ICIS - chemical podcasts

Europe adipic acid and downstream nylon 6,6 markets face bleak prospects for demand in December, followed by a broadly flat outlook in 2025, with overall weak consumption from key derivative markets. Over the past few months, very slow demand and ample supply has continued to dominate European markets alongside rising costs of production. In this latest podcast, ICIS editors Meeta Ramnani and Marta Fern share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Seasonal destocking to weaken buying interest further in December Demand could stay low in 2025; recovery depends on macroeconomic factors Q1 2025 could bring restocking; its magnitude unclear Asian adipic acid import volumes likely to increase in Q1

European chemical producers may have to keep paying high energy prices as geopolitical instability impacts sentiment more than the fundamentals of supply and demand. - Europe spot electricity prices up 76% this year, ICIS TTF gas price up 40%- Fear drives markets more than fundamentals which remain bearish- Demand is reduced compared to five-year average, supply plentiful- Above average temperatures forecast into December in Europe- Gas storage around 90%, well above 5-year average- New sources of US, Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) due onstream in 2025- Renewable energy will ramp up quickly in Europe- Donald Trump may increase LNG supply by unfreezing projects

Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hikes on major trading partners could spark a trade war which will drive the end of a globalised chemicals economy plus more local and circular supply chains. - US-China trade war would drag on economic growth- World may return to more national and intra-regional trade- Trump could help drive the end of deglobalization- Development of more local, circular chemical supply chains- Chemicals Q3 financial results show some volume growth- But industry still in the bottom of a trough - Lack of growth from automotive, construction

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Southeast Asia's propylene market faces significant challenges in 2025, with additional supply expected and freight rates continuing to impact downstream demand. In this latest podcast, ICIS senior editor Julia Tan speaks with senior analyst Shariene Goh to share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead next year. High freight rates likely to remain key challenge to PP exports, which could weigh on propylene demand Southeast Asia to take price direction from northeast Asia Net deficit for Indonesia despite Indonesia's LINE project

European Senior Editor for Recycling, Mark Victory, and Helen McGeough, Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastic Recycling at ICIS join Senior Editor for Recycling Matt Tudball to discuss their highlights from the recent 3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference that was held in Berlin on 7th November. Topics covered ranged from ICIS' own outlook for the recycled markets, panel discussions on collection systems and the ever-popular chemical recycling sector, plus electrical and electronic waste and EU regulation 2022/1616 around food contact. Some of the key takeaways included: Unexpected positivity despite challenging market environment The need for strong collaboration through the recycling chain Regulatory uncertain still a core challenge for the recycling market

China's oxo-alcohols market will see supply glut recently in the face of intensive new plant start-ups, but tepid downstream demand. Net import volumes may plunge in the short term because of overseas plant turnrounds and rising domestic supply, but whether this could sustain still depends on overseas plant operations and import arbitrage opportunities.

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Several ICIS market experts share insightful facts related to their respective plastics markets, amid conversations with industry professionals at PackExpo '24. Though each market comes with a host of uncertainties, the broader US plastic packaging industry continues to navigate mixed demand and various supply challenges in 2024 and beyond. Bottled beverage sector made up 15% of all US packaging revenue in 2023. US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production to remain 3 billion lbs short of domestic demand in 2025. US polystyrene (PS) production has been impacted by outages since July 2024. US polypropylene (PP) prices have been volatile, with price movements 11 out of the last 12 months. US polyethylene (PE) inventories are the highest they have been since May 2023. US recycled PET (R-PET) market facing onslaught of imports. 2Q2024 PET scrap import volumes were above 125 million lbs.

LONDON (ICIS)---Relatively flat demand trends and evolving global supply dynamics evident in H2 2024 are expected to largely persist within the European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets in Q1 2025.In this latest podcast, Europe ABS report editor Stephanie Wix and her counterpart on the Europe ACN report, Nazif Nazmul, share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Macroeconomic challenges expected to continue limiting ABS and ACN demand through Q4 into Q1 2025 ABS and ACN availability likely to remain lengthy Import-led ABS competition could increase in Q1 2025 ABS is the largest-volume engineering thermoplastic resin and is used in automobiles, electronics and recreational products.ACN is used in the production of synthetic fibres for clothing and home furnishings, engineering plastics and elastomers.

