OPIS Talks

May 14, 2026 • OPIS TALKS COAL, METALS & MINING: In this latest Tariff Talk Charles and James focus — again — on Iran. We talk about how the situation might play out and why a deal is so hard to come by. We discuss risks stemming from the Iran situation, and particularly focus on diesel. We also talk about how some miners — notably those in Indonesia where James just visited — are reacting to the current situation. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

March 24, 2026 • OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES: Humberto J. Rocha sits down with senior markets editor Henry Kronk to unpack CORSIA — the UN-backed scheme pushing airlines to limit growth in emissions through sustainable aviation fuel and carbon credit retirements. Henry walks us through the tightening supply of CORSIA-eligible credits, the process and politics of credit authorization under the Paris Agreement, and what a potential U.S. exit could mean for prices, compliance risk and competition in global aviation. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

March 12, 2026 • OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES: Humberto J. Rocha sits down with Guadalupe Ruiz, Principal Carbon Markets Analyst at Dow Jones, to unpack the dramatic shifts in European carbon markets over the past year. Guadalupe breaks down the three major trends that shaped EU carbon allowance (EUA) prices in 2025: the evolving relationship between natural gas and carbon prices as renewables reshape the power sector, the impact of US tariffs and trade policy uncertainty on industrial demand, and the unprecedented surge in investment fund positioning that reached all-time highs this year. As 2026 unfolds, the conversation turns to the sharp reversal in market sentiment, driven by profit-taking, geopolitical tensions, and speculation around potential policy changes. Guadalupe also explores the upcoming EU ETS review, what it could mean for supply and demand dynamics, and how the UK-EU carbon market linkage is influencing price correlations. Whether you're tracking compliance obligations, investment strategies, or policy developments, this episode offers essential insights into the forces driving European carbon markets—and what to watch for in the months ahead. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

March 2, 2026 • OPIS TALKS COAL, METALS & MINING: James Stevenson and Charles Dayton discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's tariffs under IEEPA, exploring alternative tariff mechanisms like Section 122 and Section 301. They examine concerning trends in US economic data, including substantial downward revisions to job creation numbers and questionable inflation calculations that may not reflect consumers' actual experience with rising prices. The conversation also covers potential geopolitical risks, particularly around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, which could disrupt global oil and LNG flows. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize how these factors could influence Federal Reserve policy and global commodity markets, drawing from their research publication 'Tariff Talk' that covers macroeconomic issues affecting energy and commodity markets. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026 • OPIS TALKS CHEMICALS: Joe McCabe, President & CEO of Autoforecast Solutions LLC, talks to Mariana Santos Moreira, Thought Leadership Director for Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, about the mixed signals emerging in global EV adoption. They explore whether recent policy shifts point to a genuine slowdown or a temporary pause, the growing role of plug-in hybrids in future forecasts, and how China has become the world’s EV powerhouse. The conversation also looks at the feasibility of fully electrifying the global passenger car fleet within the foreseeable future. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

February 4, 2026 • OPIS TALKS COAL, METALS & MINING: James Stevenson and Ranjana von Wendland explore a rapidly shifting global landscape for the coal and coke markets. With the Indian government replacing quantitative restrictions on coke imports with anti-dumping duties, and political developments in Venezuela creating ripple effects across Latin America, the Colombian industry is facing a period of significant change and uncertainty. The discussion covers the repercussions of the Venezuelan political situation on Colombia’s coal sector and the wider Latin American market, the impact of India’s introduction of anti-dumping duties in place of quotas on the global coke market, Colombia’s export diversification strategies, rising cost pressures and shrinking margins for Colombian producers, and the upcoming Colombian elections and their potential implications for the industry. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com. Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

January 6, 2026 • OPIS TALKS DOWNSTREAM: Is the era of the "street sign discount" over? As fuel volumes dip and consumer budgets tighten, the strategy for winning market share has moved from the totem to the smartphone. In this episode, Dr. Thomas Weinandy (Principal Research Economist at Upside) explores why personalized offers now significantly outperform traditional price cuts in driving consumer behavior. He navigates the high-stakes "minefield" of dynamic pricing, revealing the stark reality of how customers actually perceive customized costs—and why 50% of them may be pushing back. As value-seeking becomes the new norm, digital loyalty has emerged as the definitive battlefield for the 2026 economy. Join us as we explain why a retailer's biggest threat isn’t the station down the street—it’s the mobile device already sitting in their customer’s pocket. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

