
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.
The scale of plans to turn oil into petrochemicals may radically reshape this industry
26th November 2023A petrochemicals world dominated by Supermajors, especially those running COTC plants, or one where greater regional cooperation (more on this in late
The “National Champions” in the New Petrochemicals Landscape
20th November 2023SHORT-TERM tactics should involve maximising returns within regions along with a greater focus on exports anywhere in the world
China self-sufficiency drive expected to accelerate in PE, PP, EG and PX
15th November 2023You might think it impossible for China to reach complete self-sufficiency in PE, PP, EG and PX. History suggests otherwise.
Why the rest of the developing world cannot follow in China’s growth footsteps
9th November 2023The developing world outside China cannot repeat China's economic growth model because of climate change, ageing populations in the West and sustainab
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.
COP 28 needs to see words translated into action, as carbon emissions have to peak in 2025
26th November 2023“Every year of the baby steps we’ve been taking up to this point means that we need to be taking bigger leaps with each following year, if we are
Investors hope (again) for interest rate cuts and a ‘Santa Claus rally’
19th November 2023investors are hoping Fed Chairman Jay Powell will soon signal a dramatic interest rate cut. And so they are positioning for a 'Santa Claus' rally. But
WeWork’s bankruptcy marks the beginning of the end for the stimulus economy
12th November 2023Essentially, the central banks thought that unlimited amounts of free money could reverse the impact of ageing populations. WeWork's bankruptcy sugges
Q3 smartphone market confirms need to build Services revenue as consumer sales slow
5th November 2023The smartphone market highlights how companies are responding very differently to the economic slowdown. Samsung is adding features such as ‘foldabl
Energy Connections
ICIS energy editors post their expert opinions on the major topics facing participants in the European gas, electricity, LNG and oil markets. This blog will look behind the headlines and critically analyse the impact of market developments on the industry, with some more light-hearted posts thrown in for good humour.
Spot LNG stuck in bullish mood
21st July 2021Spot LNG prices remain firmly in bullish mood, with little prospect of an immediate easing of tight market conditions. Low storage levels in Europe, g
Spot LNG strong as China equals Japan
18th June 2021Spot LNG strong as China equals Japan Spot LNG prices remain bullish as China’s demand growth continues and Australia enters a period of heavy maint
Spot LNG bullish on storage, summer peak
21st May 2021Spot LNG bullish on storage, summer peak Spot LNG prices have broken back into double figures, over $10/MMBtu, as Europe continues to pull in gas to r
Asia, Europe LNG converges as US turns cold
16th February 2021Spot gas markets in Europe and Asia have re-aligned after splitting apart during last month’s cold weather and price spikes in east Asia. But it may
Chemical Connections
The ICIS Chemical connections blog delves into the chemicals and commodities behind some of the world’s biggest companies. Daniel tracks and provides analysis on 167 companies in the oil and gas, commodities, chemicals, speciality chemicals, plastics, packaging and fertilizers markets and Jeremy analyses macro and micro trends affecting the North American chemicals industry, from olefins, aromatics and solvents to general-purpose and engineered plastics.
Ethylene-derivative opportunities take centre stage at IPC
28th March 2022Huge opportunities are at hand for US producers of ethylene and its derivatives, especially in a world where security of supply remains tenuous in man
Crude oil’s meteoric rise to ripple through supply chains
3rd March 2022Crude oil prices are rising at a rate at which passing on the increases downstream is proving untenable in some markets. Its volatility will spur furt
Sustainability challenges posed by recycled plastic inflation’s long game
23rd February 2022The packaging supply chain needs to come to grips with inflation, but in a context few are considering at the moment – the sustainability movement.
Logistics will signal pathway to market normalisation
12th January 2022Prices precipitously falling from their highs after months of feverous run-up is typical commodity market behaviour, but the conditions in which the c
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