ICIS - chemical podcasts

Episoder

• Episode 1480: PODCAST: Global BD prices tumble as markets shift from supply fears to demand concerns 07.07.2026 13min

  LONDON (ICIS)-- Butadiene (BD) prices have tumbled globally from highs after a volatile second quarter, as markets continue to adjust to the fallout from the US-Iran conflictIn this episode, ICIS Europe BD editor Melissa Hurley discusses the latest market developments and outlook with Ai Teng Lim (Asia), Elaine Zhang (China), and senior BD analysts Gawaine Preston (Europe) and Ann Sun (Asia).CFR northeast Asia BD prices have fallen significantly from March peak levels as expected supply shock failed to materialise; heavier-than-expected downstream demand losses seenChina market also experienced rapid price decline; H2 focus shifts from supply recovery to demand absorption: "The key question is no longer whether supply recovers — it's whether demand can absorb it." - Senior BD Analyst Ann Sun Asia and China remain the key balancing markets, expected to absorb surplus BD exports from Europe and the USPrices may face further near-term weakness before stabilising, while the timing of new Asian capacity additions remains the biggest uncertainty for the marketUS July BD contracts also lower on improved supply and weaker global pricingFocus podcast by Ai Teng Lim, Elaine Zhang, Gawaine Preston, Ann Sun and Melissa Hurley. Additional reporting by Preeti Sriram.
• Episode 1479: Think Tank: The story of a Lebanese chemical distributor 01.07.2026 15min

  Running a chemical distribution company in a conflict zone such as Lebanon requires determination and agility to keep the business running while ensuring the safety of employees. -          High levels of stress but a resolve to adapt to conflict conditions -          Very difficult operating environment with displaced population-          Maintaining stock levels is a key challenge-          Hazardous material moved to a warehouse out of Beirut and away from other high-risk zones -          Back-up office created to allow work to continue during times of high conflict-          Less transport by sea through port of Beirut and more via land crossings to Syria-          Impossible to get insurance coverage for logistics in conflict zones-          Shift of commercial terms to cash in advance before delivery-          Banking system has become very primitiveIn this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Dany Njeim, CEO of RN Chemicals, based in Lebanon and Italy and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 
• Episode 1478: PODCAST: Phenol & Acetone Derivatives: Volatility, Supply Shifts and a Fragile Q3 Outlook 29.06.2026 29min

  LONDON (ICIS)--A turbulent Q2 saw the phenol and acetone value chain rocked by geopolitical disruption, cost inflation and shifting supply-demand dynamics, with prices surging before easing as markets rebalanced.In this Q2 episode of the Acetone and Derivatives podcast, ICIS experts unpack the key drivers across phenol, acetone, BPA, epoxy and polycarbonate, and explore a cautious, uncertain outlook for Q3 amid weak demand, ample supply and ongoing global volatility.MMA markets editor Mathew Jolin-Beech is joined by Acetone and phenol editor Jane Gibson, Heidi Finch senior editor for the European BPA and epoxy resins, Sam Lovatt on PC, and Michele Bossi - analyst for the chain.
• Episode 1477: Think Tank: Sale of stockpiles explains China’s massive wartime export boost 25.06.2026 37min

  From March to May, China has exported record amounts of chemicals despite falling production as companies work through huge inventories built up over the past few years.China chemicals production has fallen, but exports are soaringInventory levels in China are much higher than people suspectedHigher prices mean that this is now being exportedChina operators still run despite poor economics, domestic demandThey have been stockpiling, now selling this inventoryMay data confirm the trend is continuing20% of global olefins supply has been disrupted by the Middle East war45% of Asia ethylene supply outside of China was offline in AprilRecord capacity additions mean oversupply will continue for 5-10 yearsFrom 2030 China will add less new capacityIn this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior polyolefins analyst James Wilson and ICIS senior consultant John Richardson.
• Episode 1476: PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets see sentiment cool as market adjusts to falling cost base and declining geopolitical risk premium 24.06.2026 14min

  LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets continue to digest geopolitical developments regarding shifting dynamics in the Persian Gulf and the price correction lower across many feedstock markets of late. Uncertainty remains high but bearish price sentiment has been growing as availability concerns fade and demand expectations into the summer months remain relatively subdued. End users continue to exhibit caution regarding purchasing trends under the belief that prices may ease further into Q3 and beyond.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye, acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech and oxo alcohols analyst Gawaine Preston about current market conditions and expectations for the near future.
• Episode 1475: Increasing polyols from China to Europe a key concern at industry conference 24.06.2026 5min

  Rising imports from China were a central theme highlighted by multiple market players on the side-lines of the annual EUROPUR and EURO-MOULDERS conference, held in Antwerp, Belgium, on 10–11 June 2026.In this episode, European markets editor Zubair Adam for polyols who had attended the event, discusses with Isaac Tan his Asian counterpart, key developments on the China to Europe trade lane.
• Episode 1474: Think Tank: Regionalization of industry will give Velogy the edge in Europe 18.06.2026 41min

  As the global chemical industry moves towards a more regional business model, Velogy – the new company carved out of former LyondellBasell assets – will be able to serve European customers from within Europe.Customers increasingly want to take “Europe for Europe” approach to ensure security of supplyChemical industry is moving from global to regional structure, and this will help Velogy in an oversupplied worldAction needed at EU and national level to protect Europe chemicals and industrial backbone from subsidised importsBeing a mid-sized €2.5 billion sales company allows Velogy to act fastStrong balance, without debt, gives Velogy a head startAdding SABIC assets will increase sales to around €8 billionSABIC acquisition expected to close in Q4 2026Parent group AEQUITA is not a typical private equity fund with investors expecting an exit/return within a few yearsFive partners own the group, with experience in troubled industrial sectors such as automotiveAfter SABIC assets are added there are no plans for closures, but some cost savings in central functions possibleIn this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Richard Roudeix, CEO of Velogy and Robert Roiger, Chief Transformation Officer at Velogy and Chief Operating Officer at AEQUITA.
• Episode 1473: Think Tank: Chemical distributors adapt to Middle East war impact 11.06.2026 29min

  BARCELONA (ICIS)--European chemical distributors are flexing their business models to ensure that supply chains still operate effectively despite the Middle East war.Chemical supply chains are becoming more flexibleSupply reliability and diversification are now key competitive advantagesTo thrive distributors need to diversify supply chains, adopt a more ‘local for local’ approachDistributors and producers need to focus on financial stability of their suppliers and customersAfter Hormuz, other global trade chokepoints could be weaponizedIf oil prices rise to $150/barrel, interest rates may rise to 5-10%High interest rates will cause chemical industry bankruptciesIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Dorothee Arns, director general of the European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc) and  Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.Click here to register for the 19 June joint Fecc/ICIS CEO round tables mentioned during the podcast. 
• Episode 1472: Sustainably Speaking: Making food grade rPOs commercially viable 09.06.2026 25min

  Recycling editor Sam Lovatt speaks to Nextek CEO Ed Kosior about the company's new European food grade recycled polyolefin technology, the recycling market in general, 2030 deadlines and everything in between.
• Episode 1471: Think Tank: Oil spike risk to $150 threatens chemical industry, economy 02.06.2026 33min

  A potential surge in oil prices to $140–150/barrel could trigger demand destruction, volatility and disruption across global chemical markets.-          Further delays to reopening of Strait of Hormuz could see oil prices rise to $140–150/bbl-          Higher oil would drive panic buying then sharp demand destruction as downstream customers cannot absorb costs -          Markets are already “extremely cautious and hand to mouth”, reflecting uncertainty over timing of any resolution -          Chemical markets are most price-volatile since 2008-          Demand is weakening due to inflation, higher interest rates and consumer pressure, hitting purchasing power-          Prolonged conflict risks inventory depletion, raising likelihood of further price shocks in oil and petrochemicals -          China has increased exports sharply (up ~40% year on year), helping offset supply gaps but pressuring global margins -          Asia faces the most acute supply disruption, with plant shutdowns and reduced operating rates due to feedstock shortages -          Structural risks are rising, including plant closures and bankruptcies, particularly where high costs meet weak demand -          Industry may be entering a “global reset”, driven by overcapacity, weak demand and sustained geopolitical disruption
• Episode 1470: APIC '26: PODCAST: Olefins, vinyls players process post-war impact of Chinese exports 29.05.2026 11min

