ICIS - chemical podcasts

The Middle East conflict has affected fertilizer markets pushing prices up due to tight availability and leading to demand destruction in some regions.In this podcast, urea editor Deepika Thapliyal, sulphur editor Manuja Pandey, phosphates editor Chris Vlachopoulos, sulphuric acid editor Andy Hemphill and ammonia editor Sylvia Traganida discuss the latest market developments. ·       Urea prices jump on tight availability, drop in demand on low affordability·       Sulphur supply tightness leads to two-tier market for industrial users and fertilizer producers·       China export ban of sulphuric acid pushes prices to record highs·       Concerns arise in Europe on farmer affordability leading to phosphates demand destruction·       Lack of ammonia availability from the Middle East pushes Asian prices up and makes buyers look eastward for product 

Investment in innovation remains critical to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the chemical industry, despite the current geopolitical chaos and challenging macroeconomic environment. Innovation is essential for differentiation, long‑term growth and sustainability, not just short‑term commercial success Chemical companies must continue investing in R&D during uncertain periods rather than adopting a “stop‑and‑go” approach Sustainability‑driven innovation is increasingly central to business resilience, customer trust and regulatory compliance Open innovation and partnerships with customers, suppliers, academics and startups are becoming more important than internal R&D alone Digitalisation and AI can help structure vast amounts of unstructured data and support faster, more informed decision‑making Product‑level carbon transparency and credible sustainability data are emerging as competitive necessities New materials enabling recyclability – such as debondable adhesives – illustrate how innovation can link performance and circularity Shifts away from fossil feedstocks towards recycling, renewable raw materials and CO2 utilisation will accelerate over the next decade Regionalisation of supply chains and circular economy solutions are likely to gain momentum amid geopolitical fragmentation Entering innovation awards helps companies benchmark progress, gain credibility and increase the visibility of their innovations Enter the ICIS Innovation Awards! Deadline 12 June. In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Innovation awards judges Alessia Ielo, global sustainable solutions manager for Brenntag; Denis Bortzmeyer, scientific director for open innovation at Arkema and Eric de Deckere, executive director innovation at Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council). 

Asian propylene (C3) supply has been shrinking with the ongoing shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Supply tightness is expected to persist and support the market as feedstock availability and cost pressure remain key problems, weighing down regional plants' operating rates. Downstream demand and end-use consumption, however, are facing greater uncertainties as the geopolitical tensions weaken the global economic outlook, which could cloud the upside potential of propylene.In this podcast, ICIS editors Seymour Chenxia and Joy Foo, together with ICIS senior analyst Joey Zhou, Doris He and Lillian Ren revisit Asian propylene price trends since the Middle East conflicts, discuss price forecast, supply/demand conditions and outlook and trade flow changes. 

Even if the current shaky ceasefire becomes permanent, the complexities of repairing and restarting chemical plants means global markets will have to wait 12-18 months for regional operations to return to normal. -          Restarting chemical plants is complex and requires external technical experts who will be in short supply-          Plant restarts require huge amounts of energy, which will overstretch power networks if multiple plants try to fire up-          Logistics logjams will add further delays to restart plans-          Personnel are no longer on site and will have to return-          It will take 12-18 months for Middle East production to ramp up-          Europe and Asia will be lucky to receive Middle East trade flows by the end of the year -          Europe's chemical industry could see a renaissance if industrial customers return to local sourcing-          Europe is becoming cost-competitive again

