ICIS - chemical podcasts

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.

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 disruptions Buyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertainty Buyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes

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 drag Ageing population weakens domestic demand Limited stimulus constrains economic recovery Exports remain strong despite slowdown Trade barriers circumvented through third countries Chemical capacity additions remain substantial, totalling 77 million tonnes in 2026 and more in 2027 Efficient mega-sites in China outcompete global rivals More closures expected outside China Relief 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.

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

The Middle East conflict is disrupting global gas markets, with increased risks for Europe and Asia gas supply security. European storage levels below last year Germany faces particularly low inventories Middle East disruption limits LNG availability Europe competing with Asia for cargoes Gas prices likely to remain elevated Demand destruction may soften impact of low storage levels LNG market outlook shifts from surplus to deficit Chemical companies urged to plan for rising energy insecurity Diesel and petroleum increasingly short globally Risk that US may place export ban on energy products, diesel and petroleum

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 supply Chemical industry is moving from global to regional structure, and this will help Velogy in an oversupplied world Action needed at EU and national level to protect Europe chemicals and industrial backbone from subsidised imports Being a mid-sized €2.5 billion sales company allows Velogy to act fast Strong balance, without debt, gives Velogy a head start Adding SABIC assets will increase sales to around €8 billion SABIC acquisition expected to close in Q4 2026 Parent group AEQUITA is not a typical private equity fund with investors expecting an exit/return within a few years Five partners own the group, with experience in troubled industrial sectors such as automotive After SABIC assets are added there are no plans for closures, but some cost savings in central functions possible In 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.