ICIS - chemical podcasts
834 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago -This podcast is brought to you by ICIS, a leading global price discovery service for the oil, energy, fertilizer and petrochemical sectors.
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Episodes
Episode 1205: China's oxo-alcohols to face supply-demand pressure, new capacity to be a focus
July 01, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 3.32 MBIn this podcast, ICIS analyst Claire Gao explores the oxo-alcohols market overview and outlook.
Episode 1204: PODCAST: Asia's base oils supply, demand to gradually rise in H2 2024
June 26, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 2.71 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s base oils supply is expected to improve slightly in H2 2024, while overall demand will likely improve towards the later part of Q3 with the onset of the seasonal peak. Group I brightstock supply from southeast Asia and Group II supply from South Korea expected to gradually increase India demand to pick up in September after monsoon; China demand to remain stagnant amid economic woes Tight Group I base oils supply to remain offset by sluggish demand I...
Episode 1201: China MMA supported by tight supply, demand recovery in H1 2024
June 24, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 3.32 MBIn this podcast, we will have Mason to talk about China MMA market.
Episode 1202: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives markets see balanced to long supply, sluggish underlying demand
June 24, 2024 00:00 - 9 minutes - 5.83 MBLONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols market and the majority of its derivatives have been characterized by ample supply in June, particularly following the lifting of OQ Chemicals' force majeure at the end of May. Demand across most markets remains tepid and slow due to ongoing economic challenges. The construction and coatings industries have not experienced the expected seasonal surge. Butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye speaks to oxo-alcohols reporter Nicole Simpson, glyco...
Episode 1203: PODCAST: Global MEG market overview and outlook
June 24, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 6.66 MBLONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor, Melissa Hurley, explores the global glycol situation with Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu, Melissa Wheeler and Antulio Borneo. Asia tug of war between limited imports and sluggish demand Downstream polyester plants may cut operating rates further in China China MEG inventories fluctuated between 700,000 and 800,000 in June European import supply set to improve in July Tropical storm Alberto brings heavy rainfall but no impacts to...
Episode 1200: Think Tank: US petrochemical outlook with James Ray
June 20, 2024 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MBICIS consultant, James Ray, describes how the shale gas revolution has benefited the US economy and chemicals plus views on demand and the green transition. - US shale gas revolution has helped entire economy - Low energy costs key driver of economic growth - Post-pandemic soaring demand, crimped supply pushed margins very high - US chemicals margins have now normalised, companies profitable - US construction market hurt by inflation...
Episode 1199: Propane import growth to remain strong despite bottled LPG replacement
June 20, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 14.8 MB VideoChina's propane import growth is expected to remain strong this year although local authorities have been encouraging food catering and residential end-users to switch from bottled LPG to piped natural gas (PNG). In this podcast, ICIS LPG analysts Yan Wang , Lillian Ren and natural gas editor Yueyi Yang discuss the current market dynamics and outlook.
Episode 1198: Glimmers of hope for Europe acetone and phenol derivative chain in a difficult climate; freight/logistics key
June 14, 2024 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.3 MBLONDON(ICIS)--European downstream demand remains low due to inflation and high interest rates. Add logistics issues and a continuous flow of imports to that, and the doom of European petrochemical industry begins. But with the recent reduction in interest rates by ECB and increased tariffs on Asian EVs, there is hope that the acetone and phenol derivative chain might come back to its glory. Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy re...
Episode 1197: US and European R-PET markets attracting more imports in 2024
June 12, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 6.9 MBSenior Editors for Recycling, Emily Friedman and Matt Tudball take a look at how both the US and European R-PET markets are seeing more activity around imported material, and what that means for local recyclers in the US and the EU, including: The growing numbers of imports into the US Price competitiveness of imports vs. local material Balancing recycled content with cost-saving objectives How imports stack up against legislation in Europe
Episode 1196: PODCAST: Legislations, waste management to shape future of Asia recycled polymers
June 12, 2024 00:00 - 12 minutes - 7.61 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 1195: NE Asia propane-naphtha spread to widen again in Aug-Sept
June 12, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Propane in northeast Asia is losing its advantage over naphtha as a cracking feedstock, but the spread is expected to widen again in August-September due to higher naphtha forecast prices. Propane price spread over naphtha below $50/tonne for the first time since end-January NE Asia propane firm on year-to-date high China PDH plants run rates Crackers using imported propane require about two months to evaluate feedstock economics In this podcast, ICIS LPG...
