ICIS - chemical podcasts

In this podcast, ICIS analyst Claire Gao explores the oxo-alcohols market overview and outlook.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s base oils supply is expected to improve slightly in H2 2024, while overall demand will likely improve towards the later part of Q3 with the onset of the seasonal peak. Group I brightstock supply from southeast Asia and Group II supply from South Korea expected to gradually increase India demand to pick up in September after monsoon; China demand to remain stagnant amid economic woes Tight Group I base oils supply to remain offset by sluggish demand In this podcast, editors Matthew Chong and Michelle Liew discuss trends in the Asian base oils market.

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor, Melissa Hurley, explores the global glycol situation with Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu, Melissa Wheeler and Antulio Borneo. Asia tug of war between limited imports and sluggish demand Downstream polyester plants may cut operating rates further in China China MEG inventories fluctuated between 700,000 and 800,000 in June European import supply set to improve in July Tropical storm Alberto brings heavy rainfall but no impacts to gulf coast production MEG US demand could be affected by the issues with PTA plants in Mexico Additional reporting from senior editor Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu and Melissa Wheeler and Antulio Borneo.

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols market and the majority of its derivatives have been characterized by ample supply in June, particularly following the lifting of OQ Chemicals' force majeure at the end of May.Demand across most markets remains tepid and slow due to ongoing economic challenges. The construction and coatings industries have not experienced the expected seasonal surge.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.

In this podcast, we will have Mason to talk about China MMA market.

ICIS consultant, James Ray, describes how the shale gas revolution has benefited the US economy and chemicals plus views on demand and the green transition.- US shale gas revolution has helped entire economy- Low energy costs key driver of economic growth- Post-pandemic soaring demand, crimped supply pushed margins very high- US chemicals margins have now normalised, companies profitable- US construction market hurt by inflation, high interest rates- US auto industry improving but inventory still high- Companies, consumers less willing to pay green premium in tough times- Economics, incentives drive US business decisions- US incentives much more effective than Europe sanctions

China's propane import growth is expected to remain strong this year although local authorities have been encouraging food catering and residential end-users to switch from bottled LPG to piped natural gas (PNG). In this podcast, ICIS LPG analysts Yan Wang , Lillian Ren and natural gas editor Yueyi Yang discuss the current market dynamics and outlook.

LONDON(ICIS)--European downstream demand remains low due to inflation and high interest rates. Add logistics issues and a continuous flow of imports to that, and the doom of European petrochemical industry begins. But with the recent reduction in interest rates by ECB and increased tariffs on Asian EVs, there is hope that the acetone and phenol derivative chain might come back to its glory. 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 & Derivatives) discuss the latest development in imports, bans and interest rates that are likely to impact the acetone, phenol and derivatives markets.

Senior Editors for Recycling, Emily Friedman and Matt Tudball take a look at how both the US and European R-PET markets are seeing more activity around imported material, and what that means for local recyclers in the US and the EU, including: The growing numbers of imports into the US Price competitiveness of imports vs. local material Balancing recycled content with cost-saving objectives How imports stack up against legislation in Europe

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia recycled polymers markets were sluggish for the most part in 2023. In early 2024 too, challenges that dim the short-term outlook persist.Some legislations surrounding recycling were also put in place in the region over the last few years, but the obstacles that limit the growth of this sector still remain.In this chemical podcast, ICIS senior editor Arianne Perez and analysts Joshua Tan and Chua Xin Nee share their insights on the topic.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Propane in northeast Asia is losing its advantage over naphtha as a cracking feedstock, but the spread is expected to widen again in August-September due to higher naphtha forecast prices. Propane price spread over naphtha below $50/tonne for the first time since end-January NE Asia propane firm on year-to-date high China PDH plants run rates Crackers using imported propane require about two months to evaluate feedstock economics In this podcast, ICIS LPG analysts Yan Wang and Shihao Zhou discuss the current market dynamics and outlook.

While the butanediol (BDO) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) markets in Europe have benefited from challenges in importing volumes from Asia, demand remains subdued for sectors.In this podcast, ICIS Europe Engineering Plastics editor Meeta Ramnani and ICIS Europe BDO editor Yashas Mudumbai discuss the current dynamics and the outlook ahead.