  FUKUOKA, Japan (ICIS)--In this podcast, ICIS editors Josh Quah, Joy Foo, Ai Teng Lim and Jonathan Chou discuss the ongoing developments in Asia olefins and vinyls on the sidelines of Asia Petrochemicals Industry Conference (APIC) 2026 conference. The editors cover trends in ethylene, propylene, butadiene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as shifting trade flows across the region. With Chinese exports increasingly asserting a greater presence in Asia as an impact of the Mideast conflict, they discuss what this may mean for the immediate future of these products.  Unprecedented increase in Chinese olefin exports in March, April pressure markets amid demand drop-offPVC export markets contend with intensifying Chinese carbide PVC supply competition amid India monsoon seasonTemporary nature of Chinese exports called into question
• Episode 1469: APIC '26: PODCAST: MMA downstream stays pessimistic despite easing feedstock concerns 28.05.2026 7min

  SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asian methyl methacrylate (MMA) markets continue to feel the impact of supply shocks seen in early March, with no near-term resolution in the Middle East conflict.Producers continue to grapple with costs from high-priced inventories built up during earlier panic buying, while struggling to pass these on to downstream buyers. This comes as easing feedstock conditions exert downward pressure on MMA prices.In this podcast, ICIS senior editor Jasmine Khoo joins us from the 2026 Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Fukuoka Japan, to discuss challenges in derivative markets, rising Chinese spot export activity, and an overhang of existing inventories.Accumulated inventories in Mar-Apr deter buying as alternative feedstock routes add supply pressureChinese spot activity gains traction as regional producers grapple with elevated costsSeasonal June lull, Mideast conflict, weak downstream confidence keep sentiment pessimistic
• Episode 1468: PODCAST: Asia acetic acid in roller coaster ride amid Middle East strife 25.05.2026 14min

  In this podcast, Hwee Hwee Tan, Ann Sun and Jady Ma will talk about the volatility of Asia acetic acid market and key drivers.They also explored the cost difference and fundamental divergence between China and the rest of Asia.
• Episode 1467: Think Tank: Recruitment in chemical industry trends to less roles, but better defined 22.05.2026 19min

  Years of tough market conditions in the global chemical sector are changing recruitment practices with companies now taking fewer new hires and with a much clearer view of return on investment. -          Recruitment practices have sharpened as market conditions have become tougher -          Less roles on the market, but now greater clarity on return on investment (ROI)-          Better for companies and recruits to have more specifics on roles-          A lot of commercial roles still available -          Operational roles in Europe may be for efficiency projects/turnarounds/closing sites-          Asia operational roles focus on new plants or expansions-          A lot of M&A, business transformation roles-          Most successful hires are comfortable with ambiguity, flexible on geography-          Just say “Yes!” to new roles within your own company or externally to gain experienceIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Natasha Klymczuk,managing director and founder of Kelham Partners. 
• Episode 1466: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives balanced to tight amid cautious sentiment 19.05.2026 11min

  Europe’s oxo‑alcohols and derivatives supply is assessed as ranging from balanced to tight in May. Upstream volatility, ongoing Middle East tensions and cautious market sentiment continue to shape market dynamics.Spot price trends across the oxo‑alcohols chain are assessed as stable to softer in May compared with April, as weaker buying interest and cautious purchasing behaviour offset the impact of restricted supply and upstream volatilityOxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye,  joins acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.
• Episode 1465: Sustainably Speaking: Recycling markets face near-term strain despite long-term optimism 14.05.2026 31min

