Industry News
Chemical Industry News
US April ’26 benzene contract settles higher on feedstock, energy volatility following Middle East conflict
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US April 2026 benzene contract price settled nearly $1/gal higher as energy and feedstock markets face disruptions following the conflict in the Middle East. April contract prices...
USITC determination on fatty acids from Indonesia, Malaysia likely to raise costs, further tighten US markets
NEW YORK (ICIS)--The 1 April determination from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) that there is reasonable indication that the US fatty acids industry is materially injured because of...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Benchmark crude prices shed value as Trump suggests end of war nearby
Trump suggests war could end in two to three weeks US crude stocks climb, gasoline and distillate stocks decline US petroleum exports rise to highest on record amid increased Asian demand LONDON...
Global ocean freight spot rates remain elevated as Strait of Hormuz closure persists
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Global ocean freight spot rates remain elevated as the Strait of Hormuz closure hits the five-week mark, showing the Iran war is a conflict with global repercussions for ocean supply...
Global air passenger demand rises 6.1% in February; outlook clouded by fuel volatility and Middle East disruption
LONDON (ICIS)--Global air passenger demand rose 6.1% year-on-year in February, supported by resilient travel fundamentals and seasonal factors, although escalating geopolitical tensions and extreme...
N America chemical rail traffic rises for eighth week, led by 5.9% US increase
HOUSTON (ICIS)--North American chemical railcar traffic rose 3.3% year on year, to 51,610 loadings for the week ended 28 March, marking an eighth consecutive increase, according to freight rail...
M&G Polimeros seeking temporary 6.5 cent/lb surcharge on North American PET
HOUSTON (ICIS)--M&G Polimeros is seeking a temporary 6.5 cent/lb surcharge on all formula-based and spot polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in North America, effective 1 April. The key drivers of...
India announces green ammonia deals, aims to cut imports
LONDON (ICIS)--India’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers on Wednesday announced green ammonia purchase and supply agreements between fertilizer companies and green ammonia producers, covering...
Mexico manufacturing contracts in March on persistent weak demand, global woes
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Mexico's manufacturing sector contracted for a seventh consecutive month in March on the back of declines in new orders, exports, and production, according to S&P Global on...
Plant status: Indorama Ventures maintenance at US ethanolamines unit
LONDON (ICIS)--Here is a plant status report: Name: Indorama Ventures Location: Plant No 1, Port Neches, Texas, US Product: Ethanolamines Capacity (tonnes/year): 186,000 Event start: 1 April Event...
Hexane and white spirit average truck prices up but C9 levels stable on lower demand
LONDON (ICIS)--The European refinery solvents markets saw average truck prices for hexane and white spirit jump again this week as feedstocks remained at elevated levels and tightness kept buyers...
Venezuela investment hinges on reform credibility, executives say
Venezuela is attracting renewed industry interest, but investment hinges on credible reforms, contract security, and resolution of legacy disputes Opposition leader Machado proposes privatization,...
Europe April propylene CP talks to continue into third day
LONDON (ICIS)--European propylene contract reference price discussions will continue into Thursday, 2 April after failing to find the necessary 2+2 producer-consumer consensus to establish the new...
Energy price tools coming soon, but expect prolonged disruption – Commission
LONDON (ICIS)--The European Commission will present a toolbox of measures to help mitigate rising energy prices “quite soon”, EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on 31 March, but warned of...
Europe base oils Group III spot prices continue to hike with no relief in sight for ongoing shortages
LONDON (ICIS)--European base oils Group III spot values jumped triple digits again this week, with tightness in the region set to continue into the second quarter. Spot prices for all grades moved up...
APG Polytech seeking 6 cent/lb surcharge due to higher crude oil, natural gas prices
HOUSTON (ICIS) – APG Polytech has announced a 6 cent/lb surcharge on all US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) purchases, for both formula-based and non-formula-based accounts, effective 1 April. The...
US manufacturing expands for third month in March, raw material prices jump
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Economic activity in US manufacturing expanded for a third consecutive month in March, according to the latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey released by the Institute for...
Brazil’s manufacturing still shrinking, albeit at lower pace; costs rise on Middle East conflict
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Brazil's manufacturing sector remained in contraction for an eleventh consecutive month in March, though activity rose slightly compared with February, analysts at S&P Global...
Europe CX April contract climbs with feedstock, higher Q2 delta contract
LONDON (ICIS)--The European cyclohexane (CX) April contract price has settled at €1,252/tonne, up by €279/tonne from March, following an increase in upstream benzene costs and a higher delta...
Hedge fund net long on ICE TTF reaches all-time high on Iran war disruption
Hedge fund net long on ICE TTF reaches new all-time high Commercial undertakings continue to cut open interest Iran war continues to disrupt global gas supply, European fundamentals unchanged LONDON...