ICIS - chemical podcasts

Episode 814: European oxo-alcohols chain face uncertain demand picture into Q3

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols chain faces some degree of demand uncertainty ahead related to key end user sectors. More supply disruptions have recently been announced concerning the 2-EHA market, with existing n-butanol (NBA) constraints still largely in place.  European editors Cameron Birch, Nicole Simpson, Nick Cleeve and Mathew Jolin-Beech discuss the latest developments for European oxo-alcohols and its derivatives in this ICIS podcast.

Episode 813: European ACN market keeps a close eye on ammonia and propylene

The European acrylonitrile (ACN) market has good supply and some softening demand, but costs remain high.    In this latest podcast, ICIS Deputy Managing Editor Jane Massingham (Europe) talks to Managing Editor Fertilizers, Julia Meehan and Senior Editor on olefins, Nel Weddle about the ammonia and propylene markets and what to expect in the months ahead. -          Visibility is hazy for both feedstocks -          Ample supply for ammonia and propylene -          Costs have ea...

Episode 812: PODCAST: Asia benzene, styrene short-term outlook to hinge on demand-supply balance

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s benzene prices have hit an all-time high on strong performance from the US amid the turnaround season, while styrene price gains have been lagging behind due to weak performance in the styrenics sector.   In this podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with editors Angeline Soh and Trixie Yap on Benzene and its key downstream sectors styrene monomer (SM) and styrenics.   ·         Asia Benzene prices up for five weeks to near eight-year high ·         Availability...

Episode 811: PODCAST: ICIS launches 2 new price assessments for HDPE imports in Vietnam

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Vietnam is southeast Asia’s biggest PE market in terms of consumption and is a major manufacturing hub for finished polymer products. To keep aligned with changing market dynamics, starting from the week ended 3 June, ICIS has introduced two new assessments to track import prices of HDPE injection and blow moulding grades into Vietnam. Vietnam PE market still the most competitive market in southeast Asia HDPE prices in Vietnam have opened wide gap vs rest of sout...

Episode 810: Chaotic fertilizer markets, weather events, could worsen food crisis

Expect a worsening food crisis as the war in Ukraine disrupts global fertilizer markets, while extreme weather events around the world hinder food production.   -          Food crisis will intensify next season as crop production threatened -          Farmers delay fertilizer purchases in hope of lower prices -          Expect supply chain crunch if farmers all order at once -          Bad weather has hit crop production globally  -          Lack of financing for farmers to pur...

Episode 808: China LPG prices fluctuate on elevated costs, weak demand

Episode 809: IFA ’22: Rush for fertilizers dies down on affordability, financing concern

Demand for fertilizers has been hit after a year of record-breaking gains spurred by high natural gas prices and the conflict in Ukraine.   Farmers have reduced purchases as costs increase, while financing and credit lines are another major issue for buyers.   Ammonia and urea prices are declining but they are still significantly above last year, while nitrates, phosphates, sulphur, potash and sulphuric acid are more stable.   In this podcast, the ICIS fertilizer team talks ab...

Episode 807: War means gas prices will remain elevated, biofuels under pressure

The war in Ukraine is likely to keep gas prices at least double the long-term average while biofuels markets will feel pressure as governments cut mandatory levels of blending.  -          Dutch, Danish gas supplies cut off today -          Europe gas prices remain rangebound, but elevated -          Storage levels are filling well ahead winter peak demand -          ICIS forecasts lower gas price for 2023 -          But upside risks from winter demand, fuel-switching from high...

Episode 806: PODCAST: Sentiment in Asian melamine to remain sluggish in early June

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS editor Joson Ng discusses recent developments and the outlook for the Asian melamine market. The Asian melamine market suffered from weak domestic demand in China in May and the reopening of Shanghai in June could help pave the way for some demand recovery.  ·         Weak domestic demand put pressure on export market ·         Domestic demand could improve in June as Shanghai reopens ·         Asian buyers to remain cautious but demand pr...

Episode 805: European downstream phenol and acetone markets face ongoing uncertainty

LONDON (ICIS)--The European phenol and acetone markets are paying close attention to demand levels in downstream bisphenol-A (BPA), epoxy resins, polycarbonate (PC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) markets as sectors such as automotive remain slow, while demand caution is creeping into construction. In this podcast, ICIS Europe Senior Editor Jane Gibson talks to Senior Editor Heidi Finch, Markets Reporter Mat Jolin-Beech and Data Reporter Miguel Rodriguez-Fernandez about downstream de...