LONDON (ICIS)--Butadiene prices have surged globally following Middle East supply disruptions linked to the US‑Iran conflict. Europe BD editor Melissa Hurley discusses the current market conditions and challenges facing the global market with editors Ai Teng Lim, Elaine Zhang and Senior BD analysts Gawaine Preston (Europe) and Ann Sun (Asia) and Preeti Sriram covering (US). Asia Asian butadiene output losses could to deepen into April and beyond, as the ongoing Middle East conflict shows no sign of easing, limiting any near‑term recovery in regional BD production. Synthetic rubber producers considering further production cuts in April given the ongoing tight supply and higher BD prices Europe Soaring naphtha costs pushed BD producer margins negative in March, resulting in a sharp triple‑digit rise in the April contract price - up 50% month-on-month  Export prices surged around 80% month on month in March Tight availability amid planned BD/cracker turnarounds making it challenging to export volumes towards Asia US marketUS BD prices also rising, but spot export supply remains tight due to outages and turnarounds

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets are in significant flux as volatility spikes off the back of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and associated severe shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Supply constraints and rising costs are heavily impacting sentiment into late March with sellers pushing hard for price increases across the board.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.

Surging inflationary pressures and dwindling economic growth expectations are pushing parts of the global economy towards the kind of stagflationary footing seen during the 1970s oil crisis, while supply shocks and feedstock surges are starting to remap chemicals flows once again.  ·       European chemical markets have flipped from oversupply to tightness·       Supply disruptions in Asia and the need to source material may reduce flows to Europe·       China is better-equipped to deal with the Strait of Hormuz closure than many of its neighbours·       The crisis could prompt Asia Pacific players to re-evaluate their heavy reliance on Middle Eastern feedstocks·       The US chemical industry is comparatively insulated and profiting from the turmoil: with abundant domestic oil, gas and cheap ethane·       Economic sentiment is weakening as conflict-driven costs ripple through the global economy

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The ongoing US and Israel-led conflict in the Middle East has disrupted crucial flows of naphtha feedstock to cracker operators across Asia.With about 60% of Asia's naphtha imports typically sourced from the Middle East, the region remains vulnerable to widespread cracker run‑rate cuts and temporary shutdowns, with the effect cascading through the ethylene (C2) value chain. Naphtha shortages force Asia producers to cut C2, PE op rates Market participants look to China for alternative SM supply amid tightening availability PVC margins hold firm on adequate inventories, steady downstream demand This is the second installment of a two-part podcast.In part one, ICIS senior editors Josh Quah and Izham Ahmad examine how tightening feedstock availability is pressuring cracker operating rates and reshaping sentiment in the C2 and polyethylene (PE) markets.In part two, ICIS senior editor Luffy Wu and ICIS market analyst Jonathan Chou discuss how the disruption is filtering downstream into the styrene monomer (SM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets, and what participants can expect in the weeks ahead.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted crucial flows of naphtha feedstock to cracker operators across Asia. With about 60% of Asia's naphtha imports typically sourced from the Middle East, the region remains vulnerable to widespread cracker run‑rate cuts and temporary shutdowns, with the effect cascading through the ethylene value chain.• Naphtha shortages force Asia producers to cut C2 and PE operating rates• Market participants look to China for alternative SM supply amid tightening availability• PVC margins hold firm on adequate inventories and steady downstream demandIn part one of this podcast, market editors Josh Quah and Izham Ahmad examine how tightening feedstock availability is pressuring cracker operating rates and reshaping sentiment in the ethylene (C2) and polyethylene (PE) markets.In part two, market editors Luffy Wu and Jonathan Chou discuss how the disruption is filtering downstream into the styrene monomer (SM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets, and what participants can expect in the weeks ahead.

In this episode of ICIS Chemical Connections, we unpack how geopolitical tensions have driven sharp divergence in methanol prices across Asia—and how that volatility is feeding through into the acetic acid market. We explore why China looks structurally different, where demand is failing to keep up outside China, and what this means for producers across the region.Key takeaways Methanol shock drives regional divergence Supply exposure explains the widening price gap: China's coal‑based methanol production has cushioned the shock, while import‑dependent markets in Northeast and Southeast Asia have seen faster and sharper price spikes. Acetic acid rally is cost‑push, not demand‑led In China, acetic acid prices have lagged methanol as supply remains resilient and margins stay positive; outside China, higher offers linked to methanol are running into resistance from weak downstream demand—especially in VAM. Asia ex‑China faces limited outlets as India demand strains Spot volumes freed up by VAM run cuts have flowed into India, but panic buying is fading, gas curtailments are weighing on downstream demand, and narrowing China–India arbitrage raises the risk of broader run‑rate adjustments.

