Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 7 August.

Europe propylene supply tight at least into September, spot prices up
Tightness in the European propylene market is likely to persist at least into September despite imports, with spot prices firming as a result, sources said on Friday.

Spot PP offers creep up, European prices remain low
There were signs of higher prices in the polypropylene (PP) spot market in Europe this week, with pricing in the region remaining among the lowest in the world, sources said on Friday.

Turkish PP, PE markets still feeling effects of coup attempt
The Turkish polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) markets are still being negatively impacted by the political uncertainty in the aftermath of the attempted coup on 15 July with buyers severely limiting purchasing activity, sources said on Thursday.

Uncertainty haunts European PE market
Uncertainty is prevalent in the European polyethylene (PE) industry as upstream prices fall and Asia falters, but new import offers are too high to work with current spot prices, sources said on Thursday.

July IPEX balanced on prices generally higher in Asia and lower in Europe
Petrochemical and polymers prices fluctuated in July with little in the way of a discernible trend, ICIS data showed at the start of August.

Europe August ethanolamine prices likely to be stable in August
European ethanolamine monthly contract prices are steady in August, despite the slight decrease in upstream ethylene contract costs this month, according to market players on Wednesday.

Europe has to boost competitiveness or lose – Arkema CEO
France and the rest of Europe need to increase investment in innovation and boost industrial competitiveness to avert a decline in the region’s manufacturing base, the CEO of French chemical major Arkema  said on Wednesday.

Europe August styrene barge contract rolls over at €1,055/tonne
The August European styrene barge contract was settled at €1,055/tonne, a rollover from the previous month, several players confirmed on Tuesday.

Transparency key to Iran attracting foreign investment – specialist
Iran should introduce legal requirements to enforce transparency across its economic sectors if it is serious about attracting foreign investments and building a reputation as a trustworthy place to do business, according to a London-based international sanctions specialist.

Europe CX August contract increases on benzene hike
The European cyclohexane (CX) August contract has settled at an increase, driven by the upstream benzene hike, sources said on Monday.

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