Episode 802: PODCAST: Asia-Pacific PE market roiled in early months of 2022 but growth outlook remains

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The polyethylene market in Asia has had a volatile few months since the start of the year, with import prices in southeast Asia alone gaining sharply while also still struggling with sluggish demand. Not all is doom and gloom though with some bright sparks expected in certain sectors in coming months.    SE Asia LLDPE import prices gain 15% Jan-March China lockdowns worsen Asian demand outlook China 2022 PE demand growth forecast at 5.8% y/y  In this episode o...

Episode 804: Highlights of ReFocus Sustainability & Recycling Summit, Cincinnati, US

Senior Editor for Recycled Plastics, Emily Friedman, and Senior Analyst for Recycled Plastics, Paula Leardini, discuss the latest developments at the 2022 ReFocus Sustainability & Recycling Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, including: Changing the perception of plastics, and how sustainability and plastics go hand-in-hand, "We love plastics, we hate plastic waste," said Patrick Krieger, Vice President of Sustainability at PLASTICS Industry Association How recycled plastics fit with othe...

Episode 803: European ACN players monitor softer downstream developments such as ABS

The European acrylonitrile (ACN) market has seen lower demand from different applications.   In this latest podcast, ICIS Deputy Managing Editor Jane Massingham (Europe) talks to Markets Reporter, Stephanie Wix about the downstream acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) market developments. -          ACN run rates in Europe lower due to softer demand  -          Some respite sought from feedstock costs in June -          ABS imports more competitively priced but volumes still h...

Episode 801: Weak demand from lubricants, China’s Group II base oil import margins to be negative

Episode 800: Europe propylene market drowns, faltering demand signals broader economic woes

Europe’s propylene market is in disarray, with massive oversupply and faltering demand signalling trouble for the broader economy. -          Extreme oversupply in Europe propylene markets -          Sellers desperate to off load volumes -          Europe spot propylene trading at 15-30% discount to contract price -          Five Europe crackers in planned maintenance, unplanned outages elsewhere -          Weakness in downstream demand on top of unplanned outages -          H...

Episode 798: Tight supply dominates Europe R-PET market

Supply shortages push prices up in Europe's recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) market amid a mixed demand picture. Supply shortages drive higher prices for R-PET in Europe in the short term Bale prices rise amid constrained availability, limited relief expected in summer Mixed picture for beverage demand with more travel versus rising inflation and lower disposable incomes Brand commitment to recycled content remains strong but content rates reassessed Listen to ICIS a...

Episode 799: PODCAST: MEG demand struggles and high inventory levels in Europe and Asia; when will the situation improve?

European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the poor demand situation and high inventory levels in Asia and Europe with Senior Editor, Judith Wang, Senior Analyst Ann Sun and Industry Analyst Cindy Qiu.  Margin erosion and pressure continues; demand remains poor Shipping costs and high demurrage prices hinder Asia imports to Europe Demand in Asia could improve in July if government provides stimulus to support the economy Additional reporting from Senior e...

Episode 798: May 2022 PE/PP podcast

Senior Editor, Vicky Ellis, and Editor, Ben Lake, have gathered once again to discuss a distinctly different polymers market.  The frenzied nature of March and April having been replaced by a far more relaxed sentiment. At least, from the buy side.  There is also time to discuss the outlook for June and the major factors that could shake up the markets once again. 

Episode 796: Europe, Asia IPA demand weak, further export interest limited

The availability of Asian IPA in Europe has increased during May compared with previous months, though weak demand and ample supply is limiting further interest in this tradeflow. Asia-Pacific IPA report editor Julia Tan speaks to Europe editor Nick Cleeve about market conditions and the impact of upstream costs in both regions.

Episode 797: European MEK tightness easing, Asian suppliers exporting to the US

European availability of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) has greatly improved following the end of Shell's force majeure, though some tightness persists and planned turnarounds will continue to impact supply in Asia. Europe MEK report editor Nick Cleeve speaks to Asia-Pacific editor Julia Tan about market conditions in both regions and the continued limitations on import activity.