Episode 1193: Think Tank: Methanol could play leading role in energy transition
June 11, 2024 00:00 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBMethanol has long-term potential as a major player in the energy transition, especially for use a marine fuel. - Methanol mainly made from coal in China, natural gas elsewhere - Used to make formaldehyde, acetic acid, in China mainly coal-based methanol to olefins (MTO) - Q2 typically peak demand for Europe construction but subdued this year - Concerns about overcapacity globally as new projects come onstream - Use a marine fuel may ...
Episode 1194: Europe BDO and PBT continue to see subdued demand amid supply constraints
June 11, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MBWhile the butanediol (BDO) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) markets in Europe have benefited from challenges in importing volumes from Asia, demand remains subdued for sectors. In this podcast, ICIS Europe Engineering Plastics editor Meeta Ramnani and ICIS Europe BDO editor Yashas Mudumbai discuss the current dynamics and the outlook ahead.
Episode 1192: Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Africa PE & PP outlook for June - calm masks complex, competing trends
June 06, 2024 00:00 - 18 minutes - 10.1 MBJumping freight rates, political changes and monsoons are all at play for June in various polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets around the world, so while it is potentially a calm month on the surface, there’s a complex mix of factors to watch. Senior editors for PE and PP, Nadim Salamoun and Ben Lake join senior editor manager Vicky Ellis to discuss the June outlook for Europe, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
Episode 1191: Fertilizer market remains on sidelines as it looks for demand
June 06, 2024 00:00 - 18 minutes - 9.13 MBThe sentiment for most fertilizer products is bearish due to a lack of strong demand globally. Following the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) annual conference in Singapore the ICIS fertilizer team discusses the latest trends and developments in the market.
Episode 1190: Think Tank: MOL’s head of petchems – how polyols project drives shift from fuels to chemicals
June 04, 2024 00:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBMOL’s €1.3bn polyols project helps move the company’s balance from transport fuels towards chemical production, according to Peter Csaszar, senior vice president, chemicals. - Long-term, Hungary’s MOL will move towards chemicals as demand for transport fuels declines - Russia-Ukraine war raised importance of energy security - Commercial scale start-up of polyols project by end summer-early autumn - On-spec commercial production expected by e...
Episode 1189: PODCAST: European PVC market outlook remains challenging in 2024
June 03, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 3.58 MBThe outlook for European PVC remains challenging, as construction activity is trending below normal seasonal levels. Analyst Valentina Cherubin and Senior Editor Chris Barker discuss expectations for the rest of 2024, including the impact of the Red Sea crisis and lower-than-expected interest rate cuts later in the year.
Episode 1188: Supply improving down Europe oxo-alcohols chain
May 30, 2024 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.17 MBLONDON (ICIS)—Supply down the oxo-alcohols value chain has improved as OQ Chemicals has restarted production and some Asian imports are available. Across markets, demand continues to be subdued by economic pressures and there has been little seasonal improvement. Oxo-alcohols market editor Nicole Simpson speaks to butyl acetate (butac) editor Marion Boakye, acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin Beech, and propylene glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, about the current conditions...
Episode 1188: APIC ’24: PODCAST: Asia ethylene Jun supply, demand likely stable
May 30, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MBSEOUL (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS markets editor Josh Quah shares an update on the ethylene (C2) market in Asia based on discussions during the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2024. S Korea Jun cracker run rates may see some downward adjustment, though unlikely to be significant Jul arrival demand uncertain amid turnarounds, some recovering margins C2 export allocations to hinge on polymer profitability APIC 2024 is being held in Seoul, South Korea, from 30-31 Ma...
Episode 1186: Think Tank: Distributors see improving demand, increasing volatility a threat
May 28, 2024 00:00 - 27 minutes - 38.8 MBChemical distributors are seeing signs of a sequential improvement in demand, but increasing geopolitical volatility threatens any recovery, according to the head of trade group Fecc. - Sequential improvement in demand, destocking winds down - Red Sea disruption highlights continuing fragility of supply chains - Geopolitics creates growing instability and volatility - Europe chemicals need political support - Permitting needs to s...
Episode 1187: Soda ash markets adapts to a competitive landscape amid a tumultuous US-China relationship and uneven demand trends
May 28, 2024 00:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBThe soda ash market narrative reminds one of Dickens' A tale of two cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times [...]we had everything before us, we had nothing before us." From the vertiginous highs of the post-pandemic boom to the slumbers brought in by high borrowing costs, soda ash players are navigating rougher seas with lows elongated compared to typical cyclical troughs and highs that had exhausted anyone involved in selling the molecule for over two years. ...
