Industry News
Chemical Industry News
US EDC spot export prices assessed lower on new business
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US EDC prices moved lower as unexpected volume availability from a producer integrated to polymer production moved in several large transactions to buyers in Latin America, southeast...
US caustic soda April contracts firm on slimmer supply, slow seasonal uplift
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US liquid caustic soda contracts were assessed at an increase for April as constrained supply lifted values amid a seasonal lift in prices. The increases fell short of some...
US styrene spot prices decline despite tighter supply
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US styrene supply tightened further as Styrolution shut down its Sarnia, Alberta, Canada, unit after resident complaints and declared force majeure. The unit is expected to be offline...
US Olin expecting epoxy resins to recover through the year
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Olin is seeing seasonal demand coming back and expects epoxy resins to continue to improve through the year, the US producer said during its Q1 earnings call on Friday. The first...
US April oxo-alcohol contracts settle slightly higher following elevated Q1 feedstock prices
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US April oxo-alcohol contract prices ticked up on the low end of the price range this week. N-Butanol (NBA), isobutanol (IBA) and 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) contracts all rose 2 cents/lb...
LatAm PP domestic prices drop in Argentina on poor demand
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Domestic polypropylene (PP) prices dropped in Argentina this week. Despite producer prices being unchanged, local distributors have lowered prices due to poor demand. Market...
LatAm PE domestic prices down in Argentina on sluggish demand
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--After more than a year, domestic polyethylene (PE) prices in Argentina were assessed lower due to sluggish demand. A local producer has reduced its prices in some segments, but the...
US spot propylene prices at five-month lows on increased supply, weak demand
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The April propylene contract is still in negotiation with participants anticipating a double-digit decrease. Polymer-grade propylene (PGP) spot prices rose slightly at the end of the...
US ethylene prices stable as Asia exports increase
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US ethylene prices were largely stable in a balanced market. Choctaw prices continue to carry a premium to Texas prices due to supply issues in Louisiana. Sasol's Lake Charles,...
LOGISTICS: Rates for shipping containers may be leveling off as increases emerge
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Global shipping container rates are starting to moderate, the Panama Canal expects to increase transits in May, and liquid chemical tanker spot rates are mixed, highlighting this...
LyondellBasell doubled recycled, bio-based plastics sales in 2023, on track for 2m tonnes by 2030 – CEO
NEW YORK (ICIS)—LyondellBasell doubled sales of recycled and bio-based polymers in 2023 from 2022 and is on track for achieving its goal of 2 million tonnes/year by 2030, its CEO said on Friday....
LyondellBasell sees continued PE momentum in North America, Europe – CEO
NEW YORK (ICIS)--Polyethylene (PE) demand in North America and Europe should continue to improve in Q2 and through H2 with consistently healthy demand in packaging, the CEO of LyondellBasell said on...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Crude gains ground as Middle East tensions outweigh economic headwinds
Market shrugs off lower than expected US Q1 GDP numbers US inflation ticked up in March, slightly ahead of February’s level and market expectations Israel-Gaza conflict threat to Middle East oil...
US Eastman leveraged to recovery, destocking ‘essentially’ over – execs
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Eastman is leveraged to an economic recovery now that destocking is essentially over, but the US-based chemicals company remains cautious and is keeping its full-year 2024 guidance...
Eastman eyes 2027 startup for second US methanolysis plant, French project timing uncertain
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Eastman expects to reach a final investment decision (FID) on its second US methanolysis (chemical recycling) plant in Q3, CEO Mark Costa and CFO Willie McLain told analysts during...
French state aid approved to develop small-scale nuclear sector
European Commission approves €300 million French state aid for SMRs Approval will boost French push to reach decarbonisation targets Nuclear funding issues at EU level still need to improve LONDON...
Europe benzene spot trade at lowest in months as May contract window opens
LONDON (ICIS)--Europe benzene spot trade was relatively thin this week as the May contract window opened with a significant drop in reported trades compared to opening days of window trade periods in...
Pockets of improved Europe PET demand, market still apprehensive
LONDON (ICIS)--Signs of demand have emerged in Europe's polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market but general uncertainty still lingers among players. For the time of year, demand has been poor up to...
Europe MPG spot prices slip as supply outpaces demand
LONDON (ICIS)--Prices in the European mono propylene glycol (MPG) spot market softened this week as availability improved. MPG spot prices decreased to €1,330-1,400/tonne FD (free delivered) NWE...
Europe plasticizers spot prices stable, supply gradually improving
LONDON (ICIS)--Prices in the European plasticizers spot market were stable this week as supply has gradually improved. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) spot values held steady at €1,600-1,700/tonne FD...