Industry News
Chemical Industry News
OUTLOOK: Traders expect higher Balkan precipitation to pressure Hungarian March ’26 contract
High Balkan precipitation, slightly above-average Romanian hydro storage weighs on Hungarian front-month Cold snap potential, lower winds remain a risk Growing Ukrainian power demand could add...
Mexico rPET flake margins turn negative amid oversupply
SÃO PAULO (ICIS)--Oversupply in the Mexican recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) market has pushed flake margins into negative territory following the recent rise in feedstock costs, with no...
European caustic soda spot prices stable-to-firm as shipping costs rise
LONDON (ICIS)--European caustic soda spot prices were stable-to-firm in the week ending 6 February, as higher shipping costs increased some FOB (free on board) prices in northwest Europe (NWE)....
Europe VAM spot prices firm as supply length eases
LONDON (ICIS)--European vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) spot pricing has firmed on reduced availability, though supply remains ample to cover generally muted demand. Spot pricing for parcels up to 1,000...
Europe MEG spot prices stable to slightly soft as supply lengthens
LONDON (ICIS)--Prices in the European monoethylene glycol (MEG) spot market were assessed stable or slightly soft in the week ending 6 February as supply is lengthening while demand remains...
India–EU trade deal will cut tariffs and enable economic migration
India has also set out framework for trade agreement with US
INSIGHT: EU ban on Russian oil products supports diesel as range of purchase options shrinks
LONDON (ICIS)--European middle distillate markets are expected to face tighter conditions following the EU ban on Russian crude oil–derived processed products, which came into force on 21 January,...
Middle East February sulphur posted prices rise to new record high
LONDON (ICIS)--Sulphur producers in the Arab Gulf have set February posted prices at $520–530/tonne FOB, the highest level recorded since ICIS began tracking the market in 2017, surpassing the...
East Med PP prices sharply higher after February offers
DUBAI (ICIS)--Polypropylene (PP) prices firmed in the week ended 6 February in the East Mediterranean (East Med) markets, tracking offers and deals for GCC-origin material. PP raffia and block...
New separation methods aim to improve global rare earth supply
Rare earth elements are essential for modern technology, but their similar chemistry makes separation difficult and expensive. Now researchers are exploring new technologies to streamline processing and bring down costs.
ViscoTec opens new branch in Mexico
ViscoTec has reached another strategic milestone in its global expansion: On January 23, 2026, the company acquired its long-standing sales partner MEI Representaciones, based in Querétaro, Mexico, thereby establishing the new ViscoTec Mexico branch. Mexico
Chemists have made a major breakthrough
Fundamental breakthroughs in the natural sciences are rare. Progress is usually made in small steps, with knowledge slowly accumulating as more pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Now, however, chemists at Saarland University have
Sustainable and efficient production of ammonia and formic acid
A research team led by Dr. Dandan Gao from the Department of Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has developed a new method for the sustainable production of ammonia and formic acid. Ammonia is
US to remove tariffs on some Indian imports as part of trade deal
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US will consider excluding several Indian imports from an 18% tariff it plans to impose on shipments from the country, according to a joint statement the countries released on...
Taiwan’s FPCC reduces Group II 500N base oils prices for February
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corp (FPCC) has cut its local list prices for February Group II 500N base oils, according to market participants on the sidelines of the 30th ICIS...
Taiwan’s FPCC raises Group II 70N base oils prices for February
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corp (FPCC) has increased its local list prices for February Group II 70N base oils, according to market participants on the sidelines of the 30th...
Taiwan’s FPCC increases Group II 150N base oils prices for February
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corp (FPCC) has raised its local list prices for February Group II 150N base oils, according to market participants on the sidelines of the 30th...
Global ammonium sulphate activity increases as values rise in key regions
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Ammonium sulphate (AS) activity lifted further with values rising in most of key regions as demand is increasing for the upcoming crop sowings. Fresh trading and a further sales...
US chem shares continue rally amid stock market recovery
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US-listed shares of several chemical companies rose sharply on Friday, continuing a recovery that that began a week ago and following a rally in the general market. The Dow Jones...
Asia-US container rates fall as new ships enter market at record pace, scrapping wanes
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Rates for shipping containers from east Asia and China to the US fell this week, and analysts at supply chain advisors Drewry said increased deliveries of new ships and a slowing...