Market forces and long-term trends such as global overcapacity and sustainability will have more impact on chemical companies than who wins the US presidential election.- Chemical companies driven more by long-term trends than government policy- Consumer demand for more sustainable products will drive chemical markets- US relies heavily on exports for its low-cost polymers- Donald Trump promises to hike tariffs by 10-20% on all imports, 60% on Chinese imports- Trump may ease US chemicals regulation, Kamala Harris may tighten- Questions over investments in the green transition

More chemical industry leaders are making bold strategic decisions to combat a multi-year downturn, driving their companies to focus on areas where they can seize a competitive advantage. - China-driven overcapacity could imbalance global supply/demand until 2030- Need for large-scale capacity closures to balance market- Companies can choose to focus on commodities or become specialty/low carbon players- CEOs waking up to the need for a radical examination of their assets and strategies- A trickle of announcements about closures and restructurings turning into a flood- Leaders such as BASF, Dow, LyondellBasell, Versalis take bold steps to reduce their commodity footprint in EuropeThis is the audio podcast version of a special ICIS Think Tank Live webinar recorded on 30 October.

LONDON (ICIS)--Throughout October, demand in the European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets has been slow-paced and below initial expectations.Sluggishness is expected to persist throughout the remainder of Q4, influenced by various factors including wider economic weakness, geopolitical tensions, and end-of-year destocking.Butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye speaks to oxo-alcohols reporter Nicole Simpson, glycol ethers reporter Cameron Birch and acrylate esters reporter Mathew Jolin-Beech about market dynamics down the oxo-alcohols value chain.

LONDON (ICIS)--Demand in EU and US epoxy markets remains sluggish, in a still difficult climate, but players are eagerly awaiting anti-dumping duty (ADD) decisions which could provide some domestic demand support into 2025.Senior editor Heidi Finch, who covers the Europe epoxy market, and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market, share insights on key topics discussed at a recent industry event, current market sentiment and near-term expectations. Markets muted in Q4 so far, still fragile climate US market subdued ahead of November duty announcements US players in wait-and-watch mode, no major supply/demand forecasting taking place Slight degree of optimism in US epoxy for 2025, but year-over-year growth expectations tempered EU likely to gain share into 2025, due to the ADD case EU macroeconomics improving slowly, but fundamental recovery likely to take longer, geopolitics major risk Podcast editing by Will Beacham

Weak demand continues to be a concern in the European acetone and phenol chain and in the wider chemicals industry and Q4 will remain tough, in view of year-end considerations, but when will demand turn a corner?Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss current market conditions, in view of residual macro and geopolitical headwinds, although easing interest rates and the trade defence investigation for epoxy brings some hopes and opportunities in Europe.

US recycled plastics Senior Editor, Emily Friedman and Americas recycled plastics Analyst, Josh Dill, reflect on their experiences and key takeaways from the 2024 Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference held in Chicago, Illinois this week.Listen in as they dive into various topics regarding material recovery facilities (MRFs), extended producer responsibility (EPR), recycled content brand committments, chemical recycling and more.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asian methanol markets were driven more by sentiment than changes in fundamentals, in recent weeks as market participants reacted to escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. However, some supply changes in coming months are expected to alter the market landscape in Q1 2025. Gas shortages in Q4 lead to expectations of lower supply China market sees correction after post-holiday exuberance Downstream demand tepid, expected to see slight recovery in Q4 In this chemical podcast, ICIS markets editor Damini Dabholkar and senior analyst Ann Sun discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

The overall winner of this year’s ICIS Innovation Awards - BASF, Linde and SABIC’s electrically-heated steam cracker furnace - could have a massive impact on overall chemical industry emissions if the technology is widely adopted. - World’s first electrically-heated steam cracker at demonstration stage- Cuts CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared with natural gas-fired crackers- Linde, BASF, SABIC win shows strength of partnerships- Challenges include obtaining sufficient renewable energy, financing for scale up- Financial risks can be reduced by converting one furnace at a time