Episode 795: Asia, Middle East base oils outlook clouded by sluggish demand, China lockdowns

Ahead of the ICIS World Base Oils Conference 2022, editors Izham Ahmad and Matthew Chong discuss the latest developments in the Asian and Middle Eastern base oils markets. Key takeaways include: Volatile first half-year coming to an end Asia demand recovery hampered by China lockdowns Middle East faces similarly uncertain outlook on growth, auto sales

Episode 794: China’s MMA demand recovery to lag despite Shanghai reopening

Episode 793: Slowing China will hurt global economy, chemicals

As lockdowns, the Common Prosperity policy and lacklustre export markets cut growth in China’s economy, the global chemical industry should prepare for negative demand growth in 2022.    -          Lockdowns have frozen large sections of China’s economy -          Some restrictions may be in place until November -          May be no China demand rebound in 2022 -          Demand for polymers in China may fall this year  -          China could drag down global polymer demand gro...

Episode 792: PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols chain hit by spate of supply disruptions while trading activity subdued

The European oxo-alcohols chain has been hit by a spate of supply disruptions and feedstock limitations. However, disruptions are not yet visible supply due to soft demand in the n-butanol, acrylate esters, glycol ethers and butac markets. European editors Cameron Birch, Nicole Simpson, Nick Cleeve and Mathew Jolin-Beech discuss the latest for European oxo-alcohols and its derivatives in this ICIS podcast.

Episode 791: ICIS European Polymers Conference - from circular economy to frantic markets

Fresh from Vienna, senior editors Vicky Ellis, Caroline Murray and Matt Tudball give their first impressions of the ICIS European Polymers Conference, the first ICIS in-person conference in more than 2 years! Topics ranged from the circular economy, Europe’s trade competitiveness, eye-watering market volatility all the way through to calls for polymers to be more like the paper market, or indeed, Elon Musk. Speakers from major polymer and recycled polymers businesses as well as an...

Episode 790: Ban on Russian crude, products would disadvantage Europe refiners, chemicals

A ban on Russian imports of oil and refined products in Europe would increase logistics costs and exclude refiners and integrated chemical producers from deeply discounted crude oil.   -          Europe could source naphtha from other places, but at a cost -          Europe refineries may be forced to cut rates in the short term  -          Europe refineries, chemicals would lose access to discounted Russian products -          Less competitive against Chinese/Indian refiners us...

Episode 789: Global ACN supply healthy, demand mixed and costs still high for Europe in particular

Global acrylonitrile (ACN) players talk of high costs, lower run rates and the demand picture is mixed In this latest podcast, ICIS Deputy Managing Editor Jane Massingham (Europe) and senior editor Lucas Hall (US) and Li Li Chng (Asia) discuss the latest market developments: ·         Demand is the key question ·         Ammonia costs at forefront of the feedstock talks ·         Chinese lockdowns ongoing, adding to uncertainty ·         All regions feeling supply pressure and ...

Episode 788: PODCAST: Taking a step forward with Asia’s naphtha and propylene markets

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—Asian olefin markets have seen weak demand weigh on discussions amid ongoing lockdowns in China. However, will these markets see some support in the road ahead from upstream naphtha?    In this episode of the ICIS Podcast, Markets Editor for the Asia-Pacific Propylene report, Julia Tan speaks with Melanie Wee, Senior Editor for the Asia-Pacific Naphtha report, to discuss current market conditions in the naphtha and propylene markets, and whether crude oil volatili...

Episode 787: PODCAST: Asia glycerine gains on demand; arbitrage window to Europe opens

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s spot glycerine prices increased on the back of improving demand, with the arbitrage window to Europe expected to remain open in the near term. Restocking for June shipments ongoing Asia cargoes head Europe, where supply is tight Demand to rebound when China lockdowns are lifted In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with Helen Yan, editor for the Asia glycerine market, on recent regional developments.

Episode 786: Nitrogen fertilizer prices ease after record-breaking highs

Prices of urea, nitrates and ammonia have declined over the last few weeks after reaching historic highs. Supply concerns remain because of sanctions on key exporter Russia, but a downward correction comes, as fertilizer affordability is a big issue for several importing hubs. While prices are still more than double of last year, it is unlikely they will go back to the record levels of mid-March any time soon. In this podcast, ICIS Fertilizer Managing Editor Julia Meehan speaks t...