Methanol has long-term potential as a major player in the energy transition, especially for use a marine fuel.- Methanol mainly made from coal in China, natural gas elsewhere- Used to make formaldehyde, acetic acid, in China mainly coal-based methanol to olefins (MTO)- Q2 typically peak demand for Europe construction but subdued this year- Concerns about overcapacity globally as new projects come onstream- Use a marine fuel may be a big driver of growth long term- Energy transition offers great opportunities

Jumping freight rates, political changes and monsoons are all at play for June in various polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets around the world, so while it is potentially a calm month on the surface, there’s a complex mix of factors to watch.Senior editors for PE and PP, Nadim Salamoun and Ben Lake join senior editor manager Vicky Ellis to discuss the June outlook for Europe, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

The sentiment for most fertilizer products is bearish due to a lack of strong demand globally.Following the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) annual conference in Singapore the ICIS fertilizer team discusses the latest trends and developments in the market.

MOL’s €1.3bn polyols project helps move the company’s balance from transport fuels towards chemical production, according to Peter Csaszar, senior vice president, chemicals. - Long-term, Hungary’s MOL will move towards chemicals as demand for transport fuels declines- Russia-Ukraine war raised importance of energy security - Commercial scale start-up of polyols project by end summer-early autumn- On-spec commercial production expected by end 2024- Production targeted at Europe- Europe chemicals still suffering, improvement expected by 2025- MOL has 35-year contract to manage Hungary’s municipal waste - Waste provide feedstocks for recycling, energy recovery- New EU parliament must make industrial policy a top priority

The outlook for European PVC remains challenging, as construction activity is trending below normal seasonal levels.Analyst Valentina Cherubin and Senior Editor Chris Barker discuss expectations for the rest of 2024, including the impact of the Red Sea crisis and lower-than-expected interest rate cuts later in the year.

LONDON (ICIS)—Supply down the oxo-alcohols value chain has improved as OQ Chemicals has restarted production and some Asian imports are available. Across markets, demand continues to be subdued by economic pressures and there has been little seasonal improvement. Oxo-alcohols market editor Nicole Simpson speaks to butyl acetate (butac) editor Marion Boakye, acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin Beech, and propylene glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

SEOUL (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS markets editor Josh Quah shares an update on the ethylene (C2) market in Asia based on discussions during the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2024. S Korea Jun cracker run rates may see some downward adjustment, though unlikely to be significant Jul arrival demand uncertain amid turnarounds, some recovering margins C2 export allocations to hinge on polymer profitability APIC 2024 is being held in Seoul, South Korea, from 30-31 May.

The soda ash market narrative reminds one of Dickens' A tale of two cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times [...]we had everything before us, we had nothing before us."From the vertiginous highs of the post-pandemic boom to the slumbers brought in by high borrowing costs, soda ash players are navigating rougher seas with lows elongated compared to typical cyclical troughs and highs that had exhausted anyone involved in selling the molecule for over two years. Likewise, the promises of a boom in consumption via the lithium carbonate to support lithium ion battery-run electric vehicles is also tempered by the idea that global oversupply could through the molecule back into the depressed mode and low margin era it has known for decades.Demand from the from the all-important flat glass applications servicing the construction and auto industries have stabilised after a year-long slow decline and is likely to remain slower in H2.Regionalism is at all time highs. And Supply from China is once again in the line of mire.ICIS soda ash editors Anne-Sophie Briant-Vaghela from Europe, Helen Lee from Asia, and Bill Bowen from the US talk about the changing market conditions as China switches from net exporter to net importer in Q1-Q2.

Chemical distributors are seeing signs of a sequential improvement in demand, but increasing geopolitical volatility threatens any recovery, according to the head of trade group Fecc. - Sequential improvement in demand, destocking winds down- Red Sea disruption highlights continuing fragility of supply chains- Geopolitics creates growing instability and volatility - Europe chemicals need political support - Permitting needs to speed up to enable low carbon energy transfer- South Korea chemicals under intense pressure to consolidateClick here to download the 2024 ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributors In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Dorothee Arns, Director General of Fecc (European Association of Chemical Distributors), ICIS Senior Consultant Asia John Richardson and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Recycled polymers markets in Asia faced different market dynamics, driven by various factors like additional capacities, inflationary pressures and support from downstream demand. Asia R-PET trade to gain support from new extrusion capacities within Asia and long-haul markets Asia R-PE to continue to perform poorly in H2 in line with cheaper virgin PE prices and inflationary pressure which impacts finished goods demand Uptake from the automotive sector lends support to Asia R-PP, with trade expected to be moderate until end of the year In this podcast, Asia recycling editor Arianne Perez discusses trends in the market as well as what lies ahead.

