ICIS - chemical podcasts

Carolina Perujo Holland, ICIS analyst for R-PET and Caroline Murray, senior editor for virgin PET spoke to GSI Plastics CEO and founder Francesco Zanchi and general manager, Chiara Zanchi about the state of the markets and where they are headed in 2026 

Following another successful K Fair in Dusseldorf in October, ICIS Senior Analyst, Plastics Recycling and Sustainability, Alexandra Tawton-Tomczyk is joined by Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, Senior Editors for Recycled Plastics in Europe, and Ben Monroe-Lake, Senior Editor for Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) Europe to discuss some of the topics covered during the event. Under discussion are the impact of the current economic downturn on the recycled polymers industry, the impact of both virgin and recycled imports into the EU and how regulation is still having a big impact on the recycled markets but remains a grey area in some cases. 

Latest economic statistics from China suggest its economy is still flagging, meaning it will continue to export excess chemicals capacity into global markets. -          China's economy is sputtering as country deals with excess domestic capacity and ruptured property sector-          Global chemical markets likely to see more flows of cheap material from China, undermining prices and margins-          Latin American Petrochemical and Chemical Association (APLA) delegates in Mexico report rising pressure from Chinese, US imports -          ICIS data shows spreads near record lows in Asia, little hope of recovery to long-term averages 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia styrene prices continued to be under pressure, while downstream margins began to recover. Downstream polymer margins stabilise after SM corrections 2026 contract discussions could progress slowly, greater focus on FOB China China's major role in Asia SM remains under spotlight amid further supply expansion In this chemical podcast, Asia styrene editors Luffy Wu and Aviva Zhang discuss recent market developments, and the outlook ahead, following their observations in the industry conference held last week in Xi'an, China.

The European base oils market is facing key challenges with strong capacity growth and a transition from Group I to Group II and Group III, while re-refined base oils have been growing in popularity due to consistent quality, attractive prices and their circular aspect. The ICIS base oils team attended the 60th UEIL Congress in Italy, engaging with key players in the industry on the latest market developments.Samantha Wright, Sophie Udubasceanu and Alessia Succi Cimentini discuss the key takeaways from the conference and what awaits the European base oils industry. 

Ongoing weak demand pressure, rising import trends, and interest in recycling sets the tone at K in Dusseldorf, Germany, one of Europe's key downstream plastics industry events.Markets editor Stephanie Wix and markets reporter Sam Lovatt unpack the highlights and major talking points from K in this podcast, focusing on Europe acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), expandable polystyrene (EPS), polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) markets.

Asia olefin players open their 2026 contract talks at a trade conference Xi'an, China, this week, with fundamentals in oversupply and supply pressure likely to ramp up in 2026. Asia ethylene will continue grappling with oversupply from new capacities in 2026 Arbitrage flows could be here to stay with supply imbalances in southeast Asia Asia propylene wrestles with propane challenges, squeezed margins Availability of US propane a key concern for 2026 2025 Enmore Contract Season trade conference took place this week in Xi'an, China Podcast by Josh Quah and Julia TanEditing by Will Beacham

With the problem of plastic pollution growing, especially in Asia, an innovative project by Borealis and partners aims to build scalable, low-cost municipal waste systems in regions where infrastructure is lacking. Indonesia is the world's second-largest source of ocean plastic Project STOP targets unmanaged waste in Indonesia 13,300 tonnes of plastic collected since 2017 launch Project STOP aims to reach 2 million people  Local governments lead operations to ensure long-term viability Accenture's digital tools improve efficiency and transparency Project STOP is open-source and designed for replication

Political leaders in Europe must boost availability of cheap energy and deregulate or risk deeper deindustrialization, according to Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman.  -      AI will require vast amounts of cheap energy, Europe disadvantaged-      EU energy policies have closed access to huge reserves of oil and gas-      Europe has outsourced manufacturing, often to more polluting regions-      CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) does not work, increases costs of imported raw materials-      Tackle climate change through use of innovative materials, nuclear fusion-      Tariffs are hurting any nascent economic recovery-      Don't expect strong economic bounce back in 2026-      US reshoring will drive industrial and chemicals demand -      China-driven overcapacity will persist for several yearsICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman

