ICIS - chemical podcasts

Episode 765: PODCAST: Asia, Mid East PE pipe grade markets grapple with upstream hikes, buying lags

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- In this podcast, ICIS editors Jasmine Khoo and Hazel Goh discuss recent developments and outlook concerns for the Asia and Middle East polyethylene (PE) pipe grade markets.   PE pipe grade has thin price spreads to ethylene and other PE grades buoying Middle East and Asian offers  Some SE Asia downstream converters unable to digest impact of recent upstream crude increases China logistics and demand affected by COVID-19 spread 

Episode 766: PODCAST: Global Melamine uncertainty ahead of Q2, production costs remain high

European Melamine editor Melissa Hurley discusses the US supply situation, European production cost pressure from high gas prices and the future demand situation in Asia with Senior Editor Manager Joson Ng in Asia and US editor Larry Terry. European Q2 talks to start in earnest next week US volume restrictions still in effect Chinese producers face cost pressures; domestic demand hit by lockdowns Additional reporting from Senior Editor Manager Joson Ng and Senior Editor Larry Te...

Episode 764: Chems firms face up to new dawn as low -inflation era comes to an end

 Chemicals players are waking up to a new era for the global economy, where supportive monetary policy and rock-bottom interest rates  give way to a lengthy period of high inflation, sped by the Russia-Ukraine war.  In this Think Tank podcast, Tom Brown interviews ICIS senior consultant for Asia John Richardson, and New Normal Consulting chairman Paul Hodges. 

Episode 763: Europe naphtha buyers face price premiums as they avoid Russian supplies

The invasion of Ukraine means that naphtha buyers in Europe will have to pay premiums as they seek alternatives to Russian supplies.  -          In 2021 Russia supplied 44% of Europe’s naphtha imports, 20% of consumption -          Europe naphtha buyers face paying premiums for alternative supplies -          European refiners will have to invest to reduce reliance on Russian crude -          New zero agenda should cut demand for oil, so will make Russian phase out easier -    ...

Episode 762: PODCAST: Asia styrene and styrenics balance to hinge on Chinese exports, demand

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- In this podcast, ICIS editors Jasmine Khoo and Trixie Yap discuss recent developments and the outlook for the Asian styrene (SM) and styrenics markets. China’s exports for styrene, polystyrene to continue into May amid weaker-than-expected domestic performance New start-ups for SM and polystyrene still expected in April-May Styrene demand from northeast Asia likely to absorb majority of China-origin parcels

Episode 761: PODCAST: Europe and Asia production costs and margin erosion, concerns for April loom

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the worsening margin situation and climbing production costs in Asia and Europe with Senior Editor, Judith Wang.  Major producers in Asia slash production cuts European margins put operating rates under extensive pressure Cautiousness amid upstream volatility Additional reporting from Senior editor Judith Wang.

Episode 760: More urea price increases due for a market already at historic highs

Urea prices are trading at the highest ever levels seen since ICIS started tracking the crop nutrient in 1995. There is concern of a global shortage as the West ramps up sanctions and Russia retaliates with restrictions of its own, including on grain exports.    Russia is the world's largest natural gas producer and supplies 40% of Europe's needs. It is also the world’s largest urea exporter with a 14% market share.   In this podcast, global urea editors Mark Milam and Deepika T...

Episode 759: March 2022 PE/PP petchem and energy podcast

European and African PE/PP editors Vicky Ellis, Linda Naylor and Ben Lake join with Deputy Gas Editor, Chris Renne to discuss a tumultuous week in Europe.  Spiking gas prices are already feeding through to both sentiment and contract discussions on the polymer market.  Combined with rising production costs and an uncertain outlook on transport, this is an unprecedented time for the petchem market, following on from the also unprecedented previous two years.    As prices up and do...

Episode 758: Europe, Asia IPA tradeflow opening on wide arbitrage, MEK restricted by tightness, volatility

Very high logistics costs and limited vessel space have restricted Asian exports of many products to Europe since late 2020, including isopropanol (IPA) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Widening price gaps between the two regions are reviving interest in this tradeflow for IPA, though tightness and upstream volatility continue to impact MEK. Asia IPA and MEK report editor Julia Tan and Europe editor Nick Cleeve discuss market conditions, current tradeflows and expectations for the s...

Episode 757: Live update from the 2022 Plastics Recycling Conference and Expo

In this podcast, ICIS recycled plastic senior editor, Emily Friedman, and recycled plastic senior analyst, Paula Leardini, give a live update from the 2022 Plastics Recycling Conference and Expo. The US recycled plastic market is in a period of major growth, experiencing several transitional challenges due to increased demand for resin, primarily to be used for food and beverage packaging, but under tight supply of recycled plastic feedstock. Increased demand for post-consumer rec...