Recycling Editors Sam Lovatt and Matt Tudball speak about the indirect impact the Middle East conflict is having on the recycled polymers markets in Europe, and why some markets such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) are feeling the consequences much quicker than recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled polypropylene (rPP). Topics covered include: Indirect impact of virgin polymer price rises Reaction from recycled market participants  How rising fuel costs factor into recycled markets Concerns about higher energy and production costs Longer-term impact of the conflict on consumer spending

Europe sources far less of its chemical feedstocks from the Middle East than Asia, meaning it is more insulated from the direct impact of the war. -          Europe naphtha markets much less dependent on Middle East than Asia-          Europe only gets 30% of its crude from the Middle East compared to 60% for Asia-          Opening of INEOS Project ONE ethane-based cracker may force closure of naphtha-fed crackers-          Oil product markets have tightened faster than crude-          Margins for oil refineries which can access crude oil are rising -          Alternatives to bypass Strait of Hormuz limited – maximum 5 million barrels/day compared to 20 million barrels/day before the conflict -          ICIS forecasts crude oil demand growth will plateau from 2028-          Petrochemicals, aviation fuel will drive demand growth-          Most advantaged refineries combine good feedstock supply, flexibility and market access-          Other refineries will have to adopt innovative strategies to survive and thriveIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior analysts David Jorbenaze and Paolo Scafetta.  

LONDON (ICIS)--The US-Israeli-led war against Iran has unleashed extreme volatility across chemical markets, with base oils prices rallying in the first half of March on the back of production woes, spikes in feedstock and shipping costs and supply chain disruption.The latest attacks are set to cripple the market as the hit on QatarEnergy's Pearl gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility is set to keep 2m tonnes of base oils offline for a minimum of a year.The ICIS Base oils team looked at the key drivers and what to watch out for next.Amanda Hay, Lucas Hall, Sophie Udubasceanu, Sam Wright, Michael Connolly, Michelle Liew, Olivia Dai and Whitney Shi discuss the global outlook for base oils.Additional reporting by Jean Zou and Lynn Tan

With Asian chemical producers forced to cut operating rates through lack of Middle East feedstocks, it is time for industry leaders to move to a more regional business model.-          Chemical industry has relied for decades on global supply chains-          Asia crackers forced to cut operating rates as Middle East raw materials dry up-          “Just in time” stocks need to be increased to “Just in case”-          CEOs may rethink, consider more local, less vulnerable supply chain options-          World may regroup into three trading zones focussed on Americas, China/Asia, Europe-          High levels of debt will make companies much more cautious-          Trading, pricing of chemicals has become very complicated in chaotic upstream environmentIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

Europe acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) editor Stephanie Wix, Asia ABS Senior Editor Angeline Soh, and Senior Data Analyst Yolanda Chen discuss the impact of the recently confirmed definitive anti‑dumping duties (ADD's) on ABS imports from South Korea and Taiwan, with host Aviva Zhang, Global Lead for Styrenics and Industry Analyst for Styrene China.The team examines how the duties are reshaping trade flows, the continued weakness in Europe ABS demand, the shifting strategies among Asian producers, and the indirect risks from rising geopolitical tensions on upstream styrene costs and freight routes. European Commission confirmed definitive anti-dumping duties on 13 February 2026 Taiwan loses further European market share; China sees limited but growing opportunities European demand remains subdued; buyers reassess import options Asia sees seasonal demand improvement but lower overall 2026 growth expectations US–Iran tensions may tighten styrene supply and extend import lead times for ABS and upstream styrene