European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss market developments into Q4, highlighting key talking points from the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting held from 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.Demand in both markets is expected to remain subdued into 2026, with sentiment for the coming year projected to closely mirror 2025 levels.Topics discussed include: Subdued downstream demand Local supply and import flows Market expectations for 2026 Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan

SINGAPORE (ICIS)- In this chemical podcast, Senior editors Emily Friedman and Arianne Perez discuss the implications of recently added reciprocal tariffs on the recycled PET (R-PET) markets in the US and Asia. US buyers continue navigating supply needs, tariff cost sharing Asia prices fall to record lows as US-bound exports contract US short term fundamentals unchanged, though prices gradually move up

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Fatty alcohols mid-cuts C12-14 are expected to see sluggish demand in the near term amid the festive holidays in some countries in Asia. Meanwhile, its substitute linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is likely to see some supply lengthening in 2026, even as demand conditions continue to be optimistic. New LAB capacities in China, India and Mideast slated for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 Fatty alcohols mid-cuts to see less uptake during festive season in India, China Impact of delay in EUDR on feedstock PKO yet to be seen In this podcast, ICIS senior editors, Clive Ong and Helen Yan discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

LONDON (ICIS)--In the wake of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany, players are looking inward to find the levers for growth in the face of expectations that the industrial downturn will continue to drag on.   In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, ICIS insight editor Tom Brown interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.  

According to attendees at the annual European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany held during 22-25 September, consumption for polyols and isocyanates for the rest of 2025 is not expected to recover with similar expectations going forward. In this episode, European markets editor Zubair Adam for isocyanates and polyols and Rob Peacock, ICIS lead analyst, discuss sentiments captured during the conference.FORECASTING UPDATE: Starting September 2025, ICIS will begin releasing its polyols and isocyanates 18-month forward price forecasts twice a month. Each market will be fully updated once a month, with a second update comprising revised price forecast charts plus a brief discussion highlighting market changes.

European Group I base oils volumes have been locked in a downwards trend as a domestic oversupply build up in inventories over the summer while export volumes continue to see some tightness especially on heavier grades. Is Exxon Mobil's newly opened Singapore plant expansion the answer to that supply gap? And how are flows expected to change?Sophie Udubasceanu, Sam Wright and Michael Connolly discuss what to expected this winter for European base oils and lubricants.

BERLIN (ICIS)--In a special podcast recorded on the sidelines of European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) event in Berlin, Insight Editor Tom Brown talks to Europe News Editor Morgan Condon and Market Development Director John Richardson about sentiment on the sidelines of this year's meeting.

US recycled plastics Senior Editor Emily Friedman, US PET Markets Reporter Melissa Wheeler, Vice President of the Polyester Chain, Antulio Borneo, and Senior Recycled Plastics Analyst Andrea Bassetti discuss the implications of recently added reciprocal tariffs on the US virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (R-PET) markets including: Immediate spot price impacts across virgin and recycled PET Revised annual contract negotiations on several recent price increase initiatives Forecasted market trends of US R-PET Tariff management techniques applied by market participants Correction:  The audio has been changed to "the US imported 3.27 billion lbs of PET/rPET in 2024" instead of "3.7 billion lbs".

Industry leaders should concentrate on cash, security of raw materials and trends which will drive chemicals demand as tough conditions continue in Europe.- Preserve cash, keeping debt under control in this tough environment- Focus on securing feedstocks amid upstream closures- Identify consumer trends, future customer needs- Tentative signs of improvement for Europe's economy- Expect more closures across the region- Oxford Economics forecasts return to growth from mid-2026- Southern Europe ports may get busier as more imports flow from Middle East, Asia- Sustainability has to be about affordability- Market talk of some aviation fuel buyers opting to pay a fine for undershooting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates due to the cheapness of conventional fuels

The former Brenntag CEO believes the chemical industry can overcome current challenges once it takes some more bold steps. -          Industry emerged stronger from previous crises and can do so again-          Nascent recovery stifled by tariff war-          Overcapacity is hurting industry everywhere-          Europe closures mean distributors may adjust sourcing-          Distribution industry is ripe for more consolidation-          Leaders need a strong vision to attract the best talent-          Private equity, state-funded bodies could buy assets, create national champions In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Christian Kohlpaintner, former CEO of Brenntag. 

