Plastics and chemical producers need to find more effective ways to tackle the problem of plastic waste after UN treaty negotiations ended without agreement at the weekend.  -          Consumer demand will drive improvements in plastic waste management -          Chemical companies need to reconnect with brands/consumers -          We will move out of the current ‘trough of despair’ about recycling  -          End of globalization may mean national/regional treaties are more effective ..read more

LONDON (ICIS)--European monoethylene glycol (MEG) editor, Melissa Hurley, explores the global glycol situation with Judith Wang, Cindy Qiu, Melissa Wheeler. China inventory levels could remain limited near term; domestic supply increases on plant restart Bearish demand outlook to weigh on Asia market Asia, Europe annual contract discussions tough Heavy Q1 US turnaround could limit imports into Asia/Europe and bolster discussions ..read more

MUSCAT (ICIS)--In this special edition of the ICIS podcast, Asia deputy news editor Nurluqman Suratman speaks with ICIS market development executive John Richardson on the sidelines of the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals (GPCA) Annual Forum in Muscat, Oman, on the current issues facing the regional industry.  Ongoing issues over a UN plastics treaty highlights divide between major producers and smaller players Upcoming US tariffs may change trade flows, dynamics for Middle East Global oversupply remains in focus as China's demand growth slows ..read more

LONDON (ICIS)--Demand in EU and US epoxy markets remains sluggish, in a still difficult climate, but players are eagerly awaiting anti-dumping duty (ADD) decisions which could provide some domestic demand support into 2025. Senior editor Heidi Finch, who covers the Europe epoxy market, and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market, share insights on key topics discussed at a recent industry event, current market sentiment and near-term expectations. Markets muted in Q4 so far, still fragile climate US market subdued ahead of November duty announcements US players in ..read more

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- The third plenary session of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee recently concluded in July, with the CCP underlining the country’s long-term economic strategy. This session, a significant event in China’s economic planning, serves as a guide for both immediate and long-term policies.  Market balance healthier than expected on delays in capacity additions No specific stimulus policies announced, market participants eye 5% GDP target Market sentiment generally supported by Third Plenum Senior editor Julia Tan speaks with senior analyst Joey Zhou on wh ..read more

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen subdued performance into November with availability now healthy across markets and underlying demand still underperforming. Focus is now on managing inventory targets into year end with destocking already underway. The autumn in general has been slower than many had hoped. Glycol Ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to Oxo-Alcohols editor Nicole Simpson, Acrylate Esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech and Butyl Acetate editor Marion Boakye about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future ..read more

The plasticizers market is globalized with Europe dependant on imports of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) from northeast Asia, Turkey and the US. However, global trade flows are shifting as US DOTP dumping investigations are progressing into the final stages and Trump’s election is bolstering US trade protectionism  Europe plasticizers editor Nicole Simpson speaks to US editor Daniel Lopes about the future of the plasticizers market against a backdrop of falling US feedstock costs, growing US protectionism and economic challenges ..read more

Two liquids-to-chemicals project announcements by Saudi Aramco highlight a new source of rapid capacity growth which will add to global overcapacity. -          Middle East oil and gas companies want to push liquids-to-chemicals as demand for transport fuels declines -          Aramco aims to convert around 4 million bbl/day of crude oil into chemicals by 2030 versus about 1 million barrels/day currently -          Demand growth will not be sufficient to meet rising supply  -          More ..read more

LONDON (ICIS)--November’s polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) prices have eased in the face of dispiriting demand and as maintenance season comes to a close in Europe. ICIS senior editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake weigh up what's behind the November trends, how forex and logistics might be affecting the markets, and what’s coming for December. They also discuss ICIS coverage of European PE, PP players adapting value propositions in the face of an evolving market, and Think Tank’s podcast episode: Trump trade war will drive end of globalisation for chemicals. Editing by Will Beacham ..read more

Europe adipic acid and downstream nylon 6,6 markets face bleak prospects for demand in December, followed by a broadly flat outlook in 2025, with overall weak consumption from key derivative markets. Over the past few months, very slow demand and ample supply has continued to dominate European markets alongside rising costs of production.   In this latest podcast, ICIS editors Meeta Ramnani and Marta Fern share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead.   Seasonal destocking to weaken buying interest further in December Demand could stay low in 2025; recovery depe ..read more