ICIS - chemical podcasts

Episode 539: PODCAST: Asia styrene up almost 20% on firm sentiment after Western outages

Asia's styrene monomer (SM) prices have risen by almost 20% on the back of tightened supply outside of China, following unexpected production disruptions due to natural disasters ahead of the scheduled turnaround season in NE Asia, and improved buying sentiment as a result. In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Senior Editor Jasmine Khoo speaks with Trixie Yap, editor in charge of the Asia-Pacific Styrene Monomer market on the recent development. - Firm buying sentiment emerg...

Episode 538: Potash market responds to India/China MOP supply contract settlements

Sylvia Traganida speaks to Senior Editor Andy Hemphill on the annual supply agreements agreed between Belarus Potash Company and its Indian and Chinese buyers – and what it could mean for the global potash trade.

Episode 537: High propylene costs pressure US acetone, solvents markets amid strong demand

Episode 537: Gulf petrochemicals special focus with GPCA secretary general Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun

Arabian Gulf petrochemical companies are committed to pursuing a low carbon future whilst battling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and increasing self-sufficiency in China, according to the Gulf Petrochemical Association. - Transition to a low carbon future presents opportunities for GCC chemicals - Region is committed to boost recycling plus new, greener technologies - GCC chemicals managed to grow volumes in 2020, despite the pandemic - But 2020 sales projected to fall 20-2...

Episode 536: Strong olefins, polyolefins demand in the run-up to scheduled refinery, cracker turnarounds

Senior editors Nel Weddle and Linda Naylor exchange views on the current ethylene, propylene, and polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) markets in Europe.

Episode 535: Europe PET, R-PET markets seeking clarity on surging prices, 2021 seasonal demand

Senior editors Caroline Murray and Matt Tudball discuss the causes behind the surging virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices, and how this has directly impacted recycled PET (R-PET) prices, supply and demand, as well as the industries’ views and expectations for this year’s bottling season amid the on-doing pandemic.

Episode 534: Soaring US propylene prices pressure MPG, IPA, ACN and polyols

Episode 533: USDA expects higher exports and lower ending stocks as fertilizer market set for a strong spring

The US Department of agriculture (USDA) has published its February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report which has not adjusted yield or production estimates, but showed expectations for higher exports and lower ending stocks. Senior editor Mark Milam explains its impact on the domestic fertilizer market.

Episode 532: US propylene near record highs, PP demand strong

Episode 531: PODCAST: Asia Phenol, Acetone supported by tight supply, strong derivatives

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—Asia’s phenol and acetone prices have been supported by snug supply, arising from turnarounds and reduced production across Asia, Europe and the US. In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Senior Editor Jasmine Khoo speaks with Angeline Soh, editor in charge of the Asia-Pacific Acetone and Phenol Reports on the recent development. - Consecutive turnarounds and reduced production in major regions - Strong consumption from downstream - India surprised by reversal o...

Episode 530: Global MEG supply tightness continues in Q1 2021

Global monoethylene glycol (MEG) tightness remains a key issue across regions. European Editor Melissa Hurley discusses the outlook in Asia with Editor Judith Wang and Cindy Qiu. US Editor, Antoinette Smith also joins to discuss how outages could prolong tightness into Spring. Asia MEG prices rise to 16-month peak Heavy turnaround schedule in the Middle East East China MEG inventories rise 4.4% to 681,000 tonnes Quicker Lunar New Year demand recovery due to less travel European sho...

Episode 529: Drive to lower carbon means no new steam crackers after 2030

The climate change agenda means that no new steam crackers will be built beyond 2030 as the chemical industry harnesses new technologies and investors steer clear of high carbon projects. - No new steam crackers will be built from 2030 - Decarbonisation, sustainability will drive future investment decisions - Chemical companies will harness new technologies like green hydrogen, electric furnaces - Oil companies, governments will drive change - Smart phone market highlights how ch...

Episode 528: India phos acid settlement cherry on top of a bullish phosphates market

The settlement of the phosphoric acid Q1 contract price in India has rounded off a week of bullishness in the phosphates market. Tight supply has pushed up prices in the US and Brazil among others. Senior phosphates editor Sylvia Traganida talks to Deepika Thapliyal and explains the latest developments in the market.