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's naphtha inventories are rapidly depleting as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which around 20% of global crude supply passes.With crude oil exports from the Middle East constrained, naphtha resupply to Asia has tightened sharply. Estimates suggest Asian petrochemical producers are holding just two to three weeks of working inventory, raising concerns that prolonged disruption could trigger run cuts or even major shutdowns if replenishment fails to materialize.In this podcast, ICIS principle analyst Darryl Xu breaks down how the Middle East conflict is constraining naphtha availability to Asia, and the potential downstream impact on steam crackers across the region. US-Iran conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz, preventing Middle East crude exports Asian producers adjust run rates to manage depleting naphtha inventories Middle East refiners face pressure to export amid limited product containment

The Plastics Recycling Conference has just wrapped up at the end of February in San Diego, California, here is some key insights from the event. Podcast hosted by Senior Analyst Corbin Olson, joined by analyst team lead Andrea Bassetti and analyst Joshua Dill. Key topics covered include: - Shifts in supply and demand for recycled plastics - Impacts of imported recycled plastics on the domestic market- Insights into the pricing dynamics in the US plastics recycling market

ICIS experts discuss the immediate and longer-term impact of the Middle East conflict with rising prices likely to fuel inflation, hurting downstream demand. -          Crude oil spike cushioned by reserves, “wait and see” attitude-          Duration of war is the key to impact on all commodities-          Oil prices could spike to triple figures, trigger talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz-          Qatari LNG plant is biggest in the world and has been shut down-          Around 20% of global LNG supply has been cut off -          Power, carbon prices see changed dynamics-          Record high sulphur prices may now move even higher-          Other fertilizer prices rising, urea faces particular challenges-          Supply shock ahead of planting season will pressure farmers-          Food prices likely to rise-          Chemical producers may struggle to pass on price hikes, pressuring margins-          Lack of Middle East chemicals and feedstocks already hurting Asia, may impact Europe-          Europe chemicals could gain if local customers return to more local sourcing during war Navigate to 01:24 for crude oil commentary, 09:43 for natural gas, 17:43 for power, 23:18 for fertilizers and 37:00 for chemicals. In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown, ICIS head of oil markets Ajay Parmar, ICIS gas editor Ed Cox, ICIS power editor Andrea Battaglia, Andy Hemphill and Deepika Thapliyal from the ICIS fertilizer team and Tom  Brown, ICIS Insight editor.  

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Although upstream crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) costs have risen in Asia, oleochemicals buyers are adopting a cautious stance, having largely stocked up prior to the Chinese New Year in mid-February, and are not under pressure to lock in near term shipments.The overlying sentiment is one where the oleochemicals prices will be under upward pressure regardless of whether demand is strong enough to support the price hikes, given the compressed margins from escalating upstream costs and spike in freight costs.In this podcast, ICIS senior editor Helen Yan breaks down the impact of the Iran war and escalating military conflict in the Middle East on the Asian oleochemicals markets. Upstream CPO, PKO prices have risen amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East Glycerine, fatty alcohols mid-cuts C12-14 spot prices revised up on higher upstream CPO, PKO costs Players are monitoring the volatile situation, with buyers largely adopting a prudent stance  

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asia's base oils market is in a period of adjustment, with narrowing light–heavy grade spreads, rising regional supply and evolving trade relationships reshaping sentiment. Heavy-grade premiums in Group II have sharply corrected, while upcoming turnarounds may lend short-term support to lighter grades. New capacities across Singapore, India and Saudi Arabia are set to heighten competition, alongside China's growing export ambitions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Meanwhile, discussions around a potential US–India trade deal and India's expanding crude sourcing options add further uncertainty to future cost structures and import flows.In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Michelle Liew and Olivia Dai break down key takeaways from the 30th ICIS World Base Oils & Lubricants Conference and discuss how capacity expansion, changing trade patterns and policy developments are shaping the outlook for Asia's base oils market. Light–heavy grade spreads in Group II narrow sharply New capacities in Singapore, India and Saudi Arabia expected to intensify competition China's structural export growth and evolving US–India trade relations to influence future trade flows

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have largely been driven by supply factors and upstream movements, as underlying demand remains subdued on continued wider economic weakness and geopolitical tensions.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.

