ICIS - chemical podcasts

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen a subdued level of activity in December amid ample supply across derivative markets and sluggish demand.For 2026, many remain sceptical surrounding the prospect of demand recovery tied in part to the potential of infrastructure spending and any resolution to ongoing geopolitical issues.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech about market conditions and expectations for the near future.

In the second of a two-part Sustainably Speaking podcast special, Helen McGeough, ICIS Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastics Recycling talks to long-standing veterans of the European recycling industry about the current state of the market and steps for the future.In Part 2, Helen is joined by Bernard Merkx who has an extensive background in the recycling industry and is the former President of Plastics Recyclers Europe, to take a look at the challenges still facing the recycling markets today, including: Risk of bankruptcies, high energy costs and price volatility to persist to 2027 New recycling capacities focused on packaging at the expense of the automotive and construction sector despite upcoming recycled content targets How imports into the EU remain essential in the short-term  Plus some calls to action for Europe's recycling industry

With the prospect of global overcapacity easing from around 2030, Middle East petrochemical players are debating how to monetise their plentiful natural gas supplies.  Middle East producers plan a major new capacity wave after 2030,  Long‑term strategy centres on monetising hydrocarbons beyond 2030 China's overcapacity cycle may ease by around 2030,  Debate about staying focused on simple, large‑volume commodity grades or moves into higher‑value or specialty polymers Climate‑driven demographic and economic pressures in the Global South could reshape demand Chinese competition in high‑value chemicals is intensifying Maintaining strong ties with China remains important today Massive crude oil‑to‑chemicals (COTC) ambitions are being moderated Partnerships and M&A are key tools for Middle East companies to secure technology, expand globally, and balance portfolios   In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior consultant John Richardson. Download a special issue of ICIS Chemical Business with full coverage of the recent Gulf Petrochemical Association (GPCA) event. 

In the first of a two-part Sustainably Speaking podcast special, Helen McGeough, ICIS Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastics Recycling talks to long-standing veterans of the European recycling industry about the current state of the market and steps for the future.In Part 1, Helen speaks to Dr Michael Scriba about the current downturn in Europe's recycling sector and discusses topics such as: What factors contribute towards the current prolonged industry downturn Industry barries such as lack of approval for polyolefins for use in food contact applications Large-scale adoption unlikely until 2030 Lack of a robust European collection and sorting system for many recycled polymers Key actions needed such as interim targets from 2026 to bridge the gap to 2030 goals

Remarks by French president Emmanuel Macron suggest a tougher approach to protecting Europe as global chemicals move towards a 2028 bottom of cycle. -          Ethylene, propylene capacity additions to accelerate, peak in 2027 -          2028 bottom of the cycle, project delays could push this out to 2029-          2000-2028 almost 75% of global capacity additions for key building blocks have been in China -          Final investment decision (FID)-to-on spec production can be only 2.5 years in China, so risk of further projects adding to the problem -          China additions may slow from 2030 due to peak carbon goals-          Fight for survival for producers in Europe and Asia-          To balance markets around 24m tonnes of ethylene closures required – equivalent to demand of Europe, Former USSR and Africa -          26m tonnes of propylene closures required - equivalent to capacity of Europe, Former USSR and Africa-          Olefins demand at 30-year low in Europe, to 1990s levels, and will not revive-          Signs of a more protectionist approach by Europe to save industrial base-          Producers in China are also suffering from overcapacity, losing money-          China exported more chemicals than the US or Middle East in Q2 2025-          Trinseo closure, INEOS Quattro ratings downgrade spell more bad news 

Asian spot prices for butadiene (BD) are rebounding, after a prolonged period of declines, as supply tightens on various unplanned grounds, but the supply losses may be minimised if China exports rise.  Join ICIS Asian BD editors Elaine Zhang and Ai Teng Lim, as well as Senior Analyst Ann Sun, as they discuss current Asian BD market developments and a near term outlook.  

Since the US Liberation Day, chemical prices and margins have plummeted, while tariffs are also accelerating the end of existing globalised business models of trade. -          Tariffs are altering decades of globalized trade patterns, pushing economies toward protectionism-          Chemical prices and volumes have plummeted since Liberation Day on 2 April-          Export-oriented business models under threat, particularly for US chemical companies-          Average US tariffs surged from 2.4% to 28% before settling around 16.8%, the highest since 1935 during the Great Depression-          Future strategy must focus on regional supply chains and production capabilities, reducing reliance on global exports-          Rising geopolitical tensions and NATO uncertainties mean chemicals for defence could become a major growth area-          Localized production will drive demand for recycling, acceptance of mass balance approach needed-          Grupa Azoty Polyolefins bankruptcy shows vulnerability of European chemical projects in an oversupplied global market -          Regionalization trend already accelerating companies like BASF touting local capacity as a competitive advantage amid tariff uncertainty-          Expect consolidation into fewer, larger producers in Europe, while smaller players may shut down or transition to specialties/low carbon production

China has a huge impact on the global chemical industry in terms of supply and demand so analysis of future demographic and economic trends is important for business leaders. -          Huge variation in forecasts for changes in population-          Chemicals demand growth scenario planning is vital-          Must take into account China's success in technology and exports-          Demand boost if export earnings are funnelled back into pension and healthcare reforms-          ICIS base case 2025-2050 sees 2% polyolefins demand growth per annum, down from  10% between 1992 and 2024-          More container traffic may return to the Suez Canal if ceasefire holds

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets remain structurally weak, as participants keep inventories lean or actively destock, further reducing spot market activity.Market participants are now prioritizing inventory management and 2026 contract talks, with fundamentals expected to remain largely unchanged through year-end.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.

