March Outlook
March 04, 2024 00:00 - 18 minutes - 10.4 MBLONDON (ICIS)--The global PE/PP market has been rocked by the disruption to Red Sea shipping, which has sent prices soaring, following sustained periods of weakness. The question now is, how long can this continue? With early March European offers out and some suppliers approaching the market bullishly, ICIS experts sit down to discuss all the potential influences in the coming month. Senior editor/ manager Vicky Ellis, Senior editor/manager Samantha Wright and Senior Editor Ben L...
Episode 1138: PODCAST: Tight supply sustained for Asia and Europe oxo-alcohols market in March
March 01, 2024 00:00 - 9 minutes - 5.27 MBOn 27 February, OQ Chemicals' oxo-alcohols unit in Oberhausen, Germany went offline amid technical issues, further tightening supply in Europe. Asia is also likely to see tight supply as the market moves into the second quarter, as Japan embarks on its turnaround season. Asia, Europe to see tight oxo-alcohols supply into Q2 Asian demand likely stable quarter on quarter, demand from downstream plasticisers weak Asia-Europe arbitrage window could open on tighter European supply I...
Episode 1137: PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives markets mainly characterised by snug supply in February
February 29, 2024 00:00 - 10 minutes - 8.35 MBLONDON (ICIS)--European oxo-alcohols and most of its derivative markets have largely been defined by supply constraints, on the back of upstream challenges and the ongoing disruptions in the Suez Canal. Underlying demand is soft and stable amid the fragile macroeconomic climate. Market players are hoping for some uptick when the spring season commences. Butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye speaks to oxo-alcohols reporter Nicole Simpson, glycol ethers reporter Cameron Birch and acr...
Episode 1136: Think Tank: Antwerp Declaration shows chemicals CEOs mean business
February 27, 2024 00:00 - 23 minutes - 33.1 MBLeaders are now more willing to stand up and demand positive action by the EU to save the region’s industrial value chains. - Antwerp Declaration shows chemicals leaders now willing to be visible - CEOs have responsibility to help drive Europe transformation - Regulators, politicians can deliver better infrastructure, permitting - European Parliament elections 6-9 June may elect more business-friendly MEPs - Fundamental shift in Eu...
Episode 1135: Europe methanol, acetic acid, PTA chain disrupted by Suez constraints
February 23, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBEuropean editors Eashani Chavda and Nick Cleeve discuss the latest trends for methanol, acetic acid and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) in this ICIS Podcast. Disrupted Asian imports are causing supply shortages for PTA, leading to some increased domestic demand for methanol and acetic acid ahead of the peak demand season in Q2.
Episode 1132: PODCAST: Asian olefins to see support amid tighter supply; Panama congestion persists
February 21, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 3.9 MBSINGAPORE (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...
Episode 1134: PODCAST: Challenge of European PVC market supply-demand remains
February 21, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 4.14 MBThe overall picture for European polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is bleak; the market is likely to be impacted by oversupply in 2024, and demand will still be low in Europe for H1. However, there may be domestic sales opportunities which take advantage of delays to import arrivals from Asia. ICIS Senior Editor Chris Barker interviews ICIS Analyst Valentina Cherubin on the outlook for 2024.
Episode 1133: Think Tank: How Red Sea, Panama Canal troubles influence chemicals, LNG
February 21, 2024 00:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBChemicals 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 ...
Episode 1131: Phosphates, ammonia markets on standby due to low demand
February 19, 2024 00:00 - 7 minutes - 4.65 MBAs 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.
Episode 1130: PODCAST: Sustainability, "cautiously-optimistic" outlook among key takeaways at The Packaging Conference
February 16, 2024 00:00 - 9 minutes - 4.6 MBSenior 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.
Episode 1129: PODCAST: Asia R-PE, R-PET see slow 2023; legislations, waste management to shape future
February 15, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 7.7 MBSINGAPORE (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.
Episode 1128: Think Tank: More trade barriers, regional isolation could protect Europe, US chemicals
February 13, 2024 00:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBAs EU and US leaders seek to protect regional industries from global oversupply, more trade barriers may protect chemical producers in Europe and the US. - Expect more trade wars, more regional isolation - Chemical industries may be protected from global competition - Companies should bid for EU funding for investments - UBS analysts forecast 4-5% growth in European chemicals volumes this year - Claim end in sight for longest dest...