Episode 756: Oil price shock will hit chemical margins, demand, economy

The spike in oil prices caused by the Ukraine conflict will hit chemical margins as producers will be unable to pass on higher costs thanks to faltering demand and a slowing global economy.    -          World will suffer oil price shock  -          Rocketing oil prices suck money out of consumers’ pockets, damage sentiment -          Chemical prices are rising sharply, according to the weekly ICIS Petrochemical Index -          Expect more negative production margins -        ...

Episode 755: PODCAST: Asia acetic acid depressed by ample supply, feedstock to drive Q2 outlook

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS editors Jasmine Khoo and Helen Lee discuss recent developments and the outlook for the Asian acetic acid market.   Asia’s acetic acid market lost between 26% to almost 30% in the first two months of 2022 amid pressure from new capacity in China and a slower-than-anticipated post Lunar New year demand recovery.  ·     New acetic acid plant in China started up earlier than projected ·     Supply, feedstock factors to drive outlook: ·     Sc...

Episode 754: Europe and US epoxy resin pricing under pressure from improved supply, import availability

Improved availability and access to cheaper Asian imports are putting pressure on European and US epoxy resin prices, which remain very high compared with historical levels. However, feedstock costs and volatility linked to the conflict in Ukraine are offering some resistance to softer pricing. European epoxy resins editor Heidi Finch and US editor Tarun Raizada discuss current conditions and future expectations for these markets. 

Episode 753: PODCAST: Global ACN sees upward cost pressure following Russia-Ukraine conflict

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—The global acrylonitrile (ACN) markets are seeing upward cost pressure for feedstocks propylene and ammonia in line with firmer crude and natural gas prices following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In this podcast, ICIS senior editors Li Li Chng (Asia), Jane Massingham (Europe), and Lucas Hall (US) discuss the latest market developments: ·     Europe remains the high priced region ·     Sanctions to be watched ·     Uncertainty of Russian supply ahead ·     Asian...

Episode 752: VAM supply to remain tight on plants shutdown, output cuts

Episode 750: Q1 India phosphoric acid contract price increases, ammonia under pressure on limited supply

The phosphoric acid contract price for Q1 deliveries to India has been settled at an increase following weeks of negotiations. At the same time, raw material prices and especially ammonia are on the rise too following limited supply due to unscheduled shutdowns, weather events and high natural gas prices. Senior phosphates editor Sylvia Traganida talks to senior ammonia editor Richard Ewing about the latest developments in the market.

Episode 751: PODCAST: How chemical markets are reacting to Russian invasion of Ukraine

LONDON (ICIS) Global chemicals markets have been dominated by the Russian invasion Ukraine as the conflict has caused costs to take an immediate upswing. TotalEnergies response to the invasion The impact on upstream prices across the world Pressure on energy trade flows Downstream demand could collapse in response to rising costs Bottlenecks could shift trading to more localised level as supply routes disrupted UN Environment Assembly plastics pact, what this means for sustain...

Episode 748: Global methanol demand expected to firm for Q2, mixed regional supply outlook

LONDON (ICIS)--ICIS editors Eashani Chavda, Keven Zhang and Anna Matherne discuss the latest developments in the global methanol market including: European imports from Russia; post-Lunar New Year activity; and a recent power outage in Trinidad.

Episode 749: Europe oxo-alcohols derivatives stable-to-soft amid Russian conflict fears

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have been stable-to-soft in recent weeks due to stable supply and healthy, but weaker than initially forecast, demand. However, there are concerns from market players about the impact the Ukraine/Russia conflict will have on feedstock and energy costs. European editors Eashani Chavda, Nicole Simpson, Nick Cleeve and Mathew Jolin-Beech discuss the latest for European oxo-alcohols and its derivatives in this ICIS podca...

Episode 747: PODCAST: Ukraine tensions tops longstanding concerns for future of crude oil

Episode 746: Ukraine conflict could hurt chemical margins as costs soar amid falling demand

With the Ukraine conflict pushing oil prices towards $100/bbl and gas prices becoming increasing volatile, chemical companies may suffer reduced profit margins as higher costs may not translate into higher selling prices as downstream demand declines.  -          Consumer confidence dented by high oil, energy prices and rising inflation, interest rates -          Signs of weaker downstream demand  -          Chemical companies will struggle to pass on higher costs, damaging margi...

Episode 745: Ukraine conflict could hurt chemical margins as costs soar amid falling demand

With the Ukraine conflict pushing oil prices towards $100/bbl and gas prices becoming increasing volatile, chemical companies may suffer reduced profit margins as higher costs may not translate into higher selling prices thanks to falling downstream demand.  -          Consumer confidence dented by high oil, energy prices and rising inflation, interest rates -          Signs of downstream demand weakening  -          Chemical companies will struggle to pass on higher costs, damag...