Chemical companies can gain recognition as leaders in innovation, and also evaluate their own new product pipeline by taking part in the ICIS Innovation Awards, according to last year's winner. ICIS Chemical Business deputy editor, Will Beacham, interviews David Dupont, Arkema’s vice president specialty polyamides. Click here to find out how to enter this year’s ICIS Innovation Awards. Entry deadline Friday 7 June.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Northeast Asia continued to see an oversupply of ethylene, and downstream margins remained weak. The supply-demand balance is expected to improve with a slowdown in capacity growth in China. In southeast Asia, the market is likely to continue to be under pressure in H2 2024. NE Asia in oversupply as players begin looking to H2 2024 arrivals Standalone-based derivatives margins remain weak NE Asia and US arbitrage weighs on SE Asia market, downstream demand tepid In this podcast, Markets Editor Josh Quah and Analysts Amy Yu and Shariene Goh discuss trends in the Asian ethylene market and what we can expect in the near future.

In this podcast, ICIS editors Hwee Hwee Tan and Jady Ma discuss current trends in Asia's acetic acid market.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Earlier than usual re-stocking activities of gasoline blend stocks had curbed the price gains for paraxylene (PX) in Asia, while a lack of strong demand growth in the downstream purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and polyester markets had kept market confidence low. Key PX bullish factor is the limited new capacity expansions Asia adds two new downstream PTA capacities in the first half of the year ICIS expects PX prices to be supported in Q3, but Q4 to face a downward pressure In this podcast, Senior Editor Samuel Wong and Senior Analyst Jimmy Zhang discuss trends in the Asian PX market and what we can expect in the near future.

The White House announced on 14 May that it would increase tariffs on $18 billion worth of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses. How will this latest development impact China’s LPG supplies from the US, which was the second largest LPG exporter to China in 2023, following the Mideast. In 2018, China raised the import tariff on US LPG from 1% to 25% in retaliation to tariffs hikes implemented by the former US president Donald Trump. In this podcast, ICIS Analyst Lillian Ren shares insights on the potential impact on Chinese imports of LPG, including propane and butane.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The ample supply of propylene in Asia as well as some new polypropylene (PP) capacities in China is expected to weigh on discussions in SE Asia in the coming months. Asia C3 to see length from China PDH restarts, SE Asia volumes China PP exports to weigh on SE Asia discussions Asia PP prices to come under pressure in June-July In this podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan, Jackie Wong and Lucy Shuai discuss some of the trends in the Asian propylene and PP markets and what we can expect going forward.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asian oxo-alcohols buyers maintained a wait and watch approach, amid the possibility of added capacities in China weighing on market sentiment.The acrylonitrile (ACN) market continues to see limited spot demand in the northeast Asia market. Even as downstream acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) has seen higher production rates recently, ACN producers were unlikely to increase operating rates.For the acrylates downstream, butyl-A market in Asia continues to take direction from Chinese domestic prices. With India's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements preventing Chinese origin imports, cargoes from China were flowing into SE Asia and NE Asia. In this podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Corey Chew discuss trends in the Asia propylene and derivatives markets.

Phosphates prices have been under pressure in India recently, while demand is expected to return strong soon. Meanwhile, the lack of ammonia spot demand globally is weighing down on the market. Phosphates editor Chris Vlachopoulos talks to senior editor Sylvia Traganida about the state of the phosphates market ahead of the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) annual conference (20-22 May).

The closure of chemical plants in Europe and elsewhere could remove essential raw material supplies, threatening the future of downstream industrial value chains. - Global oversupply, driven by China, forecast to reach over 200 million tonnes/year by 2028- Interconnected value chains threatened if important raw materials cease production- Globally 20 million tonnes of ethylene capacity may need to be shut down by 2030- In Europe 5.6 million tonnes/year of polypropylene (PP) capacity may need to close- Integrated chemicals sites under threat if parts shut down- Industry associations could help plan to maintain critical raw materials supplies- Anti-dumping measures could protect exposed markets- China polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overcapacity may increase exports globally

It is a rarity to see sulphur or sulphuric acid take centre-stage in Europe when discussing a lack of feedstock for downstream petrochemicals - but tight supply for both has become a key talking point through the first and second quarter of 2024.ICIS' Senior Editor for sulphuric acid, Andy Hemphill, and Julia Meehan, Managing Editor of ICIS Fertilizers, discuss what caused this tightness and explore what options the industry has to counter the crippling shortages.

