ICIS - chemical podcasts

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.

Collapsing second quarter financial results show that the industry may face permanently low growth, driving the need for radical business model transformation. - Q2 financial results show persistent downturn in sales, profitability- Europe chemicals still plagued by China-driven global overcapacity, higher production costs, poor downstream demand- BASF reports double-digit fall in net income, weighed by lower prices. Warns of second half risks from stronger price reduction, lower volume growth- Dow CFO said consumer durables, building and construction will likely remain weak through the rest of the year - Need for widespread closures to balance supply and demand- Chemical companies need to adopt radical new business models- End of China’s economic miracle means there will be no return to strong demand growth globally

European petrochemical leaders should take inspiration from Japan, which is further ahead in reducing base chemicals while expanding in specialties and low carbon technologies. - Japan hit by high naphtha feedstock costs, growing global overcapacity- 70% of crackers are more than 50 years old- More than 10% of Japan’s crackers could close- Downstream production also closing such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and paraxylene (PX)- Japan basic chemicals losing ground, new focus on specialties - Pushing materials for semiconductors, electronics - Also expanding into bio-naphtha and pyrolysis oil - Japan’s chemical companies want to licence recycling technologies- Using ammonia and hydrogen to reduce dependence on LNG- South Korea chemicals face existential crisis

Typhoon Gaemi will test the resilience of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply chain, causing temporary shipment delays and port closures.

CHENGDU (ICIS) -- Asia’s epichlorohydrin (ECH) market has been relatively flat in recent months, a situation that has been prolonged by the persistent supply overhang in Asia and the lack of demand outlets. Weak performance in derivative epoxy resins market to endure Reduced run rates likely to remain a key response from ECH makers Upcoming capacities to add pressure on a structurally long supply picture In this podcast, markets reporter Michelle Liew discusses trends in the Asia ECH market, as well as the near-term outlook.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- China's installed capacity of gas power generation is projected to surpass 150 GW by 2025, representing roughly 6% of the country's total installed power generation capacity. This presents substantial investment prospects within China and aligns with the nation's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Hydrogen, often regarded as a potential fuel for blending with natural gas, offers a promising avenue for reducing emissions from power generation. In this podcast, ICIS senior LNG analyst Xu Fei will delve into the mechanics of hydrogen-fueled gas turbines and their potential to significantly cut carbon emissions.

Senior Editor for PET, Caroline Murray, and Senior Editor for Recycling, Matt Tudball talk about the current state of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (R-PET) markets and the uncertainties both face for the rest of the year. These include: PET feedstock situation High freight costs impacting availability Capacity growth in Asia Upcoming recycled content targets for R-PET Limited availability of food-grade R-PET pellets

SHANGHAI (ICIS)—In this podcast, markets reporter Shannen Ng discusses how northeast Asia’s methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) supply is expected to remain tight as Q3 progresses, however, poor demand expectations in the Asian import markets for the rest of this quarter remain. Polymeric MDI sentiment in SE Asia, India supported by tight supply Monomeric MDI particularly sluggish and expected to remain so Weak demand outlook for China’s downstream construction and automotive sectors

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- In this podcast, Asia ethylene editor Josh Quah and analyst Aliena Huang discuss the factors impacting arbitrage flows of ethylene from the US to Asia. Spot arbitrage window between US and Asia closed but term arrivals for July remain healthy Storm Beryl, low affordability in Asia, may keep spot arbitrage trades closed into Aug Panama Canal traffic levels expected to return to pre-congestion levels by Oct

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- In this podcast, ICIS analysts Patricia Tao, Lewis Unstead and Aliena Huang delve into how the upcoming CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) will impact China’s export-oriented manufacturing sectors and hydrogen’s crucial role in its low-carbon economy. China's national energy law draft includes hydrogen, a shift towards low-carbon Move comes ahead of EU's CBAM CBAM to affect global trade, particularly for high-emission products

LONDON (ICIS) -- Europe’s run up to holiday season has been unusually busy for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets, including some spot prices reversing for the first time since March 2024.In this ICIS podcast, European PE and PP senior editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake pick out July’s big themes, from logistics (hurricane Beryl and still-spiked Asian freight rates) to the mismatch between how local suppliers and converters are experiencing demand this month.They also highlight what to watch for August.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published the July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report, which shows that corn production is forecasted to increase by 240m bushels while for soybeans the outlook is for a decrease by 15m bushels.Senior editor Mark Milam talks to Sylvia Traganida about the report and the latest developments in the US market.

