Industry News
Chemical Industry News
Self-Limiting Heat at the Push of a Button
Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) have developed cobalt-free magnetic nanoparticles whose maximum heating temperature can be precisely defined at the material level. In many applications, it is not only crucial to generate heat, but to
Quantum effect converts ambient energy directly into electricity
A new study has revealed how tiny imperfections and vibrations inside a promising quantum material could be used to control an unusual quantum effect, opening new possibilities for smaller, faster and more efficient energy-harvesting devices.
From trash to climate tech
Every year, over 100 billion nitrile rubber gloves are produced. They are made from synthetic polymers—a material chemically related to plastic and derived from crude oil. The vast majority is used in the healthcare sector,
CRUDE SUMMARY: Crude prices spike as Middle East conflict effectively blocks Gulf tanker traffic
Oil price spike less than feared as optimism remains that conflict will be short-lived Gulf tanker traffic at standstill as Strait of Hormuz too dangerous to navigate OPEC+ production increases moot...
Update to ICIS Topics: US-Iran conflict – impact on chemicals and energy
Visit the ICIS US-Iran conflict: impact on chemical and energy markets topic page for latest updates and analysis. Price reaction from key energy markets Pressure on chemical prices, imports,...
PET recycler IMER shuts down operations in Mexico
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Industria Mexicana de Reciclaje (IMER) has ceased operations due to persistently weak demand and long supply for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), according to a source...
Colombia manufacturing recovers amid higher input costs on minimum wage hike
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Colombia's manufacturing sector expanded at a faster pace in February, with new orders and output both picking up speed, but the minimum wage increase implemented by the cabinet in...
Europe March EO price rises as ethylene up on Middle East conflict
LONDON (ICIS)--The European March ethylene oxide (EO) contract price was assessed up by €41/tonne following the settlement of the upstream ethylene contract. The European ethylene contract...
Strait of Hormuz conflict threatens Europe base oils
LONDON (ICIS)--The escalating crisis in the Middle East is threatening the European base oils market, with a prolonged blockade on the Strait of Hormuz likely to impact over one-quarter of the global...
Europe styrene spot market jolts as Mideast conflict adds to global supply concerns
LONDON (ICIS)--Europe styrene spot prices surged Monday as concerns over potential disruptions to Middle East producers are set to extend an already relatively tight market outlook. The US and Israel...
Mexico manufacturing contraction eases but new orders, output keep falling
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Mexico's manufacturing sector remained in contraction for the sixth consecutive month in February but the pace of deterioration eased as new orders and output fell at softer rates,...
INSIGHT: US MEG prices, export volumes expected to increase on Strait of Hormuz closure, rising crude prices
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US monoethylene glycols (MEG) prices are experiencing upward price pressure as a result of the US-Iran conflict. Additionally, export volumes could increase to China and India as a...
FBMC WEEKLY: Limited Day-ahead price reaction to US-Iran conflict, mixed weather outlook to drive spot prices in week 10
LONDON (ICIS)--The US-Iran conflict is unlikely to have a pronounced effect on spot prices across the flow-based market coupling (FBMC) region this week, though risks remain in the event of a further...
Middle distillates markets rattle as Strait of Hormuz flows stall amid Gulf tensions
LONDON (ICIS)--Escalating tensions following the US-Israel strikes on Iran are placing mounting pressure on global middle distillates markets, with jet fuel supply emerging as a key point of...
ISM US Manufacturing PMI eases, but in expansion for second consecutive month
NEW YORK (ICIS)--The ISM US Manufacturing Purchasing Manufacturers’ Index (PMI) eased in February to 52.4 versus 52.6 in January but came in above expectations and is now in expansion (over 50) for...
MARGINS: Geopolitical risk lifts upstream costs, drags European MEG contract margins
LONDON (ICIS)--Escalating US-Iran tensions that lifted upstream costs pushed European monoethylene glycols (MEG) contract margins lower week on week, according to ICIS margin analysis on Monday. The...
Europe ethylene contract price for March up by €50/tonne on Middle East conflict
LONDON (ICIS)--The European ethylene contract reference price for March has been set at €1,145/tonne, up by €50/tonne from February. Two producers and two consumers have separately and directly...
INSIGHT: Iran escalation impacts crude, base oil, but severity will hinge on length of conflict
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US and Israel military strikes against Iran could cause significant disruption in global base oils markets, but the extent hinges on how long the Strait of Hormuz is compromised....
US-Iran conflict disrupts global container shipping, could spur congestion at Asian ports
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Global container shipping is facing disruptions after the US and Israel launched on 28 February a surprise wave of missile attacks on Iran, which retaliated on its neighboring...
Traders expect significant TTF volatility over Iran war; bearish carbon could cap power gains
Additional reporting by Gemma Blundell-Doyle, Giovanni Musella and Johnathan Hamilton-Eve European gas and power prices spike after conflict in Iran breaks out over weekend Traders expect gas...