Episode 1127: Podcast: Petcore Europe 2024 - key takeaways for the R-PET market
February 12, 2024 00:00 - 14 minutes - 6.85 MBSenior 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
Episode 1126: Red Sea issues dominate; underlying demand yet to recover in the Europe phenol, acetone and derivatives markets
February 09, 2024 00:00 - 14 minutes - 9.35 MBRed Sea shipping issues have been the hot topic in Q1 with import delays opening up domestic demand opportunities and leading to a firmer price sentiment in some markets. There have been some increase in buying in January, but underlying demand is yet to recover in a shaky macro-economic climate. Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate) discuss the im...
Episode 1124: Think Tank: Saudi chemical producers under pressure as ethane price soars
February 06, 2024 00:00 - 20 minutes - 29 MBSaudi 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 l...
Episode 1125: Europe polyol imports to face various hurdles
February 06, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.02 MBEurope 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.
Episode 1123: Red Sea effects provide impetus for shifting sentiment in Europe and US epoxy markets, amid margin struggles
February 05, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 5.95 MBAfter a prolonged stagnant period, the Europe and US epoxy resins markets are showing some signs of a firmer sentiment, due to Red Sea shipping effects and the need to restore profitability, although there has been no fundamental recovery in demand so far. The Red Sea shipping disruptions and spiking freight costs for Asian export cargoes have led to more domestic demand opportunities in Europe and the US, particularly in Europe which is more exposed to the structural flow of Asian ...
Episode 1122: PODCAST: How waste management impacts plastic circularity
February 05, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 4.65 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)—Governments in Asia-Pacific have implemented several legislations such as Extended Producer Responsibility and Mandatory Post Consumer Recycled Polymer Content in packing as they work towards their sustainability goals. Waste management is crucial in order to achieve plastic circularity. Countries such as Korea with a stronger waste management infrastructure have a higher success rate than countries such as Indonesia, which has a more fragmented waste management in...
Episode 1121: PODCAST: China LPG Importers Navigating Global Risks
February 02, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.2 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)—China’s LPG demand is projected to hit 80m tonnes this year, a lower growth rate of 7% compared with last year’s 14%, as the sector grapples with a twin-fold challenge of logistics risks and weak downstream demand. China’s LPG demand growth is mainly driven by feedstock demand from the propane dehydrogenation (PDH) units, which are projected to account for around 30% of China’s propylene production this year. In this podcast, ICIS Analyst Lillian Ren shares insigh...
Episode 1120: PODCAST: Pre-holiday Asia petrochemicals mixed on cost pressures, bleak demand outlook
January 31, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.08 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asian petrochemicals were mixed in the weeks ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, with some seeing an uptrend due to cost pressures. However, there is still concern about demand post the holiday. In this chemical podcast, ICIS Deputy News Editor Pearl Bantillo shares an overview of how Asian petrochemical markets have performed pre-holiday.
Episode 1119: PODCAST: Asia benzene sees crude support, pre-holiday restocking, derivative SM faces low demand
January 31, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 2.89 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's benzene market trended upwards on account of crude gains as well some pre-Lunar New Year restocking. Downstream SM producers however, struggled with higher costs and low demand from PS, EPS and ABS. In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Angeline Soh and Luffy Wu discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia. Benzene Feb cargo sold out from pre-LNY stocking up, US demand as plants shut from winter storm Demand for March cargoes buoyed; b...
Episode 1118: Think Tank: UK distributors face higher costs, margin pressure from Red Sea disruption
January 30, 2024 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBAs more shipping is diverted away from the Suez Canal, supply chains in the UK are being stretched as shipping capacity is reduced and container rates rise. - UK distributors under pressure as Red Sea disruption increases shipping costs, disruption - Shortages of capacity as vessels at sea for longer - Container rates have doubled, shipping companies unwilling to guarantee space - Demand spikes as supply chains build safety stocks - ...
Episode 1117: PODCAST: Asia ethylene sees pre-Lunar New Year restocking, PVC sentiment less optimistic
January 27, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's ethylene market saw tighter supply from deep-sea origins, and some restocking in January, before the Lunar New Year holiday. Downstream PVC demand was steady, but buyers in some regions like India resisted higher February offers. In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Damini Dabholkar, Jonathan Chou and Josh Quah discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia. Ethylene deep-sea supply curtailed, pre-Lunar New Year restocking takes place NE...
Episode 1116: Think Tank: How AI can help chemicals navigate Suez, Panama crises
January 24, 2024 00:00 - 36 minutes - 51.1 MBArtificial intelligence (AI) can help chemical companies understand the impact of logistics events such as the Panama and Suez canal crises, as well as improve forecasting of demand and pricing. - AI can help predict impact of events on demand patterns, allocate supply to different locations - Univar Solutions uses AI to correlate weather patterns, customer order patterns to help forecast demand - ICIS uses AI to inform scenarios for price and demand f...