Join Mark Victory, Senior Editor, Recycling at ICIS as he asks Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and president of industry association Chemical Recycling Europe, and Egor Dementev, ICIS EMEA recycling analytics team lead about mass balance accounting and the future of the chemical recycling industry following the publishing of the  Single Use Plastic Directive implementing act.Key topics covered include: Mass balance accounting rules and how the final version differs from the draft SUPD implementing act The role of competition with other circular plastic routes and how it might shape chemical recycling's future What success looks like for chemical recycling in 2026 ICIS assesses more than 100 grades throughout the circular plastic value chain globally – from waste bales through to pellets. This includes recycled polyethylene (R-PE), recycled PET (R-PET), R-PP, mixed plastic waste, agglomerates, pyrolysis oil and bio-naphtha.  For more information on ICIS' recycled plastic products, please contact the ICIS recycling team at recycling@icis.com

The UK chemical industry needs more swift and powerful regulatory support to save it from further erosion as production falls by more than half compared to 2021 levels. -          25 UK chemicals closures since 2021, country now only has one cracker-          Massive social impact of closures, often in deprived areas-          UK no longer produces some critical chemicals-          Lost UK chemical production could reach 55-60% from 2021 levels-          UK needs much more powerful government policy shift to save industry-          UK chemicals sees toughest business environment for many years-          Slight pick up expected in 2026-          For 2026, chemicals output forecast to contract in US, tepid growth in Europe, China-          India forecast 7% in chemicals output for 2026-          More protection needed against China, which has moved up the chemicals value chain and subsidises productionIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Stephen Elliott, CEO of the UK Chemical Industries Association and ICIS market development director John Richardson.

LONDON (ICIS)--European ammonia and acrylonitrile (ACN) players are facing supply and demand challenges while regulatory changes, including the recently enforced carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), are further complicating the market picture. In this podcast, European ACN editor Nicole Simpson speaks to global ammonia editor Sylvia Tranganida about the likely outlook for the markets. ·       European ACN market operating at reduced rates as European industry in decline·       Russian ACN imports virtually gone following new EU sanctions in December ·       China's ACN overcapacity is growing but infrastructure for exports is lacking ·       ACN demand set to remain soft, well served by existing contracts ·       CBAM creating discontent in ammonia market ·       Ammonia imports into Europe slowing after CBAM enforced·       Tight supply in global ammonia market ·       Natural gas supply a concern for ammonia players ·       Ammonia demand set to pick up in spring for seasonal reasons

Matt Tudball, Senior Editor, Recycling talks to Carolina Perujo Holland, Senior Analyst Plastics Recycling for EMEA, and Salmon Aidan Lee, Principle for Recycled and Virgin Polyesters in Asia about their highlights from the 2026 PETCORE Europe Annual Conference. The event took place on 5-6 February in Rome, with a packed audience covering both the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (rPET) markets, and much more. Highlights include:  Global PET and polyester overcapacity Recycling as both challenge and opportunity  EU regulation and uncertainty  Imports and trade impacts  Emerging sustainability drivers across markets  Rapid developments in Asia's recycling landscape

EU and industry leaders meet in Belgium to call for urgent action to stop and reverse the erosion of the region's industrial value chains. -          New Antwerp meeting of industry leaders and EU leaders aims to speed up moves to save chemicals and other heavy industry-          Industry is in crisis and action is required right now to stop further deindustrialisation -          EU must move to a federal structure to allow for swift decision-making and more powerful tools to support it-          Coalition of the willing to get action without full consensus-          Rising tide of regulation needs to be reversed-          Criticism of member states for “gold-plating” EU regulations, adding new rules at national level-          Proper pan-European energy market is required-          Podcast was recorded on Thursday 12 February

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's phenol, acetone and derivatives markets have entered 2026 under pressure, with weak demand and rising costs shaping the markets.Jane Gibson covering the Acetone and phenol editor Jane Gibson is joined by Mat Jolin-Beech covering MMA, Heidi Finch senior editor covering the European BPA and epoxy resins, Sam Lovatt covering PC and Michele Bossi - analyst for the chain.