Episode 744: Think Tank: chemicals demand growth detaches from GDP, gets complicated

The old link between gross domestic product (GDP) and demand growth for chemicals such as polyethylene (PE) has broken, so chemical companies need to find new ways of making forecasts. -          Chemicals, PE demand no longer follows GDP -          Chemical companies need new models to forecast chemicals, PE growth -          More affected by demographics, government stimulus policies -          Chemical companies need to switch to providing services and solutions -          C...

Episode 743: PODCAST: Asia benzene optimistic on supply cuts, stronger demand, feedstock supply

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS editors Jasmine Khoo and Angeline Soh discuss about the uptrend for Asia benzene prices for the past two months. Despite buyers’ caution of a possible production cut from margin erosion, sellers were hopeful of a continued uptrend in Q1 from: Supply cuts from China, Japan, South Korea, southeast Asia Stronger demand, with new derivative start-ups Feedstock crude support

Episode 742: Crude dominates China’s SM market, demand yet to recover

Episode 741: Europe epoxy price disparity significant versus Asia, Asia epoxy affected by feed volatility

Episode 740: PODCAST: Asia, Middle East polyols eye demand improvement after lull

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—The Asian and Middle Eastern polyether polyols markets observed significant price declines in late 2021, with demand poised to strengthen going forward into March amid restocking activities and recent upstream price gains. · Upstream propylene oxide (PO) and polyols yuan prices plunged in late 2021 · Competitively-priced Chinese origin cargoes offered to regional markets · Mideast polyols demand stayed subdued in Dec 2021 ahead of end-of-year · Recovery in PO yu...

Episode 739: Think Tank: logistics disruption could ease as demand reaches tipping point

The logistics disruption which has plagued chemical supply chains could ease as tightening monetary policy reduces consumer demand in the next 6-12 months.   -          Huge expansion of money supply in US is underlying cause of logistics disruption -          US consumer demand for finished goods rocketed -          Tidal wave of goods from China to US -          Demand could fall off a cliff in 6-12 months as monetary policy is tightened -          Permanent increase in inter...

Episode 738: Global phenol and acetone markets face challenges old and new in H1 2022

Fresh Asia capacity could shift global trade flows Phenol demand to outstrip acetone  Close eye kept on US winter storm season Turnarounds tighten Europe and Asia markets  Supply chain and inflation ongoing challenges   ICIS editors Jane Gibson, Tarun Raizada and Tess Tseng discuss global phenol and acetone market trends for H1 2022.

Episode 737: Think Tank: Ukraine conflict could disrupt oil, gas, chemical markets

Any major escalation of the conflict in Ukraine threatens to further disrupt supply in oil, gas and chemical markets, pushing prices beyond their current elevated levels.   -          Gas storage low in Europe, winter demand 30% higher than rest of year -          Record shipments of liquified natural gas (LNG) to Europe so far in 2022 -          LNG could ease Europe shortages if Russia supplies cut -          Russia supplies 20% of global seaborne ammonia market -          Di...

Episode 736: US oleochemicals to face new, existing challenges in H1

Episode 735: Europe oxo-alcohols derivatives feel supply relief in January

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols markets hold steady with improved supply following the end to a number of force majeures.  Downstream, glycol ethers and butyl acetate (butac) follow suit with stable market conditions whilst the acrylate esters market faced downward pressure on some grades this week. European editors Eashani Chavda, Nicole Simpson, Nick Cleeve and Mathew Jolin-Beech discuss the latest for European oxo-alcohols and its derivatives in this ICIS podcast.

Episode 734: Think Tank: negative Q4 chemicals margins point to tougher Q1

Chemical margins fell into negative territory for many products late in 2021, signalling a tough start to 2022, though prices are now rising.  -          Stock market bubble may be about to burst -          Demand for chemicals would fall as investors lose money -          Tighter monetary policy could lead to more corporate bankruptcies -          Negative fourth quarter chemical margins point to tougher 2022 -          Rising chemical prices in January show higher costs can b...

Episode 733: Concerns for supply security trouble global potash fertilizer market

 As sanctions placed on Belarusian muriate of potash (MOP) exports begin to bite, many questions are unanswered for supply stability in the year ahead. Sylvia Traganida speaks to Senior Markets Editor for Potash and Sulphuric Acid, Andy Hemphill, about this week’s market-moving news. 

Episode 732: China’s 2-EH rises on pre-holiday stocking recently, eye on supply-demand post-Lunar New Year

Episode 731: Global ACN supply eases, logistics ongoing issue and costs to be monitored

The global acrylonitrile (ACN) markets have seen spot prices soften amid improving supply, but logistics and costs remain a key concern.   In this latest podcast, ICIS senior editors Jane Massingham (Europe), Li Li Chng (Asia) and Lucas Hall (US) discuss the latest developments in the market and what lies ahead.

