ICIS - chemical podcasts

Episode 716: China’s gasoline, gasoil prices in Nov fell amid easing supply shortages

Episode 715: Europe oxo-alcohols chain stabilises in November following improved feedstock supply

European oxo-alcohols availability has improved in Q4 following the lifting of force majeures by BASF and OQ. ICIS Editors Eashani Chavda, Nicole Simpson, Nick Cleeve and Mathew Jolin-Beech discuss the latest for the oxo-alcohols chain incuding; glycol ethers, butyl acetate (butac) and acrylate esters.

Episode 713: PODCAST: China’s Dual Control Policy – what now?

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- China has pledged to achieve peak carbon emission by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, and the dual control policy is part of this movement towards an environmentally-friendly future. However, China’s dual control policy has had a significant impact on the Asian petrochemical markets, exacerbating pre-existing supply chain inefficiencies and injecting volatility into both the futures and spot markets.   In this episode of the ICIS Podcast, Markets Editor Julia...

Episode 714: PODCAST: Asian R-PET production constrained by feedstock shortage

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—Overall production of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) across Asia continues to be subdued by persistent tightness of post-consumer bottle (PCB) bale feedstock inventory, while downstream demand is on a seasonal rebound. ·     Availability and collection of waste was limited by the COVID-19 resurgence in mid-year ·     Demand for fibre, film and bottle grades rebounded amid easing of COVID-19 restrictions ·     Ability to import bale feedstock hampered...

Episode 712: Latest global ACN supply improved but costs a concern for US and Europe

The global acrylonitrile (ACN) markets are calmer than in recent months, but there are many factors still to take into account.   In this podcast, ICIS pricing editors Jane Massingham (Europe), Lucas Hall (US) and Li Li Chng (Asia) discuss the latest developments in the market and what can be expected in the short-term.   -          Feedstock costs are more concerning for Europe and the US -          Demand globally could see a year-end dip -          Q1 currently looks health...

Episode 711: Think Tank: EPCA president Hartwig Michels on the low carbon challenge and supply chain, logistics crisis

Obtaining vast amounts of renewable energy, plus a more supportive regulatory environment, are most important for Europe’s petrochemical industry on its path to low carbon production.  Hear Hartwig Michels, president of the European Petrochemical Association and head of BASF’s global petrochemical operations, in conversation with Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting and Nigel Davis, ICIS Insight editor.       -          Availability of green electricity is the key challe...

Episode 710: PODCAST: Global MEG market outlook; EU ADDs finalised, new US supply and weakening Asia prices

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the global supply outlook with Judith Wang, Antoinette Smith and Antulio Borneo.  New Asia supply weighs on discussions  Definitive ADD measures against US and Saudi Arabia imports finalised MEG and DEG supply gradually recovering from persistent shortages Uncertain US outlook Additional reporting from Senior Editor Judith Wang, Antoinette Smith. US outlook from CDI Vice President - North America PET/Poly...

Episode 709: Unabated strength of urea and ammonia markets set to continue

Across the global urea and ammonia markets, there is no end in sight for a downward price correction since market fundamentals look set to remain firmly in place moving into 2022. Stocks are low, demand is high and production costs are forcing unwelcome curtailments across the world.   Natural gas remains the key driver for the fertilizer sector, but there are plenty of other factors impacting urea and ammonia. Tune into our industry experts Julia Meehan, Deepika Thapliyal and Ric...

Episode 708: Chem indicators point to global slowdown amid margin contraction

Key economic indicators point to a global slowdown, with margins for many chemicals either contracting or expected to contract. In the ICIS Think Tank podcast, chief news correspondent Tom Brown talks to insight editor Nigel Davis, senior consultant John Richardson, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, about Shell's dramatic move, the clean energy transition, supply and demand shifts in the global polyethylene market, and a potential correction to global inflation in...

Episode 707: PODCAST: Asia ABS gains capped by sluggish demand for Q4

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) prices did not climb to earlier highs during the traditional peak in October and November, reflecting comparatively softer demand. Plateau from end-use home-based electronic products since COVID-19 just surfaced Import reliance down with ample local production Downtrend may manifest when upstream supply raises In this podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with editor Angeline Soh about recent developments in the Asian ABS marke...

