Industry News
Chemical Industry News
China’s average run rate of PO plants falls to 62.1% on plant maintenance
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China’s propylene oxide (PO) plants posted an average run rate at 62.1% in the week ended 17 October 2025, down by two percentage points from the last reporting period, ICIS data...
India PVC sentiment cautious on ADD uncertainty, holiday slowdown
MUMBAI (ICIS)--Spot discussions for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in India stayed limited, even after some suppliers announced fresh November offers in the week ended 17 October. On the other hand, a few...
China acetic acid run rate slumps on plants maintenance
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China’s average acetic acid plants’ run rate dropped sharply, mainly attributed to planned maintenance at Jiangsu Sopo and INEOS YPC. Meanwhile, Sinopec Great Wall cut run rate...
Romania seeks to delay lignite closures until 2029
Romania submitted a proposal to the European Commission to postpone lignite unit closures until end of 2029, instead of 2026 targeted date Aims to "guarantee the safety of the energy system during...
Solar-powered method lights the way to a ‘de-fossilized’ chemical industry
Researchers have demonstrated a new and sustainable way to make the chemicals that are the basis of thousands of products – from plastics to cosmetics – we use every day. Hundreds of thousands of chemicals
Light Switch for Electrons: Researchers create conductive interface in nickelate materials
Using ultraviolet (UV) light, scientists have succeeded in switching an extremely conductive state on and off within seconds at the interface between two oxide materials. This newly discovered ‘light switch for electrons’ is a significant
Unlocking the power of gold: a breakthrough in green chemistry
Acetaldehyde is a key chemical intermediate traditionally produced via the ethylene-based Wacker oxidation process, which is both costly and environmentally harmful. Selective oxidation of bioethanol to acetaldehyde offers a greener and more sustainable alternative, yet
India RIL oil-to-chemicals FY Q2 earnings up 20.9% amid higher polymer margins
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) reported a 20.9% year-on-year increase to its oil-to-chemicals (O2C) earnings on a sharp rebound in transportation fuel cracks and better...
China GDP growth slows further to 4.8% in Q3 as trade tensions bite
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China’s economic growth slowed to 4.8% year on year in the third quarter (Q3) as trade frictions and sluggish consumption drag , the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced...
China’s average PTA plants’ run rate up on operation hikes
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China’s purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plants posted a higher average operating rate, because some producers gradually ramped up operations to their typical levels following...
China’s average PX plants’ run rate drops on plant turnaround
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China’s para-xylene (PX) plants posted a lower average operating rate, as Urumqi Petrochemical’s plant entered scheduled maintenance. In the week ended 17 October, the plants’...
NYMEX: US gas futures gain despite increases to gas supply and production
Front-month US natural gas futures rose on 17 October with mixed temperatures across the country impacting heating and cooling demand The November Henry Hub contract on NYMEX settled at $3.008/MMBtu,...
US Q4 acetone testing price floor amid bearish supply/demand
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US acetone is starting off Q4 on a bearish note with feedstock costs lower and demand stuck in a trough. Splitter margins are shrinking as the spread between refinery-grade propylene...
Asia-US container rates mixed as carriers increase blank sailings, announce Nov hikes
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Rates for shipping containers from Asia to the US were mixed week on week but face short-term upward pressure as carriers have introduced general rate increases (GRIs) and have...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Oil prices steady as oversupply concerns vie with US-China trade tensions
Oversupply concerns continue to weigh Zelensky-Trump meeting in White House as war continues Trump-Putin summit could indicate US will ease pressure on Russia US onshore oil rig count remains...
Chemical tanker spot rates fall in both directions between Asia and Europe
LONDON (ICIS)--Chemical tanker spot freight rates between Asia to Europe and the reverse Europe to Asia routes fell in the week ending 17 October compared with the previous week, based on market...
Global EO markets maneuvering derivative market challenges while ramping up for 2026 annual contract discussions
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US and Europe ethylene oxide (EO) markets are preparing for annual contract discussions through Q4, navigating new and existing regional challenges. US EO contract discussions...
Intra-Europe chemical tanker spot rates rise on delays caused by industrial action
LONDON (ICIS)--Chemical tanker spot freight rates have risen on all ICIS assessed intra-European routes in the week ending 17 October, compared with previous week, as delays caused by industrial...
S Korea C3 exports may decrease year on year on shutdowns
XI'AN (ICIS)--South Korean export volumes for propylene (C3) are expected to be lower in 2026 compared with 2025 amid sustained outages and anticipated long-term shutdowns. According to market...
Europe’s August Group III base oils supply holds firm
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Europe’s Group III base oils supply rose in August to its highest level this year amid a pick-up in shipments from the Middle East and southeast Asia. Supply showed signs of...