ICIS - chemical podcasts

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  Episode 1501: Think Tank: Europe chemicals in perfect storm, action needed now before it is too late: INEOS 05.10.2026

  BARCELONA (ICIS)--Europe’s petrochemical industry is in steep decline and the region risks losing access to locally-produced critical raw materials unless stronger, faster action is taken by political leaders and regulators.Increasing reliance in Europe on imported critical raw materials for healthcare, defence and industrial value chainsEurope chemicals faces existential threatMiddle East war gave temporary uplift in Europe, but now imports flowing from other regionsINEOS mothballing UK plants due to sky-high energy costsINEOS Project One expected online towards the end of 2027Little support and tough permitting environment in EuropeMuch stronger protection needed from unfair imports, including possible global or regional import quotasCreate fewer but stronger regional leadersIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, presdient of Plastics Europe and chairman of Petrochemcials Europe.
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  Episode 1500: PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives markets' cost uncertainty persists as 2027 contract discussions begin 30.09.2026 14хв

  LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets continue to face high cost uncertainty and volatility as Q4 beckons. Sentiment in the market remains widely mixed after a subdued start to the autumn on the purchasing side. As 2027 contract discussions commence, there is a renewed focus on sourcing origin, particularly for products which were more exposed to Middle East origin export constraints this year, as well as the close attention being paid to anti dumping duty investigations still ongoing in some cases.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech about current market conditions and expectations for the near future.
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  Episode 1499: Think Tank: BASF merger with Evonik could create integrated regional leader 29.09.2026 22хв

  BARCELONA (ICIS)--As Europe’s chemical industry battles for survival, a BASF tie up with Evonik could form a regional leader capable of competing in a chronically oversupplied global market.Complementary portfolios could create integrated championRegional leaders offer scale and broader market resilienceLocal-for-local manufacturing is replacing globalisationEuropean capacity closures reflect severe cost disadvantagesGlobal overcapacity may keep worsening through 2028Political support remains essential for Europe’s chemical industry survivalIn this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.
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  Episode 1498: Think Tank: Fecc '26 - European distributors plug supply chain gaps as war drags on 23.09.2026 17хв

  As the Middle East war continues, many chemical distributors in Europe are growing their sales and margins by helping customers maintain security of supply through this period of intense disruption.Middle East disruption tightens global chemical supplyHigher uncertainty supports stronger distributor marginsCustomers buy chemicals more on a hand-to-mouth basisStockholding helps distributors ensure reliable supplyValue creation outweighs volume growth in EuropeLocal-for-local strategies gain importance amid geopolitical risksChina now holds nearly half of chemical capacityEuropean chemical capacity continues to shrinkDistributors cautious about new Chinese supplier relationshipsSpecialty chemicals demand deep customer partnershipsIn this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.Recorded after the 2026 European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc) annual congress in Vienna, Austria.
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  Episode 1497: Hesitancy, US-Iran war overshadow Europe, Middle East, India PE/PP 22.09.2026 37хв

  This year has seen record price highs, then plunging lows, as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were rocked by the US-Iran war and choppy Red Sea logistics disruption.After a brief hiatus, the European PE & PP podcast returns, as ICIS senior editors unpick what the Middle Eastern war has meant for September pricing and what we expect for the rest of the year.ICIS senior editor Vicky Ellis is joined by fellow senior editors for Europe, Ben Lake and Marta Fern, Middle East editor Nadim Salamoun and India market specialist Aswin Kondapally.
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  Episode 1496: Middle East crisis threatens shortages, higher prices and inflation 16.09.2026 24хв

  The spread of conflict across the Middle East threatens another period of extreme market volatility, as players face up to increasing disruption with strategic reserves much lower than at the start of the conflict. • Seizure of the port of Mokha and Perim Island in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, threatens the closure a second key Gulf trade route• Global diesel supply critically short with Russian and Gulf refineries severely impaired• The magnitude of closed-off crude supplies and constrained oil product availability increases the risk of a 1973-74-style fuel crisis• Higher prices, tighter supply adds fuel to inflation, which could skyrocket over the next 12 months• Weaker US polyethylene margins and a slide back to negative margins in northeast Asia point to limited pricing power and weak demand • Inflation and energy costs could further hit consumer demand as northern hemispheric winter approachesWe also mark the passing of friend and contributor John Richardson. If listeners have memories of John they would like to share please get in touch at [email protected]
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  Episode 1495: Think Tank: Rising gas prices will squeeze Europe chemicals, fertilizers 08.09.2026 23хв

