Industry News
Chemical Industry News
Mind the gap! Semiconductor industry is relying on the wrong materials
2D materials are widely seen as a promising path toward better computer chips. Researchers at TU Wien now show: some of these materials are unsuitable due to an underestimated effect. But there are alternatives. The
From lab to industry: 3D printing accelerates the future of lithium batteries
Recent progress in advanced energy manufacturing has opened a new path for lithium battery design. A joint research team led by Associate Professor Eric Jianfeng Cheng of Tohoku University has published a major review in
Pakistan’s LNG-fired generation slumps on supply disruption
LNG power generation falls sharply in March Load shedding reported nationwide Summer supply recovery uncertain SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Pakistan’s LNG-to-power output fell sharply in March and accelerated...
US will extend ceasefire while maintaining blockade
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his country will withhold attacks on Iran for an unspecified time while maintaining its blockade as a deadline for a two-week ceasefire...
NYMEX: US gas futures edge up on combination of bullish fundamentals
Front-month US natural gas futures gained on 21 April on a below-normal temperature outlook, increased LNG feedgas demand, and lower gas production The May 2026 Henry Hub contract on NYMEX settled at...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Increasing trading uncertainty as volatility drives crude market
Oil prices sway as market players mull over possible Iran-US peace talks Waiver allowing Russian seaborne oil imports shifting market dynamics Russia to halt crude oil exports to Germany via Druzhba...
Transits through the Strait of Hormuz should be avoided – Maersk
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Global container shipping major Maersk is advising customers that all transits through the Strait of Hormuz should be avoided as the situation in the region remains volatile. In a...
EU April epoxy climb on ME war cost impacts; import supply risk
LONDON (ICIS)--Europe epoxy resins prices have jumped by triple digits in April, due to the Middle East war induced surge in production costs and import supply chain concerns from Asia. Prices in...
US pending homes sales rise 1.5% month on month in March, despite higher mortgage rates
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US pending homes sales rose 1.5% month on month in March, following a 1.8% increase in February, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported on Tuesday. In March, pending home...
ICIS GRAPHIC: Global base oils bullish reaction to the ME war and what to expect next
LONDON(ICIS)--Global base oils are braced for a lengthy recovery amid key challenges following a consistent bullish trend in the aftermath of the Middle East war. Drone attacks, high diesel...
Fidelity Shipping LNG steamer quartet resurfaces under Russian flag
Fidelity Shipping steam turbine vessel quartet under Russian flag Ownership obscured to likely hide ultimate ownership Reflagging suggests vessels may enter Russian LNG fleet LONDON (ICIS)--Four...
MARGINS: Europe PE margins firm amid softer naphtha and LPG costs
LONDON (ICIS)--Margins at polyethylene (PE) plants in Europe rose week on week on the back of softer feedstock costs, ICIS Margin Analysis showed on Tuesday. The margins increase for both liquefied...
EEX criticizes German government plans to subsidize gas-fired power plants suggesting hedging obligation as alternative
German government plan to subsidise gas-fired power plants Traders highlight need for investment in renewable power generation EEX suggests hedging obligation to reduce price spike...
ICIS US Economic Summary: Middle East crisis and Strait closure pressure growth outlook
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (ICIS)--The war in the Middle East is lasting longer than originally expected and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Despite increased pressure on Iran, progress on peace...
CHINAPLAS ’26: SE Asian converters consider tolling with Chinese counterparts to combat costs
SHANGHAI (ICIS)--Following the recent surge in polyolefins prices, some converters in southeast Asia are now contemplating entering into tolling agreements with their Chinese counterparts in order to...
GAS ALERT: Italian latest gas storage auctions enjoy higher interest
MILAN (ICIS)--The second round of Italian gas storage auctions is attracting more interest than the first installment, with national transmission system operator (TSO) Snam allocating almost 90% of...
Sika expands in Central Asia
LONDON (ICIS)--Swiss construction and specialty chemicals company Sika is expanding activities in Central Asia by setting up a subsidiary in Kyrgyzstan, it said in an update on Tuesday. The...
MARGINS: Lower upstream costs lift Europe MEG margins, softer co-product credits cap gains
LONDON (ICIS)--Margins at mono ethylene glycol (MEG) plants in Europe rose week on week driven by softer feedstock costs, ICIS Margin Analysis showed on Tuesday. Operators based on liquefied...
UK to launch CfDs on existing wind in move to break power-gas price link
UK government announced measures to detach the power and gas price link CfD's for renewables, raising the Electricity Generator Levy rate from 45% to 55% Bearish prices likely for the wholesale...
CHINAPLAS ’26: China’s coal-based PE exports gain acceptance in Vietnam
SHANGHAI (ICIS)--China’s exports of coal-based polyethylene resins are gaining more acceptance among Vietnam’s downstream plastic converters despite some initial hesitation about quality...