Episode 706: European ACN continues to see healthy ABS demand

A balanced acrylonitrile (ACN) market in Europe continues to see a healthy pull on demand from the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) sector.   Listen in as ICIS pricing editors Jane Massingham and Stephanie Wix talk about the latest developments and short-term expectations   -          ACN balanced in Europe but good demand and high costs -          ABS supply remains short on lack of imports and ongoing force majeure -          Demand to remain strong despite big drops in...

Episode 705: Think Tank: new record prices for Europe chemicals show crisis is not over yet

Record-breaking prices for some European chemicals show that pandemic-related market and supply chain trends are still disrupting chemical markets.  -          New record prices for Europe epoxy resins, titanium dioxide (Ti02) contracts, spot polyethylene terephthalate (PET), butanediol (BDO) and acetone methyl methacrylate (MMA) -          Driven by production issues, lack of Asian imports, shipping costs, energy prices, feedstock costs, strong demand -          Stocks still low...

Episode 704: PODCAST: Asia EPDM boosted on tight supply and demand recovery

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia’s import prices for ethylene propylene diene-monomer (EPDM) have held firm at multi-year high levels for more than three months, supported by recovery of downstream production post-second wave of pandemic, and also sustained limitations in regional supplies.    In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with Ai Teng, editor for the ICIS Asia EPDM report, to hear more about the drivers for the current EPDM market, and also what may be in s...

Episode 703: Phosphates market firms amid high sulphur and phosphoric acid prices

Phosphates pricing sentiment remains bullish, amid record high sulphur and phosphoric acid prices. The announcement of fertilizer export restrictions from Russia is seen tightening global phosphates availability. ICIS Senior Editors Sylvia Traganida and Erica Sesay discuss the latest developments in the phosphates and sulphur markets.

Episode 702: China MX market might suffer oversupply and weak demand

Episode 701: Think Tank: COP26 highlights how chemicals must ‘wake up and smell the coffee’

Global chemical industry leaders must act now to plan for rapid transformation as the COP26 climate change conference shows the size of the challenges facing the world.  -          Chemical industry needs 2030 targets from politicians -          Management boards must plan today for low carbon future -          Existing plants can be upgraded to use renewable electricity or hydrogen -          Infrastructure must be developed now for carbon, capture & storage, low carbon power ...

Episode 700: PODCAST: Concern in Europe oxo-alcohols chain over local force majeure and rising natural gas costs LONDON (ICIS)--Availability in the European oxo-alcohols spot market remains under some pressure with local producer OQ Chemicals in force majeure. Supply

LONDON (ICIS)--Availability in the European oxo-alcohols spot market remains under some pressure with local producer OQ Chemicals in force majeure. Supply of derivatives butyl acrylate (butac) and some acrylate esters have also tightened. Glycol ethers players are keeping a close eye on rising natural gas costs.

Episode 699: Think Tank: China property bubble burst could trigger global recession

A global recession is on the horizon as China’s property bubble bursts, triggering a collapse in industrial and chemicals demand there and around the world.  -          Markets have reached tipping point where further price rises will not be accepted -          Supply chain chaos is masking poor real underlying demand -          Demand is relatively flat in Europe, US. China growth will slow dramatically -          Overcapacity may cause price war for market share    -         ...

Episode 698: China BDO prices extend gains in October on tight supply

Episode 698: Chemical industry must banish inertia, reinvent itself for a low carbon future

The chemical industry needs to overcome a business as usual strategy and grasp new production and recycling technologies to meet the challenge of a low carbon future.     -          Massive investment in low carbon energy required to meet net zero targets -          China and EU can lead the way, spurring activity in the rest of the world -          China’s Common Prosperity philosophy will drive change -          Chemical industry must work out how to meet rising plastics deman...