Episode 527: PODCAST: Europe capro, nylon markets react to February benzene settlement decrease amid healthy demand

The Europe benzene February price settled lower, while demand in the downstream caprolactam and nylon markets remains strong. Listen to Deputy Managing Editor, Helena Strathearn and Senior Editor, Marta Fern, discuss the downstream reaction to the February benzene settlement.

Episode 526: Europe/Turkey/Africa PE/PP February outlook

February is likely to prove a tumultuous month in the polymers market, with supply-side sentiment firming strongly but buyers are eager to limit any potential price upswing. Supply and demand is complicated by logistics hurdles and shortness while the absence of buying interest in China makes the outcome of discussions difficult to predict. Join European PE/PP editor Linda Naylor and African and Turkey PE/PP editor, Ben Lake, discussing the latest developments and potential outcom...

Episode 525: Chemical sector must step up circular investments from tens to hundreds of millions

Chemical companies need to take the circular economy more seriously and invest hundreds rather than tens of millions in recycling. - Investors now seek companies active in circular economy - Risk that brand owners may seize initiative from chemical companies - Chemical companies need to step up circular investments - 2021 could be the year of circular economy ahead of COP26 meeting in November - China chemicals threatened by persistent shortage of containers, soaring rates - Electric...

Episode 524: Asia Group I base oils supply crunch to persist, GII supply to gradually recover

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--2020 could be summed up as a topsy-turvy year for the base oils industry. The slump in Asian base oils prices in Q2 last year due to lockdowns followed by the rapid recovery in prices to even higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019 has astounded market players. In this episode of ICIS Asia podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with Matthew Chong, editor for the ICIS Asia Base Oils reports on the recent developments in the regional market.

Episode 523: Asia, Europe BPA markets in buoyant mood

The Europe bisphenol A (BPA) market remains firm and tight, while the China BPA market is rebounding, ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays • China market buoyant ahead of Lunar New Year holiday • China spot liquidity to slow typically during Lunar New Year • Europe stocks remain low, on limited Asian imports, buoyant downstream markets • China rebound, logistic constraints to continue to impede South Korean export flow to Europe • Hexion lifts force majeure on BPA and epoxy at Pernis...

Episode 522: US MEG supply slow to rebalance amid outages

Episode 521: PODCAST: Global PET faces months of supply disruption due to logistics

The global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) industry continues to experience severe disruptions caused by high freight costs and a lingering container shortage. - Most Asia loadings not expected before March - Container freight costs from Asia more than triple in a year - Europe short as customers replace and replenish stocks - Ripple effect through value chain, on upstream PTA - Inventories low across the Americas and Europe - US domestic PET becomes more competitive than imports -...

Episode 520: OUTLOOK ’21: Key highlights for Europe toluene and MX optimism

Toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) markets reporter Zubair Adam, outlines the key supply and demand conditions expected for 2021 in Europe.

Episode 519: China SM prices surge on better-than-expected fundamentals

Episode 518: ICIS chemical update podcast: Tight ACN and oxo-alcohol markets closely monitor upstream propylene

Episode 517: Global Melamine market cost pressure; US and Europe Q1 price surge

European melamine editor Melissa Hurley is joined by Senior Editor Manager, Joson Ng and US Markets Reporter, Deniz Koray to discuss logistical issues, increased production costs and rising Q1 contract prices. Richard Ewing, Deputy Managing Editor and Deepika Thapliyal, Senior Editor Manager discuss the drivers behind Ammonia and Urea spot price hikes. - European melamine prices see triple-digit Q1 contract rises - US melamine prices experience one of the highest increases in th...

Episode 516: ICIS ACN global supply restrictions in Q1 2021

*Original publishing date 20 January 2021* The global acrylonitrile (ACN) market is set to remain tight in Q1, though uncertainties loom regarding the Chinese New Year and how demand will pan out across the regions. In this podcast, ICIS pricing editors Jane Massingham (Europe), Li Li Chng (Asia) and Lucas Hall (US) discuss the latest market developments and analyse what is in store for the ACN players.

Episode 515: Tight supply sees strong start in Q1 for European oxo-alcohols and derivatives

*Original publishing date 14 January 2021* European oxo-alcohols prices have started 2021 on a strong foot as supply is expected to remain tight until at least the end of the first quarter. In this podcast, ICIS European pricing editors Jane Massingham (oxo-alcohols), Eashani Chavda (glycol ethers), Nick Cleeve (butyl acetate, butac), and Mathew Jolin-Beech (acrylate esters) analyse what is in store for the market.

