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.

China PP sales turnover collapses by $4.6bn after the end of the Supercycle
2nd October 2024

LOSSES ACROSS China’s top ten trading partners in PP totalled $4.6bn. The only winner was, not surprisingly, the Russian Federation with a turnover

Read
Your new China stimulus noise-cancelling headphones: PE spreads and margins
30th September 2024

UNTIL or unless margins and spreads return to normal, there will have been no China recovery

Read
Global ethylene 12 months later: Nothing seems to have changed
17th September 2024

What would it take to return global operating rates to the very healthy 1992-2023 average of 88%? Global capacity would have to grow by an average of

Read
Polycarbonate trade flows: The need for new approaches to reflect trade tensions
13th September 2024

New models are needed to understand demand and trade flows in light of increased trade tensions

Read

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.

Chemicals industry starts to focus on Reinvention options at Berlin conference
13th October 2024

The key is to rethink the business and become demand-led. And the good news is that companies are now starting to explore this option.

Read
Middle East and Ukraine Wars, US election and China’s slowdown threaten ‘October surprise’ for markets
6th October 2024

The real "October surprise" for markets might be to find out that central banks are powerless against today's major geopolitical risks.

Read
Deflation risks rise as OPEC aims to regain market share and cut oil prices
29th September 2024

Oil market developments need very careful attention. If prices do now fall below $50/bbl, then central banks will likely rush to make major cuts in in

Read
China’s economy risks heading into recession as Producer Prices enter deflation
22nd September 2024

China's problems are spreading to the rest of the world. Not only is it exporting deflation, as its Producer Prices fall. But also, and understandabl

Read

Contact ICIS

Now, more than ever, dynamic insights are key to navigating complex, volatile commodity markets. Access to expert insights on the latest industry developments and tracking market changes are vital in making sustainable business decisions.

Want to learn about how we can work together to bring you actionable insight and support your business decisions?

Need Help?

Need Help?