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This podcast is brought to you by ICIS, a leading global price discovery service for the oil, energy, fertilizer and petrochemical sectors.
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Political leaders in Europe must boost availability of cheap energy and deregulate or risk deeper deindustrialization, according to Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman. - AI will require vast amounts of cheap energy, Europe disadvantaged- EU energy policies have closed access to huge reserves of oil and gas- Europe has outsourced manufacturing, often to more polluting regions- CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) does not work, increases costs of imported raw materials- Tackle climate change through use of innovative materials, nuclear fusion- Tariffs are hurting any nascent economic recovery- Don’t expect strong economic bounce back in 2026- US reshoring will drive industrial and chemicals demand - China-driven overcapacity will persist for several yearsICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman
European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss market developments into Q4, highlighting key talking points from the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting held from 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.Demand in both markets is expected to remain subdued into 2026, with sentiment for the coming year projected to closely mirror 2025 levels.Topics discussed include:
Subdued downstream demand
Local supply and import flows
Market expectations for 2026
Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan
SINGAPORE (ICIS)- In this chemical podcast, Senior editors Emily Friedman and Arianne Perez discuss the implications of recently added reciprocal tariffs on the recycled PET (R-PET) markets in the US and Asia.
US buyers continue navigating supply needs, tariff cost sharing
Asia prices fall to record lows as US-bound exports contract
US short term fundamentals unchanged, though prices gradually move up
SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Fatty alcohols mid-cuts C12-14 are expected to see sluggish demand in the near term amid the festive holidays in some countries in Asia. Meanwhile, its substitute linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is likely to see some supply lengthening in 2026, even as demand conditions continue to be optimistic.
New LAB capacities in China, India and Mideast slated for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026
Fatty alcohols mid-cuts to see less uptake during festive season in India, China
Impact of delay in EUDR on feedstock PKO yet to be seen
In this podcast, ICIS senior editors, Clive Ong and Helen Yan discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.
LONDON (ICIS)--In the wake of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany, players are looking inward to find the levers for growth in the face of expectations that the industrial downturn will continue to drag on. In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, ICIS insight editor Tom Brown interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.
According to attendees at the annual European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany held during 22-25 September, consumption for polyols and isocyanates for the rest of 2025 is not expected to recover with similar expectations going forward. In this episode, European markets editor Zubair Adam for isocyanates and polyols and Rob Peacock, ICIS lead analyst, discuss sentiments captured during the conference.FORECASTING UPDATE: Starting September 2025, ICIS will begin releasing its polyols and isocyanates 18-month forward price forecasts twice a month. Each market will be fully updated once a month, with a second update comprising revised price forecast charts plus a brief discussion highlighting market changes.
European Group I base oils volumes have been locked in a downwards trend as a domestic oversupply build up in inventories over the summer while export volumes continue to see some tightness especially on heavier grades. Is Exxon Mobil's newly opened Singapore plant expansion the answer to that supply gap? And how are flows expected to change?Sophie Udubasceanu, Sam Wright and Michael Connolly discuss what to expected this winter for European base oils and lubricants.
BERLIN (ICIS)--In a special podcast recorded on the sidelines of European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) event in Berlin, Insight Editor Tom Brown talks to Europe News Editor Morgan Condon and Market Development Director John Richardson about sentiment on the sidelines of this year’s meeting.
US recycled plastics Senior Editor Emily Friedman, US PET Markets Reporter Melissa Wheeler, Vice President of the Polyester Chain, Antulio Borneo, and Senior Recycled Plastics Analyst Andrea Bassetti discuss the implications of recently added reciprocal tariffs on the US virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (R-PET) markets including:
Immediate spot price impacts across virgin and recycled PET
Revised annual contract negotiations on several recent price increase initiatives
Forecasted market trends of US R-PET
Tariff management techniques applied by market participants
Correction: The audio has been changed to "the US imported 3.27 billion lbs of PET/rPET in 2024" instead of "3.7 billion lbs".
Industry leaders should concentrate on cash, security of raw materials and trends which will drive chemicals demand as tough conditions continue in Europe.- Preserve cash, keeping debt under control in this tough environment- Focus on securing feedstocks amid upstream closures- Identify consumer trends, future customer needs- Tentative signs of improvement for Europe’s economy- Expect more closures across the region- Oxford Economics forecasts return to growth from mid-2026- Southern Europe ports may get busier as more imports flow from Middle East, Asia- Sustainability has to be about affordability- Market talk of some aviation fuel buyers opting to pay a fine for undershooting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates due to the cheapness of conventional fuels
The former Brenntag CEO believes the chemical industry can overcome current challenges once it takes some more bold steps. - Industry emerged stronger from previous crises and can do so again- Nascent recovery stifled by tariff war- Overcapacity is hurting industry everywhere- Europe closures mean distributors may adjust sourcing- Distribution industry is ripe for more consolidation- Leaders need a strong vision to attract the best talent- Private equity, state-funded bodies could buy assets, create national champions In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Christian Kohlpaintner, former CEO of Brenntag.