  Europe’s increasing reliance on LNG leaves chemical producers exposed to winter price and supply shocks as the Middle East war drags on.Europe has become more reliant on LNG since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Russian gas market share has dropped sharply from up to 40% to below 10% Strait of Hormuz closure has removed major Qatari LNG, representing 20% of global supply European storage at record low levels in percentage terms ICIS TTF prices increasingly reflect geopolitical risk premiums Winter supply risks will rise if cold weather hits Asia competition with Europe for US LNG depends on spot price spreads Chemicals face renewed energy and feedstock cost pressure Fertiliser margins remain highly exposed to gas prices, possible closuresIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Ed Cox, global LNG editor at ICIS. 
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  Episode 1494: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives seasonally subdued amid Rhine logistics constraints 26.08.2026 9хв

  The summer lull continued to limit spot business across Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets, while Rhine water levels fell to exceptionally low levels through much of August, disrupting logistics and restricting barge traffic. Although recent rainfall has provided some relief, Rhine logistics remain a key uncertainty as market participants turn their attention to the traditional late August-September restocking period.Oxo-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.
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  Episode 1493: PODCAST: How the US-Iran conflict is reshaping India's PE, PP markets (part two) 26.08.2026 9хв

  SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict.In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty.This is part two of a two-part series.PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptionsBuyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertaintyBuyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes
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  Episode 1492: PODCAST: How the US-Iran conflict is reshaping India's PE, PP markets (part one) 26.08.2026 10хв

  SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict.In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty. This is part one of a two-part series. PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptionsBuyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertaintyBuyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes
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  Episode 1491: PODCAST: China's styrene export position strengthens; FOB China assessment gains support 25.08.2026 5хв

  SINGAPORE (ICIS)--China's rapid expansion of styrene monomer (SM) capacity has transformed the country into an increasingly important exporter. By mid-2024, China's export volumes had overtaken imports, prompting ICIS to launch its FOB China SM assessment in August 2024. China became a net exporter in 2025, and growing liquidity has since increased the relevance of the FOB China benchmark.In this podcast, Senior Editor Luffy Wu reviews the progress of ICIS' SM FOB China daily assessment since its launch two years ago and looks ahead to some of the improvements and plans in the pipeline to better serve the market.China becomes net exporter in 2025 amid capacity growthJan-Jul exports hit 860,000 tonnes, filling supply gaps left by Mideast suppliersFOB China quote attracts rising attention, but CFR China conventions persist
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  Episode 1490: Think Tank: China slowdown deepens chemicals market pressure 11.08.2026 15хв

  China's economic downturn and expanding chemicals capacity continue to challenge global producers.China manufacturing and services contract, according to latest purchasing manager indices (PMIs)Property crisis remains an important dragAgeing population weakens domestic demandLimited stimulus constrains economic recoveryExports remain strong despite slowdownTrade barriers circumvented through third countriesChemical capacity additions remain substantial, totalling 77 million tonnes in 2026 and more in 2027Efficient mega-sites in China outcompete global rivalsMore closures expected outside ChinaRelief may emerge after 2030 as tough China environmental rules stifle more chemicals expansions In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS director, market insights and executive engagement, John Richardson.
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  Episode 1489: EU, US epoxy markets faced a volatile H1, skittish geopolitics casts shadow over H2 07.08.2026 19хв