Episode 1185: PODCAST: Asia R-PET to outperform R-PP, R-PE in H2 2024
May 28, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 4.07 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Recycled polymers markets in Asia faced different market dynamics, driven by various factors like additional capacities, inflationary pressures and support from downstream demand. Asia R-PET trade to gain support from new extrusion capacities within Asia and long-haul markets Asia R-PE to continue to perform poorly in H2 in line with cheaper virgin PE prices and inflationary pressure which impacts finished goods demand Uptake from the automotive sector lends s...
Episode 1185: Think Tank: Why you should enter the 2024 ICIS Innovation Awards
May 27, 2024 00:00 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MBChemical companies can gain recognition as leaders in innovation, and also evaluate their own new product pipeline by taking part in the ICIS Innovation Awards, according to last year's winner. ICIS Chemical Business deputy editor, Will Beacham, interviews David Dupont, Arkema’s vice president specialty polyamides. Click here to find out how to enter this year’s ICIS Innovation Awards. Entry deadline Friday 7 June.
Episode 1184: PODCAST: India’s high inventory, China downstream weakness pull back May H2 spot demand
May 24, 2024 05:42 - 4 minutes - 3.5 MBIn this podcast, ICIS editors Hwee Hwee Tan and Jady Ma discuss current trends in Asia's acetic acid market.
Episode 1184: PODCAST: NE Asia ethylene sees oversupply, SE Asia prices under pressure
May 24, 2024 00:00 - 12 minutes - 8.28 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Northeast Asia continued to see an oversupply of ethylene, and downstream margins remained weak. The supply-demand balance is expected to improve with a slowdown in capacity growth in China. In southeast Asia, the market is likely to continue to be under pressure in H2 2024. NE Asia in oversupply as players begin looking to H2 2024 arrivals Standalone-based derivatives margins remain weak NE Asia and US arbitrage weighs on SE Asia market, downstream demand tep...
Episode 1183: PODCAST: Less impact of gasoline on Asia PX, downstream expansion continues
May 24, 2024 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.25 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--Earlier than usual re-stocking activities of gasoline blend stocks had curbed the price gains for paraxylene (PX) in Asia, while a lack of strong demand growth in the downstream purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and polyester markets had kept market confidence low. Key PX bullish factor is the limited new capacity expansions Asia adds two new downstream PTA capacities in the first half of the year ICIS expects PX prices to be supported in Q3, but Q4 to face a...
Episode 1182: China LPG importers may not face higher tariffs amid US-China trade tensions
May 17, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MB VideoThe White House announced on 14 May that it would increase tariffs on $18 billion worth of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses. How will this latest development impact China’s LPG supplies from the US, which was the second largest LPG exporter to China in 2023, following the Mideast. In 2018, China raised the import tariff on US LPG from 1% to 25% in retaliation to tariffs hikes implemented by the former US president Donald Trump. In this pod...
Episode 1181: PODCAST: Ample propylene supply, China PP exports weigh on SE Asia market
May 16, 2024 00:00 - 7 minutes - 4.54 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The ample supply of propylene in Asia as well as some new polypropylene (PP) capacities in China is expected to weigh on discussions in SE Asia in the coming months. Asia C3 to see length from China PDH restarts, SE Asia volumes China PP exports to weigh on SE Asia discussions Asia PP prices to come under pressure in June-July In this podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan, Jackie Wong and Lucy Shuai discuss some of the trends in the Asian propylene and PP markets ...
Episode 1180: All eyes on India as phosphates and ammonia markets see low demand
May 15, 2024 00:00 - 9 minutes - 5.35 MBPhosphates prices have been under pressure in India recently, while demand is expected to return strong soon. Meanwhile, the lack of ammonia spot demand globally is weighing down on the market. Phosphates editor Chris Vlachopoulos talks to senior editor Sylvia Traganida about the state of the phosphates market ahead of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) annual conference (20-22 May).
Episode 1180: PODCAST: Asia propylene derivative demand still slow amid uncertainties
May 15, 2024 00:00 - 8 minutes - 5.06 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asian oxo-alcohols buyers maintained a wait and watch approach, amid the possibility of added capacities in China weighing on market sentiment. The acrylonitrile (ACN) market continues to see limited spot demand in the northeast Asia market. Even as downstream acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) has seen higher production rates recently, ACN producers were unlikely to increase operating rates. For the acrylates downstream, butyl-A market in Asia continues to ...
Episode 1179: Think Tank: Like blocks pulled out of a Jenga tower, chemicals closures could collapse value chains
May 14, 2024 00:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBThe closure of chemical plants in Europe and elsewhere could remove essential raw material supplies, threatening the future of downstream industrial value chains. - Global oversupply, driven by China, forecast to reach over 200 million tonnes/year by 2028 - Interconnected value chains threatened if important raw materials cease production - Globally 20 million tonnes of ethylene capacity may need to be shut down by 2030 - In Europe 5.6 millio...