Join Egor Dementev, ICIS EMEA recycling analytics team lead, as he asks Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and President of industry association Chemical Recycling Europe, and ICIS senior editor recycling Mark Victory about Chemical recycling regulation following the passing of the implementing act on mass balance accounting under the Single Use Plastic Directive, and the future of the industry.   The Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) implementing act which sets out the mass balance approach for chemically recycled PET End of Waste Status for pyrolysis oil and the Winter Package The need for investment in chemical recycling regardless of regulatory clarity The volume of recycled material needed for food-contact applications by 2030 and 2040 Chemical recycling demand through to 2030

Improving sentiment in manufacturing, especially in the US, raises hopes of a turning point, but industry needs strong action to save it, especially in Europe. -          Big jump in US purchasing manager indices (PMIs) with Europe and China moving in the right direction-          New report by Roland Berger highlights Europe's chemicals crisis-          Rising costs, poor demand, continue to pressurise margins-          New Antwerp Declaration expected next week -          Storms, cold weather bring chaos to Europe, disrupting logisticsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

LONDON (ICIS)--A mix of regulatory changes, feedstock volatility and global economic factors is transforming the global oleochemicals market.In this latest podcast, senior editors Helen Yan, Eashani Chavda and Lucas Hall and joins markets editor Nazif Nazmul to share the latest developments and expectations ahead of the Palm and Lauric Oils Conference (POC) being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 9-11 February. Asia crude glycerine up on Indonesia export tax hike to 10% Adequate US oleochemical supply catering to relatively soft demand Europe fatty alcohols C12-14 spot prices rise by double-digits, bolstered by PKO spikes

Is China's polyethylene market heading for a crash or a recovery? In the latest ICIS podcast, senior industry analyst Joanne Wang sits down with Amy Yu ,  Asian PE lead from Analytical team to dive into the "tug-of-war" defining 2026. Together, they break down how the 6.2 million-tonne capacity surge is clashing with sudden price shocks caused by Middle East tensions.

Europe's chemical distributors' margins are under pressure as geopolitics roils the global economy, but they are also flexing to new business models for future growth.-          Cost inflation impacting margins for distributors – logistics, energy, labor, working capital -          Tougher to pass price increases to customers-          Intense competition from cheap imports into Europe-          Economic uncertainty affecting customer confidence-          New business models needed as the old global world order changes -          Distributors, being less asset-heavy, are well placed to adapt to changing trade flows and tariffs-          Unstable tariff regimes are bad for demand due to the uncertainty they create-          Tariffs can cause a whiplash as flows redirected to other regions

Join Egor Dementev, lead of the ICIS EMEA Recycling Analytics team as he asks Director General of the German Plastics Packaging Association, Martin Engelmann and ICIS Senior Editor, Recycling, Mark Victory about the nuances of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and why companies need to take action well ahead of the 2030 targets.Key topics covered include:  No political signs suggest PPWR will be delayed or weakened PPWR roles and responsibilities are complex and often misunderstood Lack of clarity around regulatory details creats uncertainty for industry Companies must act now despite unknowns, especially ahead of 2026 deadlines Recyclability and recycled content will be central to future requirements