Episode 697: European ACN feedstocks update costs vs supply/demand dynamics

Ammonia and propylene markets are being closely followed by acrylonitrile (ACN) players in Europe and while both are balanced to healthy supply wise and demand is still good, energy costs are spiralling. Listen in as ICIS pricing editors Jane Massingham asks Richard Ewing and Nel Weddle about the latest developments and what to expect in the short term    Spiking energy costs squeezing margins    Ammonia prices almost tripled in past year West of Suez   Costs to dominate propyle...

Episode 696: PODCAST: Asia’s 2-EH could be hurt by weaker plasticizers demand in Q4

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Tight supplies and strong demand have sent 2-Ethyhexanol (2-EH) prices in Asia to an all-time high in end July, but market sentiment is expected to weaken this quarter.   ·         Tight supplies expected to ease by late Q4 ·         Demand seen softer ·         Buyers’ resistance could grow stronger   In this podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with editor Seng Li Peng about recent developments in the Asian 2-EH market.

Episode 695: PODCAST: Europe acetone, phenol and BPA mull imbalances, spiking costs and China impacts

Europe acetone, phenol and derivative bisphenol A (BPA) are grappling with market imbalances, margin impacts due to spiking energy costs, low acetone prices and further Asian export uncertainty, due to China's strict energy clampdown Listen in as ICIS pricing editors Heidi Finch and Jane Gibson discuss the latest market developments and near-term market expectations: Phenol Q4 adder settles up on various factors, outweighing the October benzene drop Phenol strong and tight, misma...

Episode 694: Think Tank: chemical industry transformation underway, better funding required – EPCA CEO

Europe’s chemical industry is already investing for a low carbon future, but will require new sources of public and private finance to scale up for success, according to Caroline Ciuciu CEO of The European Petrochemical Association (EPCA).  -          Chemical industry transformation is already underway -          Electrification will require huge amounts of renewable energy -          Accessing finance to scale up is a huge challenge -          Public funds, regulatory framewor...

Episode 693: PODCAST: Global ACN supply improved but concerns over costs escalate

Episode 692: PODCAST: PET shortage disrupts global trade flows, keeps prices high

LONDON (ICIS)-- Editors Caroline Murray (Europe), Hazel Goh (Asia) and Luly Stephens (Americas) discuss the global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and feedstock shortages that characterise the market, and the chaos that logistic costs and other high-cost variables are having on the market.   ·         Soaring freight and container costs continue to impact trade flows ·         Unexpected shortages in the Americas keep prices high ·         Higher Asia offers plus freight puts u...

Episode 690: PODCAST: Middle East markets mixed amid tight supply conditions

In this episode of the podcast, Senior Reporter Felicia Loo discusses the current market conditions of several major petrochemical products in the Middle East. - Constrained cargo availability seen in polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). - PVC in the GCC and East Mediterranean (East Med) is underpinned by constrained Asian supply. - But, on the other hand, consumption for base oils is weak while that of polyethylene (PE) pipe grade is stable.

Episode 691: PODCAST: Asia ADA markets face supply uncertainty amid China's dual control policy

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s adipic acid (ADA) markets face supply uncertainty amid cut operating rates in China due to the dual control policy. Volatility in the feedstock benzene markets have also put pressure on ADA production. Firm pricing in the related methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) markets have also weighed on ADA buyers’ confidence. Amid existing seasonal downstream lull, buyers have also remained on the sidelines due to a lack of buying urgency. Feedstock benzene exert ...

Episode 689: Think Tank: chemical demand, supply chains face disruption from new China policy

China’s ‘Common Prosperity’ strategy will slow its economy and reduce demand for chemicals as it pivots away from an unsustainable property bubble and lowers carbon intensity.   -          ‘Common Prosperity’ contributes to construction, energy problems   -          Expect no seasonal fourth quarter peak in China chemicals demand -          Follows disappointing year-to-date as supply chain crisis hurt exports  -          China has grown from 11% of global chemicals demand in 20...