Join European Senior Editor/Manager Vicky Ellis, as she talks to European and African PE/PP Senior Editor Ben Lake and Turkey PE/PP Senior Editor/Manager Samantha Wright. The group discuss the coming month, as players see sentiment cool from a hectic first quarter. Senior Analyst, Lorenzo Meazza also drops in to react to Lyondell Basel's announcement that it plans to "review" all European polymer and olefin assets. Following on from announcements of closures of Exxon and Sabic crackers.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Sustainable finance is a key interest for companies that are seeking to enter the market or expand their current capacities. Despite the various available financial instruments, the absence of a clear entry point often results in confusion. In this podcast, ICIS Analysts Chua Xin Nee and Joshua Tan explore the different types of sustainability related loans available and their successful use cases.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia's propylene (C3) market will continue to see weak demand, although potentially curbed run rates in China amid weak margins could lend support. Downstream, China’s propylene oxide (PO) import demand may continue to be adversely impacted by domestic Chinese start-up capacities, while demand in the main downstream polyols sector is unlikely to recover in Q2. South Korea June-loading C3 volumes likely to increase month on month Domestic Chinese start-up capacities keep domestic supply lengthy, hamper import demand Global PO supply excluding China remains tight, downstream polyols likely muted in Q2 In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Shannen Ng discuss trends in the Asian C3 and PO markets.

LONDON (ICIS)—Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are derived from renewable electricity, air and water. The power-to-liquid process entails chemical conversion of energy. In this latest podcast, markets editor Nazif Nazmul interviews Paddy Lowe, CEO and founder of the synthetic fuels producing company Zero Petroleum. Synthetic fuels can play a vital role in slashing emissions across the transport sector in the coming years, although the road to scaling up is fraught with obstacles and opportunities. Energy density of synthetic fuels and compatibility with international combustion engine (ICE) vehicles could provide a long-term decarbonisation alternative to electric vehicles (EVs) and biofuels Rail, marine, aviation, agricultural sectors can utilise synthetic fuels alongside road transport Synthetic fuels gaining traction in the aviation industry in the form of e-SAF Achieving cost parity with fossil-based gasoline will still take approximately 10 more years Legislative support likely to expedite time needed to achieve economies of scale Production process reliant on sourcing vast amount of renewable energy

Europe’s chemical industry stands to benefit in the long-term from the expansion of wind, solar and other low carbon methods of producing energy.- Growth in renewables means spot electricity prices can turn negative if demand dips- Europe electricity prices higher than pre-war as tied to price of natural gas, now mainly LNG- Europe has seen significant growth in solar, while wind faces delays due to supply chain issues- Decarbonizing includes reducing emissions from gas plants via carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other technologies- Challenges include grid infrastructure to transport electricity across regions with varying renewable generation- Despite regulatory hurdles, there is political will for grid investment as part of the energy transition

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia's polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets are expected to see some uncertainty in the coming months, with factors like China’s domestic demand, the impact of India’s monsoon and some trade policy changes expected to shape the landscape. June offers from Asian producers awaited next week SE Asian economies see healthy growth in Q1, expected to support PVC demand Low domestic demand in China encourages exports, especially to India In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Jonathan Chou, Damini Dabholkar and analyst Lina Xu discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

SHANGHAI (ICIS)—Asia’s 1,4-butanediol (BDO) market continues to be pressured by oversupply amid slowing demand.With the first peak season in March to April ending, demand in some sectors has started to slow.In this chemical podcast, ICIS Markets Reporter Corey Chew reports from China on market expectations before Enmore’s 14th BDO and downstream derivatives forum.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia's olefins brace for headwinds amid sustained weak demand in May, although some support is expected from curtailed supply in China. Lengthening supply from South Korea could continue to weigh on the market's outlook as it navigates upstream volatility amid tensions in the Middle East. Asia's olefins market to see increasing supply from South Korea in May Relatively low PDH run rates could lend support to NE Asia C3 Poor demand weighing on Asia C2 amid multiple supply options for June arrivals In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Josh Quah discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

ORLANDO (ICIS)--NPE2024 is underway in Orlando, Florida, after a 6 year hiatus, and Senior Market Editor Emily Friedman and Senior Marketing Executive Natalie Stephens break down the key topics among discussions and presentations at the show: Sustainability is a pillar of the industry, one which companies should prioritize to future-proof their business Risk management remains paramount, following several years of instability and unprecedented highs and lows Technology and data have never been more critical to embed within each step of the value chain To learn more, ICIS market experts Emily Friedman, Kim Haberkost, and Ramesh Iyer will be giving separate presentations at 8:00AM EST in W414AB on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, diving into these critical issues and more.NPE2024 takes place on 6-10 May in Orlando, Florida. Please stop by our booth, S20165, to connect with us at the show!

A more optimistic outlook for the global economy and chemicals could be jeopardized by rising geopolitical instability. - Current downturn reminiscent of 1970’s oil shock - Global GDP growth could start to recover from 2025- Geo-political risks are rising and could jeopardise economy- Chemicals CEOs slightly more upbeat- PMIs show China manufacturing now expanding - But China challenged by debt, property bubble, youth unemployment, demographics- Expect 2-3%/year China GDP growth in 2030s as population declines- Europe economy is stabilising, driven by services- US economy should see a soft landing