Episode 514: Global ACN supply constraints likely to drive market to year end

*Original publishing date 25 November 2020* The global acrylonitrile (ACN) markets continue to be driven by supply limitations and healthy demand in some key sectors, as discussed by editors Jane Massingham in Europe, Lucas Hall in the US and Li Li Chng in Asia. - Disruption to production in all three regions - Demand healthiest for acrylic fibre and ABS - Support expected through to Q1

Episode 513: ICIS Refinery solvents podcast - feedstock markets

*Original publishing date 9 November 2020* Cameron Birch, editor of the European refinery solvents report discusses feedstocks markets and the market picture for refinery solvents with Shruti Salwan, editor of the naphtha, jet kerosene and gasoline reports in Europe.

Episode 512: ICIS Europe Polyethylene Polypropylene November update

*Original publishing date 12 November 2018* ICIS polyolefins editor for Europe, Linda Naylor, looks at the factors affecting pricing in November, including the severe situation on the Rhine, and upstream crude and naphtha.

Episode 511: Europe chemicals face €1bn 2021 carbon bill as global action intensifies

Europe’s chemical sector faces a carbon bill of around €1bn in 2021 amid a ramp up in regulatory measures around the world. - Europe carbon prices rose from €25/tonne in October 2020 to €35/tonne today - May increase to €50/tonne as market restructures and tightens - Chemical industry in Europe faces carbon charge of €1bn in 2021 according to ICIS Carbon Analytics estimates - Europe’s chemical industry is more exposed, losing free carbon allowances - Massive investment required to m...

Episode 510: ICIS Sustainability Outlook 2021

ICIS recycling experts give their outlook for trends market trends in 2021. • Post-pandemic recovery • Regulation • Chemical recycling • Packaging demand for recycled content (primary, secondary, food grade) • Global developments in circularity Speakers: Helen McGeough, Matt Tudball & Mark Victory

Episode 509: Biden ushers in global era of low carbon for chemicals

- US now joins China and Europe in big push on climate change agenda - Carbon taxes and recycling agenda will transform chemical industry - US will show renewed global leadership - Demand for virgin polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) will fall as recycling takes off - INEOS should therefore scrap its Antwerp ethane cracker project as well as the propylene dehydrogenation (PDH) - Global supply chains could grind to a halt if China forced into new wave of lockdowns - UK now sufferi...

Episode 508: Urea price rally beats expectations

The international urea and nitrates market has started 2021 at a much faster pace than the industry had been expecting, with demand surging and international prices firming as a result. The global pandemic and rising gas costs are contributing to the gains, something that the industry did not experience this time last year. Listen to our industry experts talking about what is truly driving these unexpected market events across these key fertilizer markets.

Episode 507: US IPA faces pressure from propylene, rising costs from Asia

Episode 506: PODCAST: Europe domestic and export base oils face continued shortages into Q2

European domestic and export base oils supply saw constraints for most of 2020 amid the coronavirus restrictions and tightness is likely to continue into the second quarter of 2021, compounded by planned maintenance in the region. ICIS European export editor Samantha Wright and domestic editor Eashani Chavda talk through expectations for the coming months.

Episode 506: PODCAST: Europe domestic and export base oils face continued shortages into Q2

European domestic and export base oils supply saw constraints for most of 2020 amid the coronavirus restrictions and tightness is likely to continue into the second quarter of 2021, compounded by planned maintenance in the region. ICIS European export editor Samantha Wright and domestic editor Eashani Chavda talk through expectations for the coming months.

Episode 505: China lockdowns could hurt chemical imports, industrial production

- China lockdowns could threaten domestic production - This would hurt chemical imports and exports of finished goods - Global container shortage should improve after Chinese New Year in February - Stellar growth in polyethylene (PE) demand should absorb new China capacity - Chemical market tightness signals end of commodity downcycle - Europe manufacturing holding up well so far - Uncertainty for Q2 and rest of year

Episode 504: Tight olefins, polymers markets likely to persist through Q1

ICIS Senior Editors Nel Weddle and Linda Naylor exchange views on the current ethylene, propylene, and polyethylene, polypropylene markets in Europe. Product is tight and prices are high

Episode 503: Europe chemicals’ challenges for the 2020s

After the health crisis recedes, the European chemicals industry’s challenges will remain unchanged - sustainability, recycling and how it can achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The ICIS European news desk analyses what is in store.