Oct. 28, 2025 • OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES: Learn about Brazil’s newly established carbon market and how the country plans to integrate carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Aloisio Melo, Brazil’s National Secretary for Climate Change, chats with OPIS Senior Editor Humberto J. Rocha about Brazil’s path toward decarbonization, its unique renewable energy profile, and the nation’s role as host of COP 30 in Belém — the first UN climate summit held in the Amazon. You’ll want to tune in if you’re following the evolution of international carbon markets, preparing for COP 30, or seeking insights into how Brazil’s approach could shape the next phase of global climate cooperation. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

August 5, 2025 • OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES: In this episode, Humberto Juarez Rocha, OPIS senior editor for carbon and biodiversity, sits down with Mark Lewis—one of the first full-time carbon analysts in London and a longtime observer of carbon markets—to unpack the evolving dynamics of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). They explore: - Why EU Allowance prices may be on the cusp of a bullish breakout - How the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the phase-out of free allowances could reshape industrial behavior - The growing role of speculative capital - Prospects for international offset integration post-2030 - Global carbon market developments—from China to California to the UK ETS

July 15, 2025 • OPIS TALKS PETROCHEMICALS: In this episode of OPIS Talks, plastics recycling expert John Jungjohann joins Xavier Cronin, senior editor of the OPIS Global Recycled Plastics Report, to dig into the key challenges around plastic recycling. They explore common misconceptions among consumers, especially the complications caused by contamination and mixed plastic types. The conversation touches on the U.S.’s slower progress compared to Europe and highlights the need for more public education. John also shares how chemical recycling could improve material quality and efficiency. Throughout the episode, they make a case for broader awareness and policy support to help move the needle on growing the U.S. plastics recycling market. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

May 22, 2025 • OPIS TALKS CHEMICALS: Why has an industry that poured over a trillion dollars into new capacity over the past 25 years now shutting plants, slashing capex, and hunting for merger partners? In this episode of OPIS Talks, you’ll hear from Cornelia Schirber, VP, Consulting, for Chemical Market Analytics; Chuck Carr, VP, Consulting, for Chemical Market Analytics; and Tzyy Lok, Executive Director, Consulting, for Chemical Market Analytics. They explain the chemical downcycle, what makes the chemical industry so cyclical, and whether chemical demand is expected to continue to grow long-term. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

April 10, 2025 • OPIS TALKS RENEWABLES: Could Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations be a model—or a warning—for U.S. policymakers? How are U.S. tax credits like the Inflation Reduction Act reshaping the North American renewable fuels market? What happens when Canadian biodiesel and renewable diesel producers can’t compete with U.S. imports? Why are Canadian provinces starting to require "made in Canada" biofuels—and what does that mean for cross-border trade? In this episode of OPIS Talks, you’ll learn about these issues as we dive into the rapidly shifting dynamics of Canada’s renewable fuels landscape. From the real-world impacts of the Clean Fuel Regulations to the growing tension around trade and tax policy, this conversation with Fred Ghatala, president of Advanced Biofuels Canada, unpacks the opportunities—and risks—facing biofuel producers on both sides of the border. Fred and the host, Jordan Godwin, director of renewables pricing and news at OPIS, explore the domestic content requirements emerging in British Columbia, how U.S. tax credits are disrupting competitiveness, and why 2025 is a pivotal year for biofuels in Canada. Whether you're in policy, production, or just passionate about renewables, this is a must-listen for understanding where Canada's clean energy economy is headed. Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at energy-marketing@opisnet.com.

March 25, 2025 • OPIS TALKS RENEWABLE ENERGY: How will the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reshape global trade? How has the EU Commission proposed to change the CBAM since it first came online in late 2023? What challenges will businesses face as potentially increasing carbon costs are imposed on imports? In this episode of OPIS Talks, Dan Maleski, CBAM lead at Redshaw Advisors, explains the purpose of CBAM, how it works, and what industries will be most affected. You’ll also learn about compliance requirements, recent policy proposals and potential changes, and the broader implications for supply chains and international competitiveness. As countries around the world consider similar measures, many are wondering about the future of carbon pricing and its implications for global markets. You'll want to tune in to this episode if you’re a business leader navigating the EU’s carbon regulations, a policymaker shaping climate strategies, or a sustainability professional seeking insights into how CBAM will impact global trade and supply chains. This interview is hosted by Humberto Juarez Rocha, OPIS senior editor covering carbon and biodiversity markets.