ICIS Market Expert Blogs
Read our chemical and energy experts’ latest assessment of the market
Asian Chemical Connections
John Richardson’s Asian Chemicals Connections looks at Asian and global commodity chemicals and polymer pricing trends, supply and demand, macroeconomics, energy and environmental issues.
Chemicals, sustainability and the new industrial revolution
16th May 2024Blood bags, syringes, disposable hospital sheets, gowns and medicine packaging. Modern-day medicine, which has greatly extended the quantity and quali
Global PVC markets tell a familiar of story of supply overhang, greater geopolitical risks
6th May 2024THE STORY IS very similar across many of the petrochemicals, including PVC.
China’s 96% Q1 surge in PP exports mirrors wider export push as trade tensions build
29th April 2024China's Q1 2024 exports reach 619,367 tonnes versus 315,904 tonnes in the first quarter of last year.
As China volume growth is no longer guaranteed, focus on growing value
24th April 2024THE THREE EVENTS described are historic, meaning that the tremendous volume growth that the petrochemicals business has seen since 1992 could be large
Chemicals and the Economy
Guest blogger, Paul Hodges looks behind today's headlines and studies key influencers shaping the chemical industry over the next 12-18 months. He takes a closer look at oil prices, economic growth and the environment among other things, along with some light-hearted commentary along the way.
China’s housing market moves from boom to bust
19th May 2024China’s housing inventory is now at a record 25 months. Prices/demand continue to fall. And local government land sale income has already fallen 1/3
Smartphone sales continue to slow as consumer demand patterns change
12th May 2024Q1 data showed that many consumers are tightening their belts and focusing on value for money. But investors don't yet seem to have noticed, and are b
Currency wars kick off as Japanese yen tumbles close to 38-year low
5th May 2024This is the 3rd time we have forewarned of an approaching crisis. Both previous times, ahead of the Great Financial Crisis and the Covid pandemic, we
“Gradually, then Suddenly” – Hemingway’s insight starts to apply to the New Normal’s arrival
28th April 2024As Hemingway noted, everyone is your friend when things are going well. But as countries and individuals are now starting to discover, the hangover wh
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