Episode 785: Europe chemicals could face short periods of gas rationing this winter

European chemical companies may be forced to cut gas use for short periods this winter if demand is very high and supply crimped, though steps are being taken to avoid this scenario. -          Winter industrial gas rationing for short periods possible in high demand, restricted supply scenario -          Demand could also be controlled if domestic consumers lower heat by 1 degree Celsius  -          Greater supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe will alleviate shortages...

Episode 784: N China ACN regional trade flow shifts due to new capacities

Episode 783: PODCAST: China petrochemical trade disruptions continue amid lockdowns

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the podcast, information manager Yvonne Shi discusses with senior reporter Nurluqman Suratman on the impact of lockdowns in China on domestic petrochemical trades. Strict measures in place since February weigh on domestic demand China’s overall imports in March edged down by 0.1% year on year The Chinese yuan has also been feeling the downward pressure

Episode 782: PODCAST: A Tale of Two Solvents – diverging trends in Asian ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone markets

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—While ethyl acetate (etac) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) have similar applications, the Asian markets have seen significantly diverging trends in recent months.    In this episode of the ICIS Podcast, Markets Editor for the Asia-Pacific MEK report, Julia Tan speaks with Melanie Wee, Senior Editor for the Asia-Pacific etac report, to discuss April’s  market conditions and the Q2 outlook for these two solvent markets. 

Episode 779: PODCAST: European oxo-alcohols derivative markets stable but sources monitor upstream supply disruptions, demand patterns closely

The recent force majeure (FM) from INEOS Oxide on oxo-alcohols is already tightening European spot supply of n-butanol (NBA) and isobutanol (IBA). Acrylate Esters sources expect the effects of the INEOS FM will filter through to this market but little impact has been seen so far. Players on both sides of the Glycol ethers spot market are waiting and watching how much disruption will be in the market in the coming weeks. The butyl acetate market has been balanced to tight in April but quiet ...

Episode 781: US logistics problems create opportunity for other polyethylene exporters to Europe

Logistics issues in the US are blocking exports of polyethylene (PE), creating new opportunities for other exporters to Europe.  -          US shortage of trucks, railcars, warehouse space prevents polyethylene (PE) reaching ports for export -          Operating rates could be cut unless logistics problems are resolved -          US PE producers will struggle to achieve 90% operating rates needed to repay investments  -          High costs and prices in Europe create big export ...

Episode 779: Europe methanol demand healthy for Q2, MTBE usage increases

European methanol demand remains healthy with downstream applications performing well, and in some instances better than anticipated for Q2. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) demand is strong ahead of the peak summer driving season leading to high expectations for Q3 2022. ICIS editors Eashani Chavda and Nazif Nazmul discuss current market dynamics and what's next for MTBE.

Episode 780: PE/PP and monomer April Europe podcast

For Europe’s polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets, April has been a month for processing and taking stock - quite literally in many cases – as well as judging Russia-Ukraine developments & how sky high prices impacted supply-demand. This week ICIS' Europe PE & PP editors Ben Lake and Vicky Ellis are joined by ethylene and propylene editor Nel Weddle to look at what happened in April and what May has in store for monomers and polymers.

Episode 778: China MX market might face ample supply but uncertain demand

Episode 777: PODCAST: ICIS global plasticizers outlook for Q2

European plasticizers editor Nicole Simpson, Asia-Pacific editor Li Peng Seng and US editor Larry Terry look at the plasticizers outlook for Q2 with a focus on trade flows. There continues to be intense uncertainty globally in the plasticizers market as all regions have been rocked by record feedstock costs and supply chain disruptions. Weak consumption in the East Asian market has led to several producers reducing run rates and absent import interest. The demand outlook for East ...

Episode 776: Debate - the death of quarterly chemicals contracts

Some chemical markets, especially in Europe, are shifting from quarterly to monthly contracts, driven by upstream volatility. Could this signal the demise of the quarterly contract? For April Europe nylon, engineering plastics, polycarbonate (PC), butanediol (BDO) discuss going monthly May revert to quarterly if upstream stabilises Huge uptick in Europe feedstock prices in 2022, particularly styrene, propylene, ethylene   Many derivatives had remained quarterly as they sell into...