European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss current market conditions ahead of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting, taking place 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.Both markets are set to remain under pressure through 2025, with sellers facing headwinds from competitive import flows, ample domestic supply, and muted demand.A meaningful rebound in consumption appears unlikely, as ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fragile global trade continue to weigh on major downstream sectors, particularly automotive and construction.Topics discussed include: Supply-demand dynamics Short-term outlooks Key themes ahead of EPCA Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan

In an increasingly unstable world, chemicals executives need to be aware of the important issues which are likely to steer the global economy, and markets, for the rest of 2025. President Trump's tariff trade war Russia's war with Ukraine China's property bubble Potential for another Asian financial crisis Crude oil market convulsions In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

The phosphates market has seen some activity recently, with China resuming phosphates exports and import demand from Ethiopia and Bangladesh. However, affordability remains an issue for the market, especially in India.Meanwhile, ammonia availability continues to remain tight globally with planned and unplanned shutdowns.Senior editors Chris Vlachopoulos and Sylvia Traganida discuss the latest developments in the markets and the short-term outlook.

Join Emily Friedman, ICIS US recycled plastics senior editor in Episode 5 of Sustainably Speaking alongside Arianne Perez, Asia recycled plastic senior editor, and Joshua Dill, Americas recycled plastic analyst, as they discuss the implications of weak domestic recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) markets between the US and Asia. Even as local feedstock markets tumble, both regions are seeing further downwards pressure from global trade.Some questions answered during this episode: What is the current state of US and Asian R-PET markets? Are dropping US prices influencing Asian markets? How has the evolving tariff policy impacted US R-PET and PET imports via the 3907 HS code? What is the end of year outlook for US and Asian R-PET markets considering the weak environment at present?

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen lower level of activity in August with supply widely ample across derivative markets and demand subdued. Into September and for the remainder of the year, substantive changes to underlying demand are not widely expected and so the principle focus is still on supply changes and the impact of planned maintenances.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

Chemical companies may see drastic AI-driven changes in sales, marketing, supply chain and product development but it will always augment, not replace humans. -          Companies need to work out their pain points and ambition-          Quantifying AI's business value is a key challenge-          Companies often run siloed projects without a unified strategy-          Clean, trusted data is essential for AI success-          AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making-          Governance and ethical frameworks are critical safeguards-          AI can reshape supply chains and customer engagement-          Cultural change and workforce education are vital-          AI raises questions about intellectual property-          AI adoption in chemicals is still at an early stage In this Think Tank podcast,  ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews AI entrepreneur and consultant Eleanor Manley, Sebastian Rau, director of advanced analytics for ICIS and Carlos Soares, senior vice president for data, analytics & AI at Brenntag. 

LONDON (ICIS)--A mix of regulatory changes, market fundamentals and global economic factors is transforming the Asian biodiesel and glycerine markets.In this latest podcast, Asia biodiesel editor Evangeline Cheung and glycerine senior editor Helen Yan joins their Europe counterpart Nazif Nazmul to share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Firm palm oil fundamentals and regulatory support strengthen biodiesel market despite mixed demand Recent drop in glycerine spot prices linked to a slump in China's epichlorohydrin (ECH) market Market awaits further clarification on EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), impact on US tariff-led oleochemical trade follow Biodiesel, which can be derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and other waste-based bio-feedstocks, is used as fuel in diesel engines.Glycerine is mainly used in personal and oral care products such as skincare creams, toothpaste and mouthwash. It is also used in food products, either as glycerine directly or one of its derivatives such as glycerol monostearate.

·       Global trade increasingly driven by politics·       Years of low inflation have distorted markets by allowing unprofitable companies to stay in business·       Global trade terms clearer but the impacts to supply chains still unfolding·       Demographic shifts continue to rise up policymaker agendas·       Trade relationships and the path of AI development are key factors for the sector in future·       At current trajectory, chemicals down-cycle could run for years

European methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) reporter; Gabrielle Jordan and methanol senior editor; Eashani Chavda discusses the supply and demand dynamics of each market as both face atypical, subdued demand in Q3, due to a subpar summer driving season.Topics discussed include: Supply and demand dynamics Increasing import reliance Potential US tariffs and their effects Podcast by Gabrielle Jordan and Eashani Chavda 