Episode 688: PODCAST: Surging melamine costs and supply tightness continue globally

LONDON (ICIS)--European Melamine editor Melissa Hurley discusses the global supply tightness, surging record high prices and the future demand situation with Senior Editor Manager Joson Ng in Asia and US editor Larry Terry.  Asia melamine prices at all time high; what's next after Golden week holiday? European suppliers separately target huge triple-digit increases for Q4 US Q4 contracts to settle in near term; supply pressure intensifying Additional reporting from Joson Ng and ...

Episode 687: PODCAST: Resins, recycled plastics face challenges as demand grows

Episode 686: PODCAST: Global MEG supply Q4 outlook

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the global supply outlook with Judith Wang, Senior Analyst Ann Sun, and Antoinette Smith. Asia maintains uptrend on firm feedstocks ahead of national holidays in China European import supply snug; pending ADD ruling generates uncertainty US Q4 turnarounds, healthy demand leaves little available for export Additional reporting from Judith Wang, Senior Analyst Ann Sun, and Antoinette Smith.

Episode 685: Soaring energy prices disrupt fertilizer, chemical markets

Rocketing oil and gas prices are putting fertilizer and chemical producers under intense pressure while destroying downstream demand.  -          Strong gas demand in H1 means storage is at record low levels -          Fears that fertilizer production cuts could threaten food production -          Fertilizers prices break records -          Rising oil and gas prices push chemical production costs higher -          Geopolitics is driving the energy supply crunch, not lack of pro...

Episode 684: Live from Pack Expo 2021 in Las Vegas

Episode 683: Europe oxo-alcohols chain remains calm while awaiting news of BASF's ongoing NBA FM

The European n-butanol (NBA) market has seen improved availability in late-Q3, with its derivatives glycol ethers, butyl acrylate (butac) and acrylate esters seeing a similar trend. Pockets of tightness emerge for ethyl acrylate (ethyl-A) and glycol ethers but prices remain relatively steady.

Episode 681: Evergrande debt crisis signals major reset for China, global chemical markets

The potential debt default by China’s massive Evergrande property group shows a government shift to lower debt and redistribute wealth, with important implications for chemical markets there and around the world.    -          Evergrande employs 200,000 people, its debt is greater than Portugal’s GDP -          Most of China’s growth has been based on borrowing -          Bubble may be about to burst -          Domestic consumption in China may fall -          President Xi intr...

Episode 682: CF and Yara curtailing fertilizer production sends ripples across the global markets

Fertilizer manufacturing and its by-product C02 is headline news in the UK, but the story of CF Industries closing ammonium nitrates production has by far bigger ramifications for the global market. Across the fertilizer chain, inventories are low following a period of planned and unplanned outages and strong demand in H1 2021, which means that the availability of key nitrogen fertilizers is already limited. Prices are moving up on a daily basis for all nitrogen fertilizers and th...

Episode 680: PODCAST: Asia PA import markets to see firm sentiment in Q4, supported by feedstock costs and recovering demand

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—Asia’s phthalic anhydride (PA) import markets are supported by feedstock cost pressure and recovering demand in the third quarter (Q3), with market sentiment poised to stay strong in the fourth quarter (Q4).   ·         Feedstock orthoxylene cost pressure persisted significant ·         Freight rate expectations supported CIF India discussions ·         Tight spot supply outlook in October   In this podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with editor Luffy Wu on the rece...

Episode 677: PODCAST: Asian and European C3 demand and supply trends

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- The Asia and European propylene markets have faced a host of challenges, including shipping congestion, tepid demand, and lengthened supply.   In this episode of the ICIS Podcast, Markets Editor Julia Tan, the editor of the ICIS Asia-Pacific Propylene Report speaks with Nel Weddle, Senior Editor for Olefins, to recap what has happened and discuss what trends may lie ahead.

Episode 679: China’s PO market undergoes new round of price adjustments on tight supply, hindered demand

Episode 678: Think Tank: Arkema CEO - Ashland acquisition is next step on road to 100% specialties

Arkema’s purchase of Ashland’s performance adhesives business will be the next step in the company’s transformation to a 100% specialty materials business by 2024, its CEO told ICIS on Thursday.  -          Ashland performance adhesives has leadership positions in US  -          Arkema will sell Ashland technology to the rest of the world -          Arkema was 50% commodities at its creation in 2006 -          Before PMMA sale in May 2021, Arkema was 80% specialties  -         ...