European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss current market conditions ahead of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting, taking place 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.Both markets are set to remain under pressure through 2025, with sellers facing headwinds from competitive import flows, ample domestic supply, and muted demand.A meaningful rebound in consumption appears unlikely, as ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fragile global trade continue to weigh on major downstream sectors, particularly automotive and construction.Topics discussed include:
Supply-demand dynamics
Short-term outlooks
Key themes ahead of EPCA
Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan
In an increasingly unstable world, chemicals executives need to be aware of the important issues which are likely to steer the global economy, and markets, for the rest of 2025.
President Trump’s tariff trade war
Russia’s war with Ukraine
China’s property bubble
Potential for another Asian financial crisis
Crude oil market convulsions
In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.
The phosphates market has seen some activity recently, with China resuming phosphates exports and import demand from Ethiopia and Bangladesh. However, affordability remains an issue for the market, especially in India.Meanwhile, ammonia availability continues to remain tight globally with planned and unplanned shutdowns.Senior editors Chris Vlachopoulos and Sylvia Traganida discuss the latest developments in the markets and the short-term outlook.
Join Emily Friedman, ICIS US recycled plastics senior editor in Episode 5 of Sustainably Speaking alongside Arianne Perez, Asia recycled plastic senior editor, and Joshua Dill, Americas recycled plastic analyst, as they discuss the implications of weak domestic recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) markets between the US and Asia. Even as local feedstock markets tumble, both regions are seeing further downwards pressure from global trade.Some questions answered during this episode:
What is the current state of US and Asian R-PET markets? Are dropping US prices influencing Asian markets?
How has the evolving tariff policy impacted US R-PET and PET imports via the 3907 HS code?
What is the end of year outlook for US and Asian R-PET markets considering the weak environment at present?
LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen lower level of activity in August with supply widely ample across derivative markets and demand subdued. Into September and for the remainder of the year, substantive changes to underlying demand are not widely expected and so the principle focus is still on supply changes and the impact of planned maintenances.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.
Chemical companies may see drastic AI-driven changes in sales, marketing, supply chain and product development but it will always augment, not replace humans. - Companies need to work out their pain points and ambition- Quantifying AI’s business value is a key challenge- Companies often run siloed projects without a unified strategy- Clean, trusted data is essential for AI success- AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making- Governance and ethical frameworks are critical safeguards- AI can reshape supply chains and customer engagement- Cultural change and workforce education are vital- AI raises questions about intellectual property- AI adoption in chemicals is still at an early stage In this Think Tank podcast, ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews AI entrepreneur and consultant Eleanor Manley, Sebastian Rau, director of advanced analytics for ICIS and Carlos Soares, senior vice president for data, analytics & AI at Brenntag.
LONDON (ICIS)--A mix of regulatory changes, market fundamentals and global economic factors is transforming the Asian biodiesel and glycerine markets.In this latest podcast, Asia biodiesel editor Evangeline Cheung and glycerine senior editor Helen Yan joins their Europe counterpart Nazif Nazmul to share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead.
Firm palm oil fundamentals and regulatory support strengthen biodiesel market despite mixed demand
Recent drop in glycerine spot prices linked to a slump in China's epichlorohydrin (ECH) market
Market awaits further clarification on EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), impact on US tariff-led oleochemical trade follow
Biodiesel, which can be derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and other waste-based bio-feedstocks, is used as fuel in diesel engines.Glycerine is mainly used in personal and oral care products such as skincare creams, toothpaste and mouthwash. It is also used in food products, either as glycerine directly or one of its derivatives such as glycerol monostearate.
· Global trade increasingly driven by politics· Years of low inflation have distorted markets by allowing unprofitable companies to stay in business· Global trade terms clearer but the impacts to supply chains still unfolding· Demographic shifts continue to rise up policymaker agendas· Trade relationships and the path of AI development are key factors for the sector in future· At current trajectory, chemicals down-cycle could run for years
European methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) reporter; Gabrielle Jordan and methanol senior editor; Eashani Chavda discusses the supply and demand dynamics of each market as both face atypical, subdued demand in Q3, due to a subpar summer driving season.Topics discussed include:
Supply and demand dynamics
Increasing import reliance
Potential US tariffs and their effects
Podcast by Gabrielle Jordan and Eashani Chavda
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