Markets Editor Stephanie Wix is joined by Senior Editor Manager Vicky Ellis, markets reporter Meeta Ramnani, and Senior Analyst Jincy Varghese, as they discuss the key trends from the 29th Fakuma plastics processing trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in this latest ICIS podcast.They explore discussion topics heard at the event last week, from the highest concerns to the lowest expectations. They also explain the clash of pessimism and optimism between markets including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and also engineering plastics polyacetal (POM) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – The short-term demand outlook for recycled polymers from Asia remains sluggish especially for low-value grades, due to multiple factors - mainly poor economics and brand users’ preference of cheaper virgin plastics. Upcoming regulation in deep-sea fails to support Asia r-PET exports Asia r-PE, r-PP remain traded mostly in domestic markets Investments into recycling continue across Asia despite weak demand In this chemical podcast, ICIS senior editor Arianne Perez discusses recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

Join Global Analyst Team Lead for Recycling Helen McGeough as she looks ahead to the 3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference on 7 November in Berlin and tells Matt Tudball what she's looking forward to seeing from the diverse group of topics and presenters, including: Waste collection challenges and developments ICIS study on penetration rates of recycling in the wider virgin polymer market Chemical Recycling and its impact on the market Investment in recycling for low carbon solutions Prices of feedstocks impacting the recycled polymers chains 3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference | EuropeHotel Palace Berlin, Germany | Conference: 7 November Training: 6 NovemberYou will be able to hear from out ICIS experts on the following session: Set the scene with ICIS: The European plastics recycling market landscape Panel discussion: Waste collection challenges and developments ICIS insight on pricing trends for plastics, mixed plastic waste and pyrolysis oil To discover more and register you place click here > https://events.icis.com/website/11605/home/

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--With 2025 contract discussions for Asia ethylene underway at the olefins trade conference in Xiamen, China, ICIS markets editor Josh Quah outlines what’s at the top of the list of concerns for players as they look ahead to the coming year. Players may take steps to hedge against unpredictability of deep-sea cargoes China’s new capacity takes shape, but lengthy domestic supply may not yet spillover to the import-export market Greater interest from producers to study the feasibility of incorporating ethane as part of cracker feedstock slate

Chemicals sector executives are increasingly facing up to the idea that the sector is going through a process of reinvention, with no big recovery on the horizon and a return to pre-crisis normalcy less likely. Executives are now looking at what the next steps for the sector will be.In this Think Tank podcast, Tom Brown interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, Katherine Sale, ICIS head of editorial strategy, and Chris Barker, senior editor covering PVC and caustic soda, on impressions from the EPCA assembly.

According to attendees at the annual European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin held during 7-10 October, consumption in 2025 is not expected to recover for mixed xylenes (MX), paraxylene (PX) and orthoxylene (OX), with various hurdles highlighted. In this episode, market editors Zubair Adam (MX) and Miguel Rodriguez Fernandez (PX, OX) along with Rob Peacock, ICIS lead analyst for aromatics, share the sentiment captured after talking with various market players at the conference.

Ahead of the 3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference in Berlin on 7 November, Senior Analyst for Recycling Egor Dementev discusses the challenges and opportunities for both mechanical and chemical recycling with Annick Meerschman, Innovation Director at CEFIC.PLUS... 20 CEFIC members are entitled to receive 50% off their registration to the ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference by using code: ICISCEFICMEM Offer is run on a first come first serve basis. Topics covered include: Innovations driving plastic recycling in Europe Chemical recycling technology evolution Impact of legislation and regulation Challenges facing the recycling industry

Markets editor Stephanie Wix and reporter Meeta Ramnani join senior editor manager Vicky Ellis to pick out key themes ahead of the 29th plastics processing trade fair Fakuma in Germany, in this latest ICIS podcast.They discuss the clash of pessimism and optimism for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), the changing European landscape for polycarbonate (PC) given ADNOC's recent offer for Covestro, and pressure from cheap imports for PE and PP and engineering plastics polyacetal (POM) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).Fakuma runs from 15-19 October.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The base oils market in UAE is likely to see an uptick in demand in Q4, with the impact of escalating tensions in the region on crude prices and Group I supply from Iran closely monitored in the weeks ahead. Impact of regional conflict on spot Group I supply from Iran to emerge Group II export offers from the US awaited, to offer clearer near-term market direction Persistent crude volatility may temper base oils uptake Currency woes in Africa may undermine finished lube exports In this chemical podcast, ICIS editor Damini Dabholkar and senior editor manager Veena Pathare discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in UAE.

