Industry News
Chemical Industry News
International PP prices higher in Mexico; lower in Chile, Peru
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--International polypropylene (PP) prices increased in Mexico tracking higher feedstock costs. In Chile and Peru, international PP prices dropped on the back of lower Asian offers. In...
LatAm PE domestic prices steady to higher, but lower in Argentina
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Domestic and international polyethylene (PE) prices increased in Mexico due to snug supply. In Argentina, domestic prices were assessed lower on weak demand, while in other Latin...
SHIPPING: Global container rates begin to fall, but continued disruptions to keep a floor
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Average global rates for shipping containers fell this week, with one shipping analyst saying that spot rates have peaked, while liquid chem tanker rates were flat to softer. Supply...
OUTLOOK: US base oil availability temporarily dry but potential for long winter ahead
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US base oil spot availability has run dry as the critical window of peak hurricane activity nears in what is expected to be a historic season, but even weaker domestic demand than...
US Eastman eyes higher operating rates at methanolysis plant, moves on Tritan capacity expansion
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US-based specialty chemicals producer Eastman expects to ramp up operating rates at its methanolysis plant in Tennessee now that a mechanical issue has been solved and is moving...
Australian Agrimin advancing Mackay Potash project towards final investment decision
HOUSTON (ICIS)-- Producer Agrimin Limited said their Mackay Potash project in Western Australia is now advancing towards a final investment decision. In an update on quarterly activities the company...
West Canadian ports group brace for strike vote by union
HOUSTON (ICIS)--A union representing 730 ship and dock foremen in British Columbia province in Canada will conduct a vote on whether they should conduct an industry-wide strike, the group...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Oil prices down for third week running as China demand fears mount
Chinese manufacturing data out next week as fears grow that economy is slowing Hopes that US Federal Reserve will illuminate path to a September rate cut at next week’s meeting US inflation down to...
US acetone prices to remain elevated on reduced output
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US phenol run rates will likely stay low and keep acetone prices elevated for the rest of the year. Acetone is snug to tight, with mixed feedback on supply. While inventory is heard...
Flamanville 3 connection to French grid “imminent” – EDF
French utility giant has posted its 2024 half-year results, confirming Flamanville 3’s connection to the grid this summer The commissioning of the 1.6GW Flamanville 3 EPR reactor could prove...
TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG pushes back restart works
Mozambique LNG works to move ahead by end of year Restart works pushed back, cost escalation Higher Q3 LNG selling price anticipated LONDON (ICIS)--France’s TotalEnergies should be able to move...
Suzano’s new pulp plant might spark increased need for caustic soda in Brazil
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The world's largest pulp producer, Suzano, began operations at the biggest single-line pulp production facility on 21 July. Located in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul, the...
German lubricants producer FUCHS completes acquisition of LUBCON
LONDON (ICIS)--Germany lubricants company FUCHS Group has completed its previously announced acquisition of LUBCON Group for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition expands FUCHS’s product portfolio,...
Swedish DRS will limit R-PET content in PET beverage bottles from May 2025
LONDON (ICIS)--Swedish deposit return scheme (DRS) operator Returpack has confirmed that from May 2025 it will introduce new requirements for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles entering the...
Europe ethanolamines prices continue to erode in July
LONDON (ICIS)--Europe July contract prices for monoethanolamine (MEA) were assessed lower in the range €1,400-1,700/tonne FD (free delivered) NWE (northwest Europe), down by €50/tonne at the low...
WEEKLY POWER OUTLOOK: French nuclear risks could limit supply
LONDON (ICIS) -- Above seasonal average temperatures forecast across Europe through week 31 are likely to support cooling demand, with the risk that high temperatures could also limit French nuclear...
Plant status: INEOS UK larger AA unit yet to return to normal operations – market sources
LONDON (ICIS)--Here is a plant status report: Name: INEOS Location: Hull, UK Product: Acetic acid (AA) Capacity (tonnes/year): 500,000 (across two units with capacities of 350,000 and 150,000) Event...
US July oxo-alcohols settle between rollover and slight increase; August price increases emerge
HOUSTON (ICIS)--July US oxo-alcohol contracts settled between a rollover and a slight increase from June. Although demand continues to be lukewarm in key end use markets, some upward pressure was...
WEEKLY GAS OUTLOOK: Hot weather to drive high cooling demand
LONDON (ICIS)--European natural gas contracts may experience bullish pressure in week 31 as improving Norwegian supply is offset by higher cooling demand and potential French nuclear power...
Europe MA Q3 contract prices increase as early settlements reflect tighter supply in June
LONDON (ICIS)--The Europe maleic anhydride (MA) Q3 contract settled at a €25/tonne increase from Q2 contract prices on Friday 26 July. Most players saw rollovers to €50/tonne increases in late...