Episode 730: Think Tank: Europe, US chemicals face China dominance in race for low carbon technology

China’s growth in spending on chemicals research and innovation (R&I) has far outpaced Europe and the US, leaving chemical companies in the west facing a formidable challenge in the race to develop low carbon technologies.   -          China R&I spend tripled from $4.3bn to $14bn 2010-2020 -          Europe, US spend rose modestly over same period -          Europe, US chemicals may need to boost R&I spending to compete on low carbon technology -          China is likely to boos...

Episode 729: ICIS plasticizers outlook podcast: China set to remain net exporter, Europe import interest healthy, US prefers domestic volumes

Nicole Simpson, the European plasticizers editor, is joined by Li Peng Seng, the US plasticizers editor, and Antoinette Smith, the Asia Pacific Editor to discusses the global plasticizers outlook for 2022 with a focus on trade flows.  Click here to listen in a new window.

Episode 728: Think Tank: supply chain crisis delaying inevitable downturn for chemicals

Congested global supply chains are masking a downturn in demand for chemicals driven by China’s slowing economy, high energy prices plus falling consumer confidence and spending. -          Supply chains full of inventory as purchasing managers have over-ordered -          Inventory will be released as supply chain pressures ease -          Big ramp up in chemicals capacity in China  -          Slowing China poses major risk to global chemicals demand -          China could exp...

Episode 727: China’s propylene supply ample, exports to continue

Episode 726: Think Tank: petrochemicals may see more gas price volatility in winter 2022

Petrochemical producers, especially in Europe, may see more gas price volatility in winter 2022 as storage levels are much lower than usual.   -          Unprecedented volatility in Europe gas prices -          Prices have now collapsed but still above long-term average -          Warmer winter weather reducing demand -          Flows from Russia, temperature impact prices -          Europe gas storage only 50% full, usually around 70%  -          Any cold spell could send pri...

Episode 723: Benzene fluctuates downwards amid gradually increasing inventories

Episode 724: UAN market looks at 2022 with high prices and concern over US import duties

The UAN market in 2021 had it all: from high nitrogen and natural gas prices to tight supply and countervailing duties in the US, it has been a bumpy year! Senior UAN editors Sylvia Traganida and Mark Milam discuss the developments that have affected the market this year and reveal what to expect in 2022.

Episode 725: Europe oxo-alcohols, acrylates and butac markets stable despite production limitations

The European oxo-alcohols chain is largely quiet due to seasonal low demand, though force majeures from Arkema and INEOS have been declared during December. Butyl acetate (butac) report editor Nick Cleeve discusses the impact these limitations have had with oxo-alcohols editor Nicole Simpson and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech.

Episode 722: Think Tank: economy, chemicals may switch from inflation to deflation in 2022

The global economy may reverse from price inflation to deflation next year as supply chains unblock amid tepid underlying demand. -          Risk of switch from inflation to deflation  -          Inventories rising as supply chains unblock -          Global chemical prices may equalise, but lower, as supply chains open up -          China demand falling as state tackles bloated property market   -          Business leaders fear Omicron will impact 2022 growth -          America...

Episode 721: Asia LPG prices slump as crude and ample supply put pressure

Episode 720: PODCAST: GCC eyes stronger PP demand in 2022

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s polypropylene (PP) market has had a volatile run in 2021, with vast contrasts and swings in PP prices rendering buyers unclear on what 2022 is set to bring. Polar storm in the US draws Middle Eastern PP volumes away from Asia Asia leads PP capacity expansions, Chinese producers eye exports Food, hygiene packaging to drive resin demand for consumption within GCC, exports In this podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with editor Veena P...

Episode 719: Think Tank: China moves to polypropylene self-sufficiency, scramble for market share globally

China may become self-sufficient in polypropylene (PP) from 2022, raising the prospect of a scramble for market share globally and possible price war.    -          China will become self-sufficient in PP from 2022 -          China PP demand will grow by 3% in 2022, capacity by 11% -          For 2020 China had net PP imports of 6.1m tonnes -          As China becomes exporter, expect battle for market share, possible price war -          International Energy Agency report show...

Episode 718: China's BD supply growth to outpace demand

Episode 717: Think Tank: Omicron risks further chemicals supply chain and demand disruption

The Omnicron coronavirus variant may further disrupt supply chains while impacting demand for chemical markets around the world.  -          Omnicron variant risks disruption to supply chains, demand -          Chemical industry is a 6-9 month leading indicator of wider economy -          Risk of deflation, recession next year as consumers have less spending power -          Rich countries must pay for medical infrastructure, vaccines for emerging economies -          High pric...