As a completely new chemical industry landscape unfolds before us, leaders should harness AI, innovation and consolidation opportunities in high cost regions.  Industry faces structural—not cyclical—challenges Overcapacity and competition squeeze Europe Demand decouples from GDP, shrinking market size AI can boost efficiency and forecasting accuracy. Specialties and low-carbon products need careful thinking Global chemical companies withdraw from Europe Local chemical companies can gain market share via mergers & acquisitions (M&A) M&A and national champions may drive consolidation Defence sector offers immediate, well-funded opportunities  In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Richard Carter from Carter Consultancy and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

In this podcast, join the ICIS global base oils team as they discuss the key drivers impacting the market in H2. Weaker crude complex to weigh on costs Group II supply poised for length Demand weakness persists

Rising overcapacity, AI and protectionism may drive a swift transition in chemical production and markets in the next 5-10 years.-          Commodity chemicals may be produced mainly by large state-owned enterprises-          Smaller, privately-owned companies may switch to high value composites, specialties, low-carbon chemicals-          High-cost regions such as Europe could protect their essential commodity chemicals production-          Protective measures need to be taken in next 3-6 months to rescue EU commodity chemicals-          A lot more commodity capacity closures required to keep operating rates healthy-          AI will have a massive impact on chemical companies and markets-          AI will enable us to navigate and analyse increasingly chaotic markets-          AI could drive job losses, disrupt economies-          Climate change will alter seasonal and geographic demand patterns-          Electronics, property, auto markets are depressed-          Q2 chemicals results are very poor in all regionsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

Join John Richardson, ICIS senior executive, business solutions group, in Episode 4 of Sustainably Speaking along with Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, senior editors for recycling Europe, and Helen McGeough, global analyst team lead for plastic recycling as they discuss the European Commission's proposals to allow mass balance for chemical recycling using a fuel-exempt accounting approach under the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), and what this means for the wider recycling world. Plus, how amendments in the draft Implementing Decision allow for recyclate from outside the EU to count towards the 25% recycled content for polyethylene terephthlate (PET) beverage bottles, as well as whats going on in the wider world of recycling. Some questions answered during this episode:  Why is this draft Implementing Decision on mass balance so important, and what does ‘fuel-exempt' mean?  Will this increase investment in chemical recycling in Europe and what happens if other regions go for a ‘free allocation' approach? What's the impact on global operators working in different markets? Can recyclate made from post-consumer plastic waste placed on third country markets count towards recycled content targets? What does a ‘level playing field' for Europe look like? Will there be a sudden acceleration of chemical recycling projects as Europe's crackers close? Is chemical recycling the solution for mass-scale food contact for polyolefins in Europe by 2030?

From four-year lows for European polypropylene (PP) prices, Dow announcing the closure of its Bohlen cracker, ping-ponging crude oil prices, a key US and EU tariff deal, and some fresh anti-dumping duties in India – June and July have been action packed for PP and polyethylene (PE).ICIS senior editor manager Vicky Ellis and senior editor Ben Lake compare notes with ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally on how Europe and Indian markets match up in July, and what to expect in August.

HOUSTON (ICIS)—US ethylene glycol (EG) markets reporter Melissa Wheeler discusses global market dynamics and factors on the EG markets with Judith Wang, Asia EG Senior Editor, and Nicole Simpson, Europe EG Markets Editor.Market factors discussed include: News regarding China's economic policies boosted market sentiment short-term Global lack of downstream PET demand pulling MEG demand lower US EG supply disruptions due to tariffs Upcoming outages at Shell's North America sites and BASF's Belgium site

The permanent closure of Sabic's cracker and other facilities at Wilton, UK, shows how tough conditions are in Europe with recyclers also feeling the pinch. -          Closure of UK polymer recycling facilities has been a shock to the industry-          European recyclers find it hard to compete against imports, more support for local recycling needed -          Regulations are helping recycling sector, but more action needed-          Outlook for Europe recycling more positive than for base chemicals-          Chemical plant closures remove good quality jobs which are tough to replace-          Wilton, UK site is perfect for development of circular economy-          EU-US 15% tariff deal removes threat of 30% but many questions remainIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews James McLeary, managing director for Biffa Polymers and ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown. 

Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets remain structurally weak, with some players beginning to feel effects of the summer slowdown.Ongoing economic weakness and geopolitical uncertainty continue to dampen sentiment, with activity expected to slow further from late July into August as summer holidays begin.Oxo-alcohols and their derivative markets are not expected to experience significant demand changes in H2 2025.Oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye joins acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

Slowing demand growth and a battle for market share between Saudi Arabia and the US could see crude oil prices drop significantly by the end of the year. -          High oil prices stimulate more production, low prices less-          Saudi Arabia and the US battle for market share-          Global demand for oil is around 100 million barrels/day-          Electric vehicles (EVs) have destroyed 2 million barrel/day of oil demand -          Globally around 20% of vehicle sales are EVs-          Oil prices could fall to $40-$45/barrel by the end of the year-          Oil demand growth weakest in 16 years-          Low oil price is double-edged sword for chemical markets In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

As the existing global trading system crumbles, and overcapacity keeps growing, Europe's chemical industry must move back to a more national or regional business model.  -          Trade war shows global trading system is breaking down-          Chemical industry could move back to a national or regional business model-          Would be a return to pre-1990s industry structure-          Europe has smaller chemical plants, ideal for regional markets-          EU must now act fast to protect chemical and industrial value chains-          China chemicals has been based on 6-8% GDP growth per year-          Now real GDP growth is only 1-4%, according to unofficial estimatesIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

With H1 2025 already in the rear-view mirror, and the summer heatwave upon us once again, the acetone and phenol, and derivative markets, continue to be blighted by difficulties.Demand, pretty much across the board in this value chain as well as for many other products, remains stubbornly weak. Supply is ample in most cases as well, leading to stagnant markets, sluggish spot activity, and contracts doing the majority of the heavy lifting in the markets. In this podcast, Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Sam Lovatt (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss current market conditions, and look forward to H2 2025.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Trade tensions have been in focus for the wider petrochemical markets since US Liberation Day tariffs were announced. In this podcast, propylene editor Julia Tan speaks with ethylene editor Josh Quah to examine how recent tariff developments have impacted the Asian olefins market. Ethylene support collapses with ethane resolution, new downstream demand to cushion drops  US tariff impact to trickle up from end use sectors  Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange announces propylene futures, beginning 22 July

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asian methanol prices have experienced a lot of volatility over the last few weeks, due to geopolitical concerns in the Middle East. While most production returned to normal in early July, some questions still remain around demand, both in India and the rest of Asia. Production in Iran, southeast Asia returns to normal US tariffs, seasonal factors to affect demand from downstream applications MTO run rates in China may be adjusted in July, margins may narrow In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Doris He and Damini Dabholkar discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

European politicians must decide if they want to save the region's chemical industry as the wave of energy-intensive closures continues. -          Dow to close cracker at Bohlen, Germany plus two other sites with loss of 800 jobs-          More than 5 million tonnes/year of ethylene capacity now under threat in Europe-          Industry still faces high energy costs, regulatory burdens, unfair competition-          China will continue to add capacity at least to 2030-          China chemical plants running at higher-than-expected operating rates-          Importing ethylene and propylene can be expensive-          Political support will be vital to save Europe's chemical industry-          New US tariffs may see two-tier chemical markets emerge in Asia-          Uncertainty and chaos likely to persist

LONDON (ICIS)--As geopolitical tensions have cooled, the chemicals industry did not have time to react to the spike in oil prices, and the seasonal demand drop in Europe could be more severe than the traditional summer lull. China polypropylene flooding global market, outpacing domestic demand Chemicals industry as leading indicator warns of wider economic ill health Shutdown of plants in Europe is massive crisis Vietnam 20% tariff from US will weigh on both economies Risks of US cutting social security, international relief funding Key economies not as strong as presented Climate change needs to be a priority for businesses CEO beset with challenging conditions Working patterns reshaped by climate change Stark landscape provides opportunities for innovators to thrive In this Think Tank podcast, Morgan Condon interviews John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

In this podcast, market editors Zubair Adam (MX) and Miguel Rodriguez Fernandez (PX, OX) showcase the low levels of consumption in Europe.

China's expansion of its carbon market and the EU's implementation of CBAM are reshaping the landscape for high-emission industries. Steel, aluminum and cement are under increasing pressure to decarbonize, and hydrogen is emerging as a strategic solution.In this podcast, ICIS analysts Patricia Tao and Lewis Unstead compare China and Europe's approaches to decarbonizing heavy industry, and discuss the role of hydrogen in this transformation.