The decision by ExxonMobil to close its ethane cracker in Scotland shows there is a need for faster action by lawmakers across Europe and more innovative thinking to safeguard the region's chemical industry.   -          ExxonMobil to close its 830,000 tonnes/year, ethane-fed Fife Ethylene Plant -          Questions over availability of North Sea ethane to feed the plant-          Around $1 billion investment reportedly needed to revamp plant-          Rising defence spending offers opportunities-          Chemicals can switch to more technical and service-based products-          INEOS preparing anti-dumping duties cases to protect its business-          Europe must fight for its innovation advantage, other regions getting stronger-          Aging population in Europe is a drag on demand

Europe butadiene (BD) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the current market conditions and challenges facing the global market with editors Ai Teng Lim, Stephanie Cervantes and BD analyst Gawaine Preston. BD Asia prices hit two-year lows in November due to heavy deep-sea imports from Europe, US, and South America. NE Asia received 250,000 tonnes of deep-sea cargoes in first three quarters of 2025 (up 100,000 tonnes versus 2024). Local production in China impacted by maintenance; BR futures may influence BD pricing sentiment European export prices to Asia dropped sharply, indications below naphtha cost January-July 2025 European BD exports to Asia four times larger than 2024 volumes Local European demand underperforming; suppliers extracting less BD Crude C4 (CC4) length persists despite low cracker rates Longer term CC4 availability in Europe diminished due to cracker closures Domestic US market steady to long; tire imports from Asia hurt US tire manufacturing. US BD production stable; supply long; prices near breakeven resulting in suppliers considering or undergoing co-cracking activities Minor Q1 turnaround in 2026 running concurrently alongside major cracker turnaround could keep supply and demand fundamentals balanced Additional reporting from Industry Analysts Elaine Zhang and Ann Sun. 

As the year draws to a close, weak underlying demand persists in the European acetone, phenol and derivatives chain in a fragile macro climate, compounded by year-end inventory and working capital considerations. Other headwinds include global overcapacity led by Asia and profitability struggles in Europe in the face of high costs which have led to rationalisation plans in Europe in the chain and broader industry.Heidi Finch senior editor covering the European BPA and epoxy resins markets is joined by: Jane Gibson covering the acetone and phenol markets, Mat Jolin-Beech covering MMA,  Sam Lovatt covering PC and VIP guest Michele Bossi - analyst for the chain. 

Chemical markets across Asia are seeing more trade flows from low cost producers such as China and the US as competition grows amid rising overcapacity.-          Asia downstream markets not expected to recover until 2027/8-          Low cost producers such as US, China, competing for market share-          US tariffs, sanctions disrupting regional chemical markets-          Moves in China, South Korea, Japan to close uncompetitive plants may help rebalance markets-          China producers are exporting to other regions, such as Latin America-          New China acetic acid plants add 10% to capacity in 2025-          Downstream demand growth not keeping pace-          Since the podcast was recorded on 3 November, a major plant has shut, driving up demand for imports into India, potentially widening arbitrage for Atlantic spot trades  -          In China, retirement of older acetic acid plants unlikely to offset capacity addition in near future 

Senior Editor Vicky Ellis is joined by colleagues Senior Editor Ben Lake and Markets Editor Anne-Sophie Briant-Vaghela to discuss the a generally weak October polymer market.  They also discuss the outlook for November, in what has been a disappointing year for many in the polymer business. 

Senior Editor Vicky Ellis is joined by colleagues Senior Editor Ben Lake and Markets Editor Anne-Sophie Briant-Vaghela to discuss the a generally weak October polymer market.  They also discuss the outlook for November, in what has been a disappointing year for many in the polymer business. 

With low-carbon fuels facing multiple challenges including poor demand, feedstock constraints and policy uncertainty, catalysts can help solve technology roadblocks in this emerging global market. Biofuels face competition from electrification and hydrogen Feedstock shortages hinder scale-up of biofuels Shell and BP cancel major biorefinery projects in Rotterdam, Netherlands Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) costs up to five times more than jet kerosene Regulatory mandates not rising quickly enough to stimulate demand Catalyst innovation boosts e-fuels efficiency, reduces energy use Industry needs incentives, clarity and global cooperation In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham and ICIS biofuels editor Nazif Nazmul interview Andreas Bachmeier, head of business development & energy transition at Clariant.

HOUSTON (ICIS) -- US ethylene glycol (EG) and ethylene oxide (EO) markets reporter, Melissa Wheeler is joined by Vice President of North America polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/polyester chain, and Senior Data Analyst for US EO acrylonitrile and PX, Monica Losey, to discuss operating rates on the US EO and EG markets for the remainder of the year and potential factors contributing to reducing or increasing rates into the new year.·         US EG continues to be hampered by weak PET demand·         EO derivative production outside of EG to continue to trend upward into 2026·         No expected turnarounds, planned outages for remainder of 2025

LONDON (ICIS)-- European oxo alcohols and derivatives markets remained largely unaffected by recent port strikes and maintenance shutdowns, with supply chains holding steady throughout October.Demand, however, continues to be weak due to macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, keeping spot interest low. Glycol ethers and acrylate esters also saw minimal disruption, with stable pricing and subdued sentiment.As 2026 contract talks begin, many buyers are considering shifting from long-term agreements to spot purchases, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and cautious market outlooks.Acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, is joined by oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

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.