Episode 676: Think Tank: bulk liquid chemical shipping sinks while container market soars

Global bulk liquid chemical shippers are suffering oversupply, poor demand and low rates in contrast to the container market which is very buoyant.    -          Bulk liquid chemical shipping market is depressed -          Oversupply caused by petroleum, jet fuel carriers switching to chemicals -          Demand low because of a shortage of product to transport -          Some owners are dry-docking ships -          Tanker market may stabilise as new vessel orders are low -          C...

Episode 676: Think Tank: bulk liquid chemical shipping sinks while container market soars

Global bulk liquid chemical shippers are suffering oversupply, poor demand and low rates in contrast to the container market which is very buoyant.    -          Bulk liquid chemical shipping market is depressed -          Oversupply caused by petroleum, jet fuel carriers switching to chemicals -          Demand low because of a shortage of product to transport -          Some owners are dry-docking ships -          Tanker market may stabilise as new vessel orders are low -          C...

Episode 676: Think Tank: bulk liquid chemical shipping sinks while container market soars

Global bulk liquid chemical shippers are suffering oversupply, poor demand and low rates in contrast to the container market which is very buoyant.    -          Bulk liquid chemical shipping market is depressed -          Oversupply caused by petroleum, jet fuel carriers switching to chemicals -          Demand low because of a shortage of product to transport -          Some owners are dry-docking ships -          Tanker market may stabilise as new vessel orders are low -          C...

Episode 676: Think Tank: bulk liquid chemical shipping sinks while container market soars

Global bulk liquid chemical shippers are suffering oversupply, poor demand and low rates in contrast to the container market which is very buoyant.    -          Bulk liquid chemical shipping market is depressed -          Oversupply caused by petroleum, jet fuel carriers switching to chemicals -          Demand low because of a shortage of product to transport -          Some owners are dry-docking ships -          Tanker market may stabilise as new vessel orders are low -          C...

Episode 676: Think Tank: bulk liquid chemical shipping sinks while container market soars

Global bulk liquid chemical shippers are suffering oversupply, poor demand and low rates in contrast to the container market which is very buoyant.    -          Bulk liquid chemical shipping market is depressed -          Oversupply caused by petroleum, jet fuel carriers switching to chemicals -          Demand low because of a shortage of product to transport -          Some owners are dry-docking ships -          Tanker market may stabilise as new vessel orders are low -   ...

Episode 675: American Chemistry Council’s Kevin Swift reflects on Storm Ida and a career in chemicals

The American Chemistry Council’s chief economist analyses the impact of Storm Ida and reflects on key changes which have shaped the chemical industry over the last 30 years.  -          Storm Ida will delay US inventory rebuild into 2022 -          After Storm Uri consensus was for inventory rebuild by Q3/4 2021 -          Around 15% of US ethylene capacity could be offline for 2-3 weeks longer -          Ida adds to existing difficulties in global supply chains -          Ida ...

Episode 674: Global ACN players keep a close eye on US situation

Episode 673: Think Tank: global chemicals enjoy highest operating rate in 30 years despite pandemic, logistics disruption

Global operating rate races past 90% for the first time in 30 years, says the American Chemistry Council Healthy downstream production, except for automotive Pandemic restrictions, logistics crisis has driven tight supply/demand for chemicals New Asia crackers about to start up Low vaccination rates threaten economic recovery, especially in Asia Long-term logistics, production disruption will boost local supply chains China manufacturing hurt by logistics costs, delays on exports Wea...

Episode 672: European octane boosters during the summer of '21

Nazif Nazmul, Europe editor for ethyl and methyl tert-butyl ethers (ETBE and MTBE) and biofuels discusses with Zubair Adam, Europe editor for toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) the impacts that gasoline demand had for these products during the peak summer period.