ICIS - chemical podcasts

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300

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Aug 2026

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This podcast is brought to you by ICIS, a leading global price discovery service for the oil, energy, fertilizer and petrochemical sectors. ]]>

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60 recent

August 26, 2026Episode 14949 min

Episode 1494: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives seasonally subdued amid Rhine logistics constraints

The summer lull continued to limit spot business across Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets, while Rhine water levels fell to exceptionally low levels through much of August, disrupting logistics and restricting barge traffic. Although recent rainfall has provided some relief, Rhine logistics remain a key uncertainty as market participants turn their attention to the traditional late August-September restocking period. 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.

August 26, 2026Episode 14939 min

Episode 1493: PODCAST: How the US-Iran conflict is reshaping India's PE, PP markets (part two)

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict. In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty. This is part two of a two-part series. PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptions Buyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertainty Buyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes

August 26, 2026Episode 149210 min

Episode 1492: PODCAST: How the US-Iran conflict is reshaping India's PE, PP markets (part one)

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict. In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty. This is part one of a two-part series. PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptions Buyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertainty Buyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes

August 25, 2026Episode 14915 min

Episode 1491: PODCAST: China's styrene export position strengthens; FOB China assessment gains support

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China's rapid expansion of styrene monomer (SM) capacity has transformed the country into an increasingly important exporter. By mid-2024, China's export volumes had overtaken imports, prompting ICIS to launch its FOB China SM assessment in August 2024. China became a net exporter in 2025, and growing liquidity has since increased the relevance of the FOB China benchmark. In this podcast, Senior Editor Luffy Wu reviews the progress of ICIS' SM FOB China daily assessment since its launch two years ago and looks ahead to some of the improvements and plans in the pipeline to better serve the market. China becomes net exporter in 2025 amid capacity growth Jan-Jul exports hit 860,000 tonnes, filling supply gaps left by Mideast suppliers FOB China quote attracts rising attention, but CFR China conventions persist

August 11, 2026Episode 149015 min

Episode 1490: Think Tank: China slowdown deepens chemicals market pressure

China's economic downturn and expanding chemicals capacity continue to challenge global producers. China manufacturing and services contract, according to latest purchasing manager indices (PMIs) Property crisis remains an important drag Ageing population weakens domestic demand Limited stimulus constrains economic recovery Exports remain strong despite slowdown Trade barriers circumvented through third countries Chemical capacity additions remain substantial, totalling 77 million tonnes in 2026 and more in 2027 Efficient mega-sites in China outcompete global rivals More closures expected outside China Relief may emerge after 2030 as tough China environmental rules stifle more chemicals expansions In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS director, market insights and executive engagement, John Richardson.

August 7, 2026Episode 148919 min

Episode 1489: EU, US epoxy markets faced a volatile H1, skittish geopolitics casts shadow over H2

A complex tariff landscape, geopolitical instability in the Middle East, upstream volatility and demand struggles 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, recap on what has been a very volatile and challenging H1, in particular due to unsettled US-Iran geopolitics and discuss possible expectations for the H2. . In the US, higher feedstock costs, reduced Asian imports, due to the ME war, along with tariffs supported prices in H1, while demand remained largely flat. Europe prices surged during Q2, due to the ME induced war cost impacts and more domestic sourcing due to import supply chain jitters, although demand remained low Geopolitical uncertainty makes for a hazy H2 for both regions, managing headwinds the focus, no recovery in sight

August 4, 2026Episode 148830 min

Episode 1488: Think Tank: War boosts Q2 chemicals but risks mount for rest of year

After a strong Q2, chemical companies face an uncertain second half beset by weak demand, potential feedstock shortages and River Rhine disruption. - European chemical profits rose sharply in Q2 - Producers upgrade full-year earnings forecasts - Q2 gains driven by conflict-led pricing, margins - Demand weak across key sectors - Little momentum seen after Q2 uplift - Outlook clouded by geopolitical uncertainty - Rhine drought threatens logistics and supply - More force majeures possible in Europe

July 30, 2026Episode 14876 min

Episode 1487: PODCAST: Asia PET resin market faces margin pressure, export challenges amid feedstock volatility

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia PET resin prices have been shaped by volatile feedstock costs, while producer margins have narrowed to around breakeven levels. In this ICIS podcast, Senior Analyst Jimmy Zhang and Senior Editor Judith Wang discuss the impact of the US-Iran conflict on feedstock markets, the challenges facing Asia PET resin exports, and the outlook for the regional market. Upstream values remain a key driver of petrochemical price direction Limited vessel availability, high freight costs constrain Asia PET resin exports ICIS remains cautiously optimistic on PET resin supply-demand fundamentals

July 28, 2026Episode 148633 min

Episode 1486: Think Tank: War brings new risks for gas supply, especially for Europe and Asia

The Middle East conflict is disrupting global gas markets, with increased risks for Europe and Asia gas supply security. European storage levels below last year Germany faces particularly low inventories Middle East disruption limits LNG availability Europe competing with Asia for cargoes Gas prices likely to remain elevated Demand destruction may soften impact of low storage levels LNG market outlook shifts from surplus to deficit Chemical companies urged to plan for rising energy insecurity Diesel and petroleum increasingly short globally Risk that US may place export ban on energy products, diesel and petroleum

July 24, 2026Episode 148510 min

Episode 1485: China PE Market Outlook for H2 2026: Navigating a Wave of Supply Growth

In the latest ICIS podcast, analysts Haiyan, Joanne and Amy discuss the outlook for China’s PE market in H2 2026. The team explores how expanding supply, changing trade flows and demand uncertainties could shape the market in the months ahead.