ADNOC’s agreement to buy Covestro ahead of next week’s European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s beleaguered chemical industry. - Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) to acquire Covestro for equity value of €11.7 billion- ADNOC diversifies downstream from oil and gas- Covestro global leader in polycarbonate (PC) and polyurethenes (PU)- PC and PU struggles with poor demand from automotive, construction- Covestro operating profit slumped from around Euros3bn in 2021 to near euros 1bn in 2023- Covestro boasts strong sustainability-related product portfolio - More M&A likely in Europe petrochemicals thanks to cheap bottom of cycle valuations - Oil prices may collapse to $30/bbl if OPEC goes for market share Connect with ICIS at EPCA 2024 in Berlin. ICIS will host a presentation at 2pm on Wednesday 9 October at Potsdam I, InterContinental Hotel.

Ahead of the approaching European Petrochemical Conference (EPCA) in Berlin 7-10 October, ICIS editors discuss market conditions in a variety of solvent markets.- Market updates on methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), isopropanol (IPA), phenol, acetone, toluene, mixed xylenes, glycol ethers and propylene glycol ethers, butyl acetate and ethyl acetate.- Trade flows and impact of freight rate movements- Overcapacity versus low demand levels- Upcoming maintenance programmes In this episode, Jane Massingham talks to editors Nick Cleeve, Jane Gibson, Zubair Adam, Cameron Birch and Marion Boakye.

Ahead of the approaching European Petrochemical Conference (EPCA) in Berlin 7-10 October, ICIS editors discuss market conditions in the olefine and derivative chain.- Market updates on propylene, ethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), monoethylene glycol (EG), ethylene oxide (EO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile, monopropylene glycol (MPG) and oxo-alcohols- Trade flows and impact of freight rate movements- Overcapacity versus low demand levels- Upcoming cracker turnarounds In this episode, Jane Massingham talks to editors Nel Weddle, Vicky Ellis, Melissa Hurley, Chris Barker, Nazif Nazmul and Nicole Simpson.

LONDON (ICIS)--Players down the oxo-alcohols value chain are preparing for EPCA where discussions are set to take place against a backdrop of low visibility, economic concern and persistently subdued demand. · Post-summer demand disappointing across the board· General availability sufficient although individual producers face some supply constraints · Players’ expectations for 2025 closely linked to outlook for general economy and key construction and automotive industries Oxo-Alcohols editor Nicole Simpson speaks to Acrylate Esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech, Glycol Ethers editor Cameron Birch and Butyl Acetate editor Marion Boakye about the current market and expectations for early 2025.

With some economists now forecasting a recession in China, chemicals executives should analyze the possible impact on their businesses. - China’s economy at a turning point, possibility of recession in 2025- New government stimulus measures announced today- Lack of domestic demand makes China reliant on export-driven growth- Other markets increasingly resistant to Chinese exports, put up trade barriers- Further slowing of China’s economy will increase global overcapacity pressure- Chemical companies need to plan for scenario of stagnant China economy