Episode 1178: European sulphur, sulphuric acid tightness a key concern for H2 2024
May 13, 2024 00:00 - 10 minutes - 6.36 MBIt is a rarity to see sulphur or sulphuric acid take centre-stage in Europe when discussing a lack of feedstock for downstream petrochemicals - but tight supply for both has become a key talking point through the first and second quarter of 2024. ICIS' Senior Editor for sulphuric acid, Andy Hemphill, and Julia Meehan, Managing Editor of ICIS Fertilizers, discuss what caused this tightness and explore what options the industry has to counter the crippling shortages.
Episode 1176: PODCAST: APIC '24: Sustainable finance a focus for new entrants to market
May 09, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.6 MBSINGAPORE (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.
Episode 1175: PODCAST: Weak demand expected for both Asia C3 and downstream PO
May 09, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.47 MBSINGAPORE (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 cap...
Episode 1177: Europe, Africa, Turkey PE/PP May outlook, reaction to Lyondell announcement
May 09, 2024 00:00 - 19 minutes - 9.85 MBJoin European Senior Editor/Manager Vicky Ellis, as she talks to European and African PE/PP Senior Editor Ben Lake and Turkey PE/PP Senior Editor/Manager Samantha Wright. The group discuss the coming month, as players see sentiment cool from a hectic first quarter. Senior Analyst, Lorenzo Meazza also drops in to react to Lyondell Basel's announcement that it plans to "review" all European polymer and olefin assets. Following on from announcements of closures of Exxon and Sabic c...
Episode 1172: PODCAST: APIC '24: Asia PVC shaped by ample supply, impending policy changes in India
May 08, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.39 MBSINGAPORE (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 ed...
Episode 1174: PODCAST: Synthetic fuels poised to lead decarbonisation of transport sector - Zero Petroleum CEO Paddy Lowe
May 08, 2024 00:00 - 36 minutes - 25.7 MBLONDON (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 ob...
Episode 1173: Think Tank: Decarbonized power sector offers opportunities for Europe chemicals resurgence
May 08, 2024 00:00 - 32 minutes - 45.7 MBEurope’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 pla...
Episode 1171: PODCAST: Asia BDO pressured by slowing demand in late-Q2, oversupply
May 08, 2024 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.91 MBSHANGHAI (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.
Episode 1170: PODCAST: Asia olefins face hurdles on upstream volatility, growing supply
May 07, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.62 MBSINGAPORE (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 mul...
Episode 1169: NPE'24: Markets face sustainability, risk management, technology challenges and opportunities
May 06, 2024 00:00 - 4 minutes - 2.8 MBORLANDO (ICIS)--NPE2024 is underway in Orlando, Florida, after a 6 year hiatus, and Senior Market Editor Emily Friedman and Senior Marketing Executive Natalie Stephens break down the key topics among discussions and presentations at the show: Sustainability is a pillar of the industry, one which companies should prioritize to future-proof their business Risk management remains paramount, following several years of instability and unprecedented highs and lows Technology and data h...
Episode 1168: Think Tank: Geopolitical risks threaten recovery of economy, chemicals
May 03, 2024 00:00 - 33 minutes - 47 MBA more optimistic outlook for the global economy and chemicals could be jeopardized by rising geopolitical instability. - Current downturn reminiscent of 1970’s oil shock - Global GDP growth could start to recover from 2025 - Geo-political risks are rising and could jeopardise economy - Chemicals CEOs slightly more upbeat - PMIs show China manufacturing now expanding - But China challenged by debt, property bubble, youth...
Episode 1167: Downcast sentiment on European demand at polyurethane event
April 30, 2024 00:00 - 5 minutes - 3.6 MBMarket 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 futu...
Episode 1166: Chinaplas '24: China's polymer industry moving fast toward high end development amid fierce competition
April 30, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 3.77 MBSINGAPORE (ICIS)--ICIS analyst Sijia Li, Yvonne Shi, Zhibo Xiao, Lucy Shuai, Joanne Wang and Cindy Qiu discuss the development trend of China's polyolefins and polyester market.
Episode 1165: Europe, US epoxy resins try to boost margins while fighting fierce competition from China
April 29, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 19.1 MBThe European and US epoxy resins markets are facing a tug of war between margin and cost struggles versus still fragile underlying demand and competition from China. The US anti dumping case for epoxy resins against several Asian countries and the EU anti subsidy probe against Chinese wind turbines are also talking points as the west looks to protect its industry against unfair competition. Senior editor Heidi Finch who covers the Europe epoxy market discusses current and near-ter...
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 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 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 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...