Episode 775: PODCAST: Asia LAB mired in uncertainty as upstream markets roil sentiment

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with Clive Ong, editor for the ICIS LAB and LAS report, on recent developments in the regional market. Ongoing volatility in crude and upstream markets from the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as prevailing lockdowns in China to combat spread of COVID-19 infections exerted downward pressure on demand, although the market faced an inflationary bias from rising costs.  Producer margins squeeze by rising ...

Episode 774: Europe chemical buyers look to Asia as logistics crisis persists

Downstream customers in Europe are seeking new supplies of chemicals from Asia as they avoid high prices and Russian material, but the global logistics crisis may persist for the rest of the year.    -          European buyers seek more material from Asia  -          High prices, costs for European petrochemicals -          Big opportunities for exporters of many petrochemicals, polymers -          Europe needs to replace Russian naphtha which supplies 50% of its needs -       ...

Episode 772: PODCAST: Asia-Europe IPA arbitrage window to remain open on high natural gas prices

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—European demand for Asian isopropanol (IPA) has increased in recent weeks as high natural gas prices continue to keep European markets strong, resulting in the opening of the Asia-Europe arbitrage window, particularly amid tepid demand in Asia due to ongoing lockdowns in China.    In this episode of the ICIS Podcast, Markets Editor for the Asia-Pacific IPA report, Julia Tan speaks with Nick Cleeve, Markets Editor for the European IPA report, to discuss current mar...

Episode 773: PODCAST: Global ACN players eye surging production costs alongside Russia-Ukraine developments

Global acrylonitrile (ACN) players continue to eye surging production costs, particularly in Europe, as concerns over forward demand rise against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.  Asia remains the low-cost region globally, weighing on export margins from the US, a net exporter in the global market. In this podcast, ICIS senior editors Lucas Hall (US), Jane Massingham (Europe) and Li Li Chng (Asia) discuss the latest market developments: Europe remains the high-priced ...

Episode 771: MEK short in Europe, Asia tightness and logistics preventing relief from imports

The methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) market is globally tight, with pricing in Asia reaching a record high last seen in 2011 and pricing in Europe at the highest level since ICIS began assessing prices in Euros in 1999. Europe MEK report editor Nick Cleeve discusses market conditions and the continued restrictions on shipments of material with Asia-Pacific editor Julia Tan.

Episode 770: Ukraine war hurts Europe PE producers, opens door to Middle East, US exporters

The war in Ukraine has pushed up polyethylene (PE) production costs in Europe, leading potentially to production cuts and new export opportunities for Middle East and US producers.    -          Europe PE producers suffer soaring feedstock, energy costs -          Prospect of production cuts despite record high PE prices -          US and Middle East may gain new export opportunities to Europe -          Soaring PE prices in Europe could dent demand -          Gazprom honours l...

Episode 769: PODCAST: Asia base oils supply to tighten, demand to recover in H2 2022

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Jasmine Khoo speaks with Matthew Chong, editor for the ICIS Asia Base Oils market on the recent developments in the regional market. The recent spike in crude and gasoil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war and lockdowns in China to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19 infections has had a significant impact on the base oils industry.  Asia Group I spot supply limited; Group II supply to tighten further  Arbitrage window fr...

Episode 768: PODCAST: Asian R-PET capacity expansions further squeeze feedstock supply

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—In this podcast, ICIS editors Jasmine Khoo and Arianne Perez discuss about recent market developments and outlook on Asia Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (R-PET) markets.   ·         Post-consumer bottle (PCB) bale feedstock availability remains in shortage across Asia ·         Brisk capacity expansions by recyclers continue, targeting converters in other regions including Europe and the US ·         Downstream demand stays healthy in line with sustainabili...

Episode 767: Ukraine war spurs new Cold War, big change for chemicals

Russia’s war against Ukraine will speed the creation of two trading blocs, excluding western chemical companies from China and other important markets.    -          Ukraine war adds momentum to previous US-China trade war split  -          Russia, China, India, most of Africa will form one trading zone -          As new trade blocs emerge, West will be cut off from China demand -          China completely dominates chemicals demand -          China sucks in more than 50% of gl...