Volatile gas prices illustrate a finely balanced market Tight ammonia availability; some scheduled maintenances expected Unexpected gas related shutdowns in Egypt short-lived; India urea tenders boost sentiment Certain factors support global urea market despite thin demand in Europe Demand in China showing signs of recovery before National Day holiday (1-7 October) China's average melamine operating rates hovering around 60%, market to track urea costs Additional reporting from market reporter Joy Foo, Senior Editor Sylvia Traganida, Deputy managing editor Deepika Thapliyal, Markets Reporter Joy Foo and Energy Market Reporter Lars Hoeylo Kjoellesdal.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's fatty alcohol mid-cuts prices may be near the ceiling as demand from Europe is expected to wane after October, given the looming EUDR or EU Deforestation Regulation which starts on 30 December 2024.Meanwhile, east Asian and south Asian linear alkylbenzene (LAB) markets remained in the doldrums despite expectations of an improvement in September. The weak performance of the crude oil and upstream markets since July have weighed on sentiment and led to caution among buyers. Limited spot availability to lend support to the mid-cuts C12-14 prices near term Heavy fatty alcohol plant shutdown schedule in September-November in Asia LAB market could potentially improve on upstream revival Elevated mid-cut alcohols market could prompt switching to LAB In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Helen Yan and Clive Ong discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

September’s hoped-for post-summer revival has been a blowout for Europe’s polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets, and this upturning of what used to be a surefire seasonal trend is typical of 2024.In this latest podcast, European PE and PP editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake take stock of the year so far and are joined by ICIS senior polymer analysts Lorenzo Meazza and Umberto Torresan to pick out key themes for the rest of 2024 and 2025.They touch on the challenge of unpredictable events, changing demand trends, unplanned disruption, as well as the huge number of plants coming online around the world.

Petrochemical markets are likely to remain depressed while China and other countries continue to add significant capacity, unless big wave of closures and demand improvement help to achieve balance. - Global capacity additions far outstrip demand growth- China, Middle East, US likely to continue expansions- China drove the petrochemical supercycle, but no longer- China chemicals demand growth likely only 2-4%/year - Prospect of global deflation- Europe can focus on specialty chemicals, other niches

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--ICIS has revised down its forecast for China’s combined imports of propane and butane for 2024 because of weaker-than-expected demand in fuel applications. Full-year LPG imports projected at 36.7 million tonnes Fuel LPG demand falls on increased natural gas usage amid weak economy Strong feedstock LPG demand partly offset decline in fuel consumption

Europe’s beleaguered petrochemical industry could see its fortunes improve dramatically if Mario Draghi’s new industrial policy proposals are adopted, along with a fair regulatory framework. - New industrial strategy can rescue region from structurally higher costs, low levels of investment- Historic moment with momentum building for new approach to Europe industry transformation - Green Deal objectives need to work alongside measures to improve competitiveness- New requirements for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will have big impact on chemicals- Compliance teams face a “nasty cocktail” because of lack of regulatory clarity - Shift from risk to hazard-based approach- Regulations create opportunities for innovative chemical companies

In this podcast, Senior Editor Emily Friedman, and Analyst, Josh Dill, dive deeper into the challenges US chemical recyclers face.

New analysis suggests the chemical industry may face a more rapidly aging and shrinking population in key markets such as China, while the subsequent drag on demand means new business models will be required. - China-driven petrochemicals Supercycle is over- China’s population may be aging and shrinking more quickly than previously thought- China may switch to become net exporter of many synthetic resins- Demographic shifts will shrink demand for chemicals throughout developed world- Developing world faces challenges which may slow growth- New business models will be required to create opportunities from these trends

The Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have faced a sluggish summer despite ongoing supply challenges. Editors Mathew Jolin-Beech, Nicole Simpson, Cameron Birch and Marion Boakye discuss how August has been for the oxo alcohol, acrylate ester, butac and glycol ether markets.

Senior editors Vicky Ellis, Ben Lake and Samantha Wright look at what else made August unusual, and look ahead to September in this latest podcast on Europe, Africa and Turkey markets.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report, which shows the latest outlook for increased corn and soybean production with corn being calculated at 15.1 billion bushels, up 47 million bushels from the July report, while soybeans are projected to be 4.6 billion bushels, up 154 million bushels.Senior Editor Mark Milam talks to Sylvia Traganida about the report and the current trends in the US market.