  PRSE 2026 highlighted a fragile but cautiously optimistic recycling market, shaped by Middle East disruptions, weak demand, and regulatory uncertainty.Across mechanical, chemical and emerging sectors, investment and long-term targets persist, but near-term capacity, demand visibility, and policy clarity remain key challenges.Join ICIS recycling editors and analysts as they recap their conversations from the event and the main takeaways from the two days in Amsterdam.Helen McGeough: International players remain committed to Europe long term, investing in rPET and polyolefins despite weak demand, while flagging certification complexity and the growing role of EPR-driven demand globally.Mia McLachlan: Polyolefins markets show cautious optimism, with Middle East disruption boosting recycler demand but exposing LDPE capacity shortages and highlighting the gap to meet 2030 PPWR targets.Nazif Nazmul: Chemical recycling faces a worsening mismatch between sustainability targets and financial backing, with weak offtake commitments and insolvencies (e.g. Plastics Energy) signalling risk to capacity growth.Carolina Perujo Holland: Textile recycling is emerging but complex, with major regulatory drivers (WFD, EPR, Ecodesign) and challenges in sorting, traceability and economics requiring strong value-chain collaboration.Matt Tudball: rPET outlook is highly uncertain, with tight bale supply, volatile virgin PET prices and possible summer feedstock shortages, but stronger buyer–seller relationships are stabilising the market.Sam Lovatt: Rising virgin polyolefin prices are supporting recycled markets, but recyclers cannot fully pass through increases due to cost-sensitive end uses, limiting margin recovery and demand resilience.
• Episode 1464: Think Tank: Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts global fertilizers, more risks to food as war persists 13.05.2026 56min

  The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is having a severe and unprecedented effect on fertilizer supply because so much production is concentrated in the Middle East. -          If war drags on, danger of two-tier food economy developing with lower tier suffering shortages-          Poorer countries may be priced out of the fertilizer market-          Food impact will be seen later this year and into 2027-          Unique situation because fertilizer supply is very concentrated around the Strait of Hormuz, so the effect is amplified-          Global ammonia, sulphur markets heavily impacted by the Iran war-          Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) applies carbon tax on EU imports  -          It will replace free allocations under Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)-          As imports become more expensive, downstream sectors argue they suffer raised raw material costs-          Proposal to suspend CBAM on fertilizers In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS ammonia reporter Sylvia Tranganida, ICIS ammonia analyst Bee Lin Chow, ICIS sulphur reporter Manuja Pandey, ICIS phosphatic fertilizer reporter Chris Vlachopoulos and ICIS data analyst Grégoire Ladouce. 
• Episode 1463: Think Tank: Middle East war is worst crisis for chemicals since 1979 04.05.2026 24min

  The Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the worst crisis in the Middle East since the 1979 oil crisis, according to regional chemical producer and distributor Servochem. -          Dubai’s Jebel Ali port is within the Strait of Hormuz and is unable to export-          Other ports in Oman and Saudi Arabia cannot handle large volumes, or very hazardous products-          Each week of Strait closure will add one month of post-war disruption when it finally reopens -          Companies would willingly pay a toll to resume use of Strait of Hormuz-          UAE inflation, unemployment is rising-          Servochem can only export 20% of usual pre-war levels-          Customers are slowing production as costs rise and demand is uncertain-          “We have lost 2026”-          Raw material and shipping costs have spikedIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Yogesh Dodani, director at Dubai-based chemical distributor and manufacturer Servochem.  
• Episode 1462: Think Tank: Iran war has spurred EU into action on industry competitiveness 30.04.2026 45min

  As the war in the Middle East pushed up energy costs in Europe, politicians in Brussels have sprung into action on moves to improve chemical industry competitiveness.Iran war pushed EU to accelerate moves on cutting energy costsNow up to member states to implement cost cutting measuresPositive moves on Emissions Trading System (ETS)Fast-tracking for anti-dumping duties (ADDs) is welcomeBrussels has finally moved from words to actionUpdate to Reach regulation has been haltedNew ETS structure to be revealed on July 15. Force majeure option would be welcomeWar effect will last throughout 2026 and likely into 2027Companies in Europe are delaying maintenance as demand has risenCustomers and producers are rethinking 100% globalised business models, seek to make supply chains more robustNorthern China can access Russian crude, South more reliant on Middle EastExpect slump in consumer spending, rising rates of savings in Europe, demand destruction later in the yearPermanent plant closures, M&A is creating a strong European industryAEQUITA, Borouge International, Moeve-Galp merger will create Europe-based powerhousesIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Cefic director general Marco Mensink and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.
• Episode 1461: Sustainably Speaking: Challenges and uncertainty ahead of PRSE 2026 27.04.2026 20min

  Join the ICIS European Recycling Team as they discuss the key topics and takeaways they hope to get from this year's Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) taking place in Amsterdam on 5-6 May.  You can meet the Europe Recycling Team at the ICIS Booth in Hall 5, Stand F110, where you can scan a QR code to get access to the latest ICIS data on the recycling markets and learn more about ICIS' sustainability offerings.