Episode 502: Europe MTBE demand recovery Q2 onwards, methanol price pressure continues

ICIS editors Eashani Chavda and Nazif Nazmul discuss market fundamentals and expectations for European methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and methanol. With the winter driving season driving low demand for MTBE this month, demand is expected to improve by Q2 at the earliest. Meanwhile, supply shortages and healthy demand for Q1 is expected to drive a bullish methanol market.

Episode 501: US PE and PP 2021 Outlook

Episode 500: Faltering China chemicals signal caution for 2021

Softening chemicals demand and prices in China may be an early sign of trouble ahead for the global industry in 2021. - High inventories, weaker demand for China chemicals - Falling China prices may signal trouble ahead for recovery - Strong economic, chemicals recovery in H2 2020 - Paradigm shifts apparent in 2020 will accelerate through 2021 - Includes new demand patterns, supply chains, energy balances, circular economy, advanced manufacturing - Beware of non-tariff barriers d...

Episode 499: Europe oxo-alcohols chain sees supply tighten and spot prices surge following NBA shortages in December

LONDON (ICIS)--Tightness in the European oxo-alcohols market continues, with limited feedstock supply of n-butanol (NBA) adding further pressure on its derivatives following BASF's force majeure. Oxo-alcohols editor Jane Massingham discusses the impact of these constraints on butyl acetate (butac), acrylate esters and glycol ethers with editors Nick Cleeve and Eashani Chavda.

Episode 498: Brexit like a slow puncture as chemicals investment gets diverted elsewhere

Brexit can be compared to a slow puncture, where future decisions on investment might see the country’s chemical industry and value chains gradually lose out to other places. - Chemicals may see long-term damage as investment diverted elsewhere - UK chemicals face complex customs procedures with or without a trade deal in place - Under no deal tariffs will apply each time a product crosses the border - For downstream automotive, aerospace this could add significant costs - Expect mo...

Episode 497: PODCAST: Europe styrenics hit by tight supply, strong demand plus Brexit stock-building

Europe styrenics are under intense pressure, with tight supply exacerbated by Brexit-related stock-building and logistics problems across the continent. - Tight supply pressure building in recent months remains key concern for ABS and PS - Lack of imports coming into Europe for both ABS and PS - Increased exports taking material out of Europe for ABS and PS - Coronavirus impact on transport and logistics adds further pressure - Demand continues stronger than availability in bot...

Episode 496: Europe PC hit by tight supply, demand in Asia dampens on freight delays

The European polycarbonate (PC) market continues under pressure in December from tight supply and strong demand. Attractive pricing in Asia is leading to fewer imports while exports of European PC to countries like China increase. In Asia, high prices continue, although there are some signs of market rebalancing in December. Freight delays are dampening demand while supply is improving, as traders try to liquidate cargos ahead of the new year.

Episode 495: Economists more optimistic, but logistics risks a threat to chemicals

New economic forecasts have upgraded prospects for 2021 as the vaccination programme kicks in, but logistics problems could threaten any recovery. - Economists upgrade expectations for 2021 - But recovery may be held back by logistics challenges - Spare industrial capacity and higher capital spending may benefit chemicals, economy - Don’t expect business as usual to return - Thousands of businesses have closed permanently, unemployment is high - Consumer spending has changed, perma...

Episode 494: US PP faces strong demand, tight feedstock supply

Episode 493: ExxonMobil write downs signal end of fossil fuels, need for new thinking in chemicals

The news that ExxonMobil will write down up to $20bn in asset values shows that the era of fossil fuels is drawing to a close, so chemical companies must focus on completely new strategies for long-term success. - ExxonMobil write downs signal the end of reliance on fossil fuels - Companies need to understand demand trends on a micro basis - Four key megatrends for chemicals strategies are pandemic, sustainability, demographics, geopolitics - Chemical return on capital employed ...

Episode 492: Asia, Europe BPA face supply shock and soaring prices

Europe and Asian BPA markets are spiking, amid short supply and rebounding demand. - Supply restricted in Asia and Europe, exacerbated by LG’s Yeosu outage - Prices soaring in Asia, Europe following similar trend - Supply to remain short in the near term on rebounding demand, low stocks - LG's ops status, ZPC's new China BPA plant start-up progress monitored