  A complex tariff landscape, geopolitical instability in the Middle East, upstream volatility and demand struggles are key talking points in the Europe and US epoxy markets.In this podcast, Heidi Finch, who covers the Europe epoxy market, and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market, recap on what has been a very volatile and challenging H1, in particular due to unsettled US-Iran geopolitics and discuss possible expectations for the H2. . In the US, higher feedstock costs, reduced Asian imports, due to the ME war, along with tariffs supported prices in H1, while demand remained largely flat. Europe prices surged during Q2, due to the ME induced war cost impacts and more domestic sourcing due to import supply chain jitters, although demand remained lowGeopolitical uncertainty makes for a hazy H2 for both regions, managing headwinds the focus, no recovery in sight
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  Episode 1488: Think Tank: War boosts Q2 chemicals but risks mount for rest of year 04.08.2026 30хв

  After a strong Q2, chemical companies face an uncertain second half beset by weak demand, potential feedstock shortages and River Rhine disruption.-          European chemical profits rose sharply in Q2-          Producers upgrade full-year earnings forecasts-          Q2 gains driven by conflict-led pricing, margins-          Demand weak across key sectors-          Little momentum seen after Q2 uplift-          Outlook clouded by geopolitical uncertainty-          Rhine drought threatens logistics and supply-          More force majeures possible in Europe
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  Episode 1487: PODCAST: Asia PET resin market faces margin pressure, export challenges amid feedstock volatility 30.07.2026 6хв

  SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia PET resin prices have been shaped by volatile feedstock costs, while producer margins have narrowed to around breakeven levels. In this ICIS podcast, Senior Analyst Jimmy Zhang and Senior Editor Judith Wang discuss the impact of the US-Iran conflict on feedstock markets, the challenges facing Asia PET resin exports, and the outlook for the regional market.Upstream values remain a key driver of petrochemical price directionLimited vessel availability, high freight costs constrain Asia PET resin exportsICIS remains cautiously optimistic on PET resin supply-demand fundamentals
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  Episode 1486: Think Tank: War brings new risks for gas supply, especially for Europe and Asia 28.07.2026 33хв

  The Middle East conflict is disrupting global gas markets, with increased risks for Europe and Asia gas supply security.European storage levels below last yearGermany faces particularly low inventoriesMiddle East disruption limits LNG availabilityEurope competing with Asia for cargoesGas prices likely to remain elevatedDemand destruction may soften impact of low storage levelsLNG market outlook shifts from surplus to deficitChemical companies urged to plan for rising energy insecurityDiesel and petroleum increasingly short globallyRisk that US may place export ban on energy products, diesel and petroleum 
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  Episode 1485: China PE Market Outlook for H2 2026: Navigating a Wave of Supply Growth 24.07.2026 10хв

  In the latest ICIS podcast, analysts Haiyan, Joanne and Amy discuss the outlook for China’s PE market in H2 2026. The team explores how expanding supply, changing trade flows and demand uncertainties could shape the market in the months ahead.
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  Episode 1485: China PE Market Outlook for H2 2026: Navigating a Wave of Supply Growth 24.07.2026 10хв

  In the latest ICIS podcast, analysts Haiyan, Joanne and Amy discuss the outlook for China’s PE market in H2 2026. The team explores how expanding supply, changing trade flows and demand uncertainties could shape the market in the months ahead.
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  Episode 1484: Think Tank: Renewed Middle East conflict deepens chemical market uncertainty 21.07.2026 25хв

  Escalating Middle East tensions and weak consumer demand are creating new risks for global energy and chemical markets.Oil prices rise towards $90/barrelStrait of Hormuz disruption hits energy flows againBab el Mandeb Strait blockade risk grows, threatening access to the Red Sea and Suez CanalEuropean gas stocks remain vulnerableRhine low water disrupts logisticsChemical supply chains face pressure in EuropeDemand weakness limits market reaction Smartphone sales fall sharplyRising costs drive demand destructionIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 
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  Episode 1483: PODCAST: Oxo-alcohols and derivatives seeing summer slowdown btu uncertainty ahead for H2 2026 20.07.2026 11хв

  As we enter H2 2026, there is plenty happening in the market – although on the surface, much like a swan, things may appear relatively calm. Underneath, lots happening and moving, shaping the markets for the rest of the year.Acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech is joined by glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch and oxo-alcohols and butac editor Marion Boakye to discuss the market.