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets continue to be blighted weak downstream demand in June with key end-use segments, including automotive, construction and paints and coatings remaining sluggish.Acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech talks with glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch and oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

Europe's chemical distribution sector is bracing for the impact of multiple geopolitical and economic challenges, including the Israel/Iran conflict. -          All Iran's mono ethylene glycol (MEG), urea, ammonia and methanol facilities have been shut down -          For methanol this represents more than 9% of global capacity, for MEG it is 3%-          Brent crude spiked from $65 to almost  $75/bbl, reports of attacks on gas fields and oil infrastructure-          If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz this will severely disrupt oil and LNG markets -          Expect extended period of volatility and instability in the Middle East-          European distributors brace for a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world-          Suffer prolonged period of poor demand, in tandem with producers, with no sign of an upturn-          Global overcapacity driven by China, subsequent wave of production closures across Europe both a threat and opportunity for distributors-          Suppliers and customers turn to distributors to help navigate impact of tariffs and geopolitical disruptionClick here to download the 2025 ICIS Top 100 Chemical DIstributors list.In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Dorothee Arns, director general of the European Association of Chemical Distributors and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

The worst chemicals downturn in living memory is forcing ratings agencies to downgrade more companies and raising fears of bankruptcies. -          Chemical company earnings have been bottom-of-cycle since 2023-          Leverage (borrowing) is high compared to historical levels-          Low earnings increase pressure on leverage, raises risk of default-          Fitch has downgraded more chemical companies over last 12-18 months-          Extended trough in chemicals may lead to bankruptcies-          Operating rates have not recovered as they did after Global Financial Crisis-          Fitch expects gradual recovery from 2026-          A lot more closures needed to rebalance market – could delay recovery-          Ratings agencies look at company costs, strategies and compare to peers-          Diversification of geography and product helps manage riskIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Guillaume Daguerre who leads Europe chemicals for ratings agency Fitch, John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. Click here to register for the ICIS/European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc) distributors CEO round table on Monday 16 June. 

HOUSTON (ICIS)—US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Markets Reporter Melissa Wheeler, Vice President of the North America PET/Polyester Chain, Antulio Borneo, Senior Recycled Plastics Editor, Emily Friedman, Latin America PET Senior Markets Editor, Daniel Lopes discuss the implications to the virgin PET and recycled PET (R-PET) markets as a result of tariffs and anti-dumping duties.PET and R-PET market factors discussed include: US PET, R-PET demand outlook for peak summer season Canada's anti-dumping duties (ADD) investigation on China, Pakistan R-PET, PET production and capacity changes Latin America PET protectionism continues

Recent revisions of recycled content targets from major brands have led to questions about just how committed companies are to reducing their consumption of virgin plastic - but what are the underlying issues behind such decision? In this third episode of Sustainably Speaking, ICIS' Senior Executive, Business Solutions Group John Richardson is joined by Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, Senior Editors for Recycling  Europe, and Helen McGeough, Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastic Recycling at ICIS to dive deeper into this topic.  Key topics covered during the discussion include:   Revised down recycled content targets do not mean lower recyclate demand The impact on current and future investment decisions for both mechanical and chemical recycling  The importance of improving access to good quality feedstock The role of consumers and consumer pressure  Spreads between packaging and non-packaging grades remain high, particularly for recycled polyolefins  The impact of regulation on the US and European markets

As chemical producers gain access to more renewable energy, and portfolios evolve, distributors and downstream customers can look forward to more availability of low carbon, low fossil content products. -          Distributors can help communicate sustainability data up and down industrial value chains-          Full lifecycle analysis is required to truly measure a product's environmental footprint   -          Vital to have standard measurements for carbon footprint-          Chemical industry has a 25-year innovation cycle, more investment needed to accelerate this-          Wave of low carbon products expected in next 2-3 years -          Azelis is sticking to its environmental targets-          Customers drive demand for more low carbon products-          Renewable energy will cut fossil content of distributor product portfolios-          Smaller chemical companies drive low carbon innovation in Asia-          Reshoring will drive national or regional chemical value chains