Recycled Plastics analyst Corbin Olson and US Recycled Plastics senior editor Emily Friedman discuss the main takeaways from the latest round of corporate quarterly earnings calls, as they relate to the US recycled plastics industry. Key takeaways included: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies largely showed positive North American sales volumes, though some continue to see negative volumes due to the current inflationary environment. Durables markets, such as pipe and composite decking which use recycled plastic as a raw material, showed moderate progress, with weakness in agricultural and residential end markets. Broader economic softness in construction, automotive and housing continues to exert downwards pressure. Waste management companies largely saw strong earnings, with several investing in recycling collection and sortation infrastructure, but also in downstream in plastics recycling capacity. Republic Services notes progress on their Polymer Centers. Virgin petrochemical players continue to integrate with recycling operations Dow aquires Circulus LyondellBasell pending FID on Houston chemical recycling unit ExxonMobil pledes increased chemical recycling capacity in 2025 Eastman shows progress on operation of Kingsport methanolysis facility, lowers earnings guidance PET sales volumes increase, amid weaker market pricing; R-PET forecasts remain strong for future demand Additional questions or concerns? Please contact us.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The third plenary session of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee recently concluded in July, with the CCP underlining the country’s long-term economic strategy. This session, a significant event in China’s economic planning, serves as a guide for both immediate and long-term policies. Market balance healthier than expected on delays in capacity additions No specific stimulus policies announced, market participants eye 5% GDP target Market sentiment generally supported by Third Plenum Senior editor Julia Tan speaks with senior analyst Joey Zhou on what China's Third Plenum could mean for Asia's propylene markets.

European and Asian oxo-alcohols and plasticizers market participants expect demand will be underwhelming in H2, heightening concerns about margins and capacity utilisation.- Macroeconomic pressures persist and key construction industry struggling- Globally poor demand and expensive freight impact trade flows - Demand not able to support healthy operating rates, margins- Scepticism if stimulus policies, lower interest rates will have significant impact in 2024 In this podcast, Europe market editor Nicole Simpson speaks to Asia editor Julia Tan about the outlook for the rest of 2024.

Recent prices skyrocketing in Asia styrene prices is because of unexpected outages at European plants and it is expected to pull up Asia benzene and downstream styrene prices in August.

LONDON (ICIS)--Maritime security issues along the Red Sea and geopolitics-led macroeconomic challenges dominated supply and demand dynamics within the European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets in H1 2024. In this latest podcast, editor of the Europe ABS report, Stephanie Wix and editor of the Europe ACN report, Nazif Nazmul, share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Macroeconomic challenges continue to constrain ABS and ACN demand Europe-origin ABS partly supported by imports suffering from logistical issues Cautious optimism surrounds 2025 demand outlook despite geopolitical uncertainty ABS is the largest volume engineering thermoplastic resin and is used in automobiles, electronics and recreational products.ACN is used in the production of synthetic fibres for clothing and home furnishings, engineering plastics and elastomers.

Ethane is gaining favor as the feedstock for steam crackers in China, as its competitive prices make ethane-cracking the most profitable route for ethylene production compared to other options.

Between 2012 and 2023, China's hydrogen production more than doubled, with 80% of its 2023 output derived from coal and natural gas.Refineries play a crucial role in the country's overall hydrogen production, and the ongoing shift towards chemical production is set to further boost demand. This trend is expected to accelerate the adoption of cleaner blue and renewable hydrogen sources in refineries.Join ICIS Asia deputy news editor Suratman Nurluqman and ICIS hydrogen analysts Patricia Tao and Anita Yang as they discuss the increasing importance of hydrogen in China's refining sector.

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols & derivatives markets have seen reasonably healthy levels of availability in July with market activity subdued as participants head into the summer period.Demand across key end user segments remains sluggish with the near term outlook muted with further changes concerning the interest rate picture monitored.Glycol ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols editor Nicole Simpson, acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

LONDON (ICIS)--European melamine editor Melissa Hurley, looks at the global situation for melamine with Joy Foo and Connor Phillips and what might happen in the second half of the year. Anti-dumping investigation from US Cornerstone Chemical may levy impact on industry Q3/Q4 Chinese supply to lengthen, eyes on new capacities; signs of freight rates to SE Asia, India easing European supply curtailed; impact offset by ongoing slow demand conditions Additional reporting from Market Reporter Joy Foo and Connor Phillips.