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen a subdued start to 2026.With a challenging 2025 now behind us, and the New Year underway, there were hopes of restocking and improvements in demand, as well as overall market conditions.Acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch about market conditions and whether these hopes have started to come to fruition.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- China's domestic acrylonitrile (ACN) prices fell to over five-year lows early this year. Overcapacity, weak demand and sustained margin pressure loomed over the value chain, encouraging players to rebalance. In this chemical podcast, Asia ACN editors Seymour Chenxia and Corey Chew take a look at recent China and broader Asian ACN market movements, discuss the short-term forecast, supply-demand fundamentals and trade flow outlook for 2026. NE Asia ACN prices decline on tepid demand and overcapacity in Jan Short-term pressure may ease as negative margins weigh on run rates Exports emerge as the long-term option to mitigate China oversupply

LONDON (ICIS)--Sluggish demand, a complex tariff landscape and geopolitical instability are key talking points in the Europe and US epoxy markets.In this podcast, Heidi Finch who covers the Europe epoxy market and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada who covers the US epoxy market share insights on tariff uncertainty, ongoing demand and margin concerns in a troubled climate. Tariff and trade haze continue to cast shadows over the epoxy markets in both Europe and the US.* Demand remains fragile and cautious across regions, with limited restocking activity in Q1, no meaningful recovery expected in the first half of the year, some uplift hopes for H2. Pricing tension persists, amid margin concerns vs soft market conditions Europe bears the brunt of competition from South Korea,  due to EU anti‑dumping exemptions Possible EU review of anti‑dumping duties/SK ADD exemption could potentially level out the playing field *Since the podcast recording, Trump has called off his 10% tariff threat from 1 February on some EU countries over the Greenland dispute  following a productive meeting with  NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.Podcast editing: Zubair Adam

The whip shaw over tariffs relating to the Greenland dispute highlights the need for chemical companies to plan for a world of rising geopolitical instability. ·         Trump's tariff swings deepen uncertainty for global chemical trade·         EU–US deal stalls, exposing fragile trade negotiation structures·         Davos leaders warn of weakening global institutions and alliances·         China presents itself as stabilising force amid shifting geopolitics·         Trade deals no longer guarantee protection from sudden policy shocks·         Tariff uncertainty threatens investment, planning and market confidence·         Chemicals growth areas include defence, recycling and water technologies·         Chemicals may need to develop strong regional championsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

Despite widespread geopolitical instability around the world, the most severe period of crude oil oversupply ever will depress prices, latest ICIS forecasts show.   -          For 2026 global oil markets are in the largest period of oversupply we have ever seen-          Oversupply forecast by ICIS at 3 million barrels/day out of a roughly 100 million barrels/day market-          China oil demand growth has slowed drastically thanks to slowing economy and transition to electric vehicles-          OPEC is increasing supply, unwinding previous cuts-          Around 20% of global oil supplies pass through Strait of Hormuz so closing it could push prices above $100/barrel. -          End Q1/early Q2 Brent crude oil prices could decline under $60/barrel as fundamentals of oversupply take over from geopolitical concerns-          Overall prices could be 15% lower than in 2025, ICIS forecasts-          China-driven chemicals oversupply will persist in 2026-          Developing world outside China may become a driver of chemicals demand-          SABIC's petrochemical sale ushers in new era of ownership by turnaround investors In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS market development director John Richardson, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Ajay Parmar, head of oil markets for ICIS.  

BARCELONA (ICIS)--EU leaders seem to recognize the need for action to reverse deindustrialization, but it risks being too little, too late for chemicals. EU chemicals regulation needs ambitious reform, not tinkering at the edges Chemical companies continue to close operations in Europe, partly driven by regulatory costs Expect a review of Reach regulation and “one substance one assessment” part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability in 2026 Sustainability reporting requirements are being watered down Proposed changes to the EU Waste Framework Directive will impact chemical recycling sector Risk of EU moving towards hazard-based assessments, rather than risk Restriction of lead in ammunition could stifle defence sector Move away from international rule of law means new approaches needed In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Gerard McElwee and Peter Sellar from Squire Patton Boggs, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

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.