Rampant overcapacity in China will change as limits to refinery expansions and new plants may stifle feedstock availability. - Big structural reforms needed to improve China’s economy- China petrochemical trends become more complicated - Country plans to cap refinery capacity at 1 billion tonnes/year from 2027-2040- China forging closer relations with Saudi Arabia- Swift rise in China electric vehicles threatens petrochemical feedstocks- Zero carbon rules limit future plant construction in China- Europe needs to act fast to protect its industry

Caprolactam (capro) availability in Europe has been very tight until recently due to a shortage of sulphur and low downstream demand. Slow capro demand has also helped balance the market.Senior capro editor Marta Fern talks to senior editors Julia Meehan and Sylvia Traganida about current developments in the market and what lies ahead.

The US overtook the Middle East for the first time as China’s largest supplier of propane and butane in the first half of 2024.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- China is pushing ahead with plans to meet its national emissions targets by facilitating low carbon hydrogen production through regulatory reforms. China’s hydrogen production and demand have been increasing steadily in recent years but renewable hydrogen, a critical enabler for hard-to-abate industries to reduce carbon footprints, accounted for less than 2% of China's total hydrogen production in 2023.China has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2060.ICIS Asia deputy news editor Nurluqman Suratman and ICIS hydrogen analyst Yu Yunfeng discuss China’s hydrogen developments on this podcast.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) — Asia propylene will continue to see new capacities coming from China in H2 2024, while its demand is also likely to improve as new derivative projects come up.Margin challenges may continue to impact the market by altering propylene and its derivatives’ operations. As China is the largest producer and consumer globally, dynamics in the country will impact the wider Asia propylene market. What will be the outlook for propylene in 2024? In this podcast, analysts Joey Zhou and Seymour Chenxia discuss the trends and outlook for the Asia propylene market.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- China's recent decision to include hydrogen in its draft national energy law signals a transformative shift in the country's energy landscape.By positioning hydrogen alongside traditional energy sources, China is unlocking vast investment opportunities and paving the way for robust market growth in the burgeoning hydrogen sector.In this podcast, ICIS analysts Patricia Tao and Yu Yunfeng delve into how this strategic focus on hydrogen will reshape China's energy sector and foster sustainable industrial growth.

Climate change and warming oceans mean that the US Gulf Coast chemical sector will have to adapt to more frequent weather events such as Hurricane Beryl.- Gulf Coast area where Hurricane Beryl made landfall houses 13m tonnes, 29% of US ethylene production capacity- Beryl is earliest Category five hurricane on record; busy season forecast- Warming oceans mean there may be double the number of severe hurricanes - Energy, chemical industries must adapt to cope with more weather events- Move towards net zero carbon gives opportunity to relocate plants, infrastructure

Squeezed by high propane costs and weak propylene prices, some Chinese propane dehydrogenation (PDH) operators are turning to a potential lifeline: commercializing hydrogen, a valuable byproduct of their operations.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The ICIS recycling analyst team recently presented on Asia’s recycling market at the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Seoul, Korea, and at Alliance to End Plastic Waste’s CEO round table in Beijing, China. Join recycling analysts Joshua Tan and Chua Xin Nee in this podcast as they have a conversation about key takeaways from both events, pyrolysis in Korea, and recycling in China. If you would like to know more about Asia’s recycling market, feel free to reach out to our recycling analysts at [email protected] and [email protected].

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The ICIS recycling analyst team recently presented on Asia’s recycling market at the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Seoul, Korea, and at Alliance to End Plastic Waste’s CEO round table in Beijing, China. Join recycling analysts Joshua Tan and Chua Xin Nee in this podcast as they have a conversation about key takeaways from both events, pyrolysis in Korea, and recycling in China. If you would like to know more about Asia’s recycling market, feel free to reach out to our recycling analysts at [email protected] and [email protected].

Chemical companies can expect to pay even more for container space along the Asia to Europe route as attacks against shipping persist, port congestion grows and demand rises. - Shipping rates soar amid congestion, rising demand, echoing post-pandemic era- Shipping reliability, customer service levels have fallen- Shippers reorganizing routes, focussing on big ports like Singapore- Global container shipping capacity growing by 20% year-on-year - Container fleet utilization over 90% despite rising supply- End of Houthi Red Sea attacks would cause freight rates to collapse- Demand rising for containers even though industrial demand is flat - Huge investment in port, road, rail infrastructure especially in Asia- Logistics problems leave oversupply trapped in Asia- More trade barriers may protect regional markets