Mono propylene glycol (MPG)
Monitoring market drivers and pricing shifts with trusted intelligence
Discover the factors influencing mono propylene glycol (MPG) markets
Commonly used in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) and coatings, antifreeze and de-icing applications on an industrial scale, mono propylene glycol (MPG) demand responds to activity levels in the construction, aviation and automotive sectors. The MPG USP grade is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other consumer related applications. Seasonal factors and consumer trends can also cause noticeable market movements – as can upstream fluctuations in feedstocks and crude oil. This level of volatility highlights the importance of accurate and timely information. The most success comes from informed decision-making.
By constantly monitoring the rapidly changing dynamics in play, and digging deeper into the factors driving change, our MPG experts provide a market intelligence picture that is unrivalled. Our independence ensures that ICIS pricing and analysis can be relied upon by traders, producers and buyers worldwide as they act on the opportunities they identify.
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Latin America stories: weekly summary
SAO PAULO (ICIS)–Here are some of the stories from ICIS Latin America for the week ended on 1 November. Brazil’s chemicals trade deficit keeps rising; producers entrust recovery to higher tariffsBrazilian chemicals producers’ market share continued to be threatened in the January-September period, with the industry’s trade deficit rising to $36.2 billion, up 1% year on year, the country’s chemicals producers trade group Abiquim said this week. Brazil’s chemicals output up 2% in September, plastics and rubber up 6.5%Brazil’s chemicals output rose by 2% in September, year on year, although it fell compared with August by 2.7%, the country’s statistics office IBGE said on Friday. Brazil's manufacturing keeps momentum in October, export orders robustBrazil's petrochemicals-intensive manufacturing sectors continued expanding in October, the tenth consecutive month of growth, analysts at S&P Global said on Friday. Mexico’s manufacturing recovers slightly in October but poor demand keeps it contractionMexico's petrochemicals-intensive manufacturing sectors continued to contract in October, although it slightly improved its performance month on month, analysts at S&P Global said on Friday. Colombia’s manufacturing output booms in October, central bank cuts rates to 9.75%Colombia's petrochemicals-intensive manufacturing sectors made a decisive return to growth in October on the back of a healthy increase in new business, analysts at S&P Global said on Friday. Brazil’s chemical producer prices up nearly 11% in SeptemberBrazil’s chemicals producer prices rose in September by nearly 11%, year on year, as the sector recovers, the country’s statistics office IBGE said this week. Mexico’s GDP recovers strongly in Q3, more rate cuts dependent on US election – analystsMexico’s GDP grew by 1% in Q3, quarter on quarter, confirming the economy “pulled out of the slump” of the first half of the year, analysts said on Wednesday. Brazil's Braskem Q3 resin sales down 2% due to higher PE and PVC stocksResin sales in Braskem's domestic market dropped by 2% in Q3 year on year, mainly due to the higher levels of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stocks in the transformation chain, the Brazilian petrochemicals major said on Wednesday in its quarterly production and sales report. Brazil Petrobras to continue advancing nitrogen project in Tres LagoasBrazil producer Petrobras announced that its board of directors has decided to continue implementing the nitrogen fertilizer unit (UFN-III), located in Tres Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul. PRICINGDomestic, international PE prices steady to lower on falling US export offersDomestic, international polyethylene (PE) prices were assessed as steady to lower across Latin American countries on the back of competitive offers from the US. Domestic PP prices fall in Colombia, Mexico on lower feedstocksDomestic polypropylene (PP) prices fell in Colombia and Mexico tracking lower feedstock costs. US October propylene contracts settled at a decrease on falling spot prices. Brazil hydrous ethanol sees small rise, anhydrous stays steadyPrices for hydrous ethanol saw a slight increase at the lower end of the range, with demand demonstrating stable sales in Q4. Chile and Colombia PET CFR prices decline amid Asia price reductionsChile and Colombia's CFR prices fell on the lower end of the range reflecting the recent price reduction in Asia.
04-Nov-2024
Europe top stories: weekly summary
LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 1 November. Europe post-industrial bale price rises further squeeze R-PP margins Europe recycled polypropylene feedstock post-industrial bale values rose by €50/tonne in October, further squeezing already narrow margins in the downstream flake and pellet sector. Europe isocyanates consumption remains constrained Consumption for different isocyanates in the European market continues to be constrained with no major uptick forecast for the near term. Versalis' moves show how Europe petrochemicals has reached tipping point Europe’s petrochemical industry has reached a tipping point. Supply glut gives Europe PO buyers “good power to negotiate” annual contracts Propylene oxide (PO) contract negotiations for 2025 are progressing slowly as buyers forecast good supply and are keen to secure more favorable terms. Europe MMA braced for sluggish and slowing Q4 Players in Europe's methyl methacrylate (MMA) market are bracing themselves for sluggish demand in Q4, and a picture that is set to slow further as the year end approaches.
04-Nov-2024
SHIPPING: Asia-USWC container rates edge higher on late-season holiday demand
HOUSTON (ICIS)–Shipping container rates from east Asia and China to the US West Coast rose this week, reversing a trend that saw rates fall by almost 36% from July, as late-season holiday demand emerged. Many importers had pulled holiday volumes early to avoid any problems related to a US East Coast dock workers strike that was set to begin on 1 October. Judah Levine, head of research at online freight shipping marketplace and platform provider Freightos, said front-loading of volumes to the East Coast in September may have been stronger than to the West Coast due to the rush to beat the 1 October strike deadline. Supply chain advisors Drewry has Shanghai-USWC rates edging higher by less than 1% and said of the increase in spot rates ex-China that it expects this trend to continue as the Christmas rush intensifies. Drewry’s World Container Index showed average global rates rising, as shown in the following chart. Rates from Shanghai to Europe rose more dramatically than those from Shanghai to the US, as shown in the following chart from Drewry. Levine said the stronger front loading of volumes to the East Coast could explain the sharper drop of East Coast rates over the last few weeks, as well as the anomaly that saw East Coast rates fall below West Coast rates. Rates to the East Coast are typically about $1,000/FEU (40-foot equivalent units) higher than to the West Coast. Drewry still has East Coast rates about $400/FEU higher than West Coast rates. Levine noted that rates to both coasts are still $1,000-1,500/FEU above their April lows. Container ships and costs for shipping containers are relevant to the chemical industry because while most chemicals are liquids and are shipped in tankers, container ships transport polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are shipped in pellets. They also transport liquid chemicals in isotanks. EAST COAST LABOR UPDATE Union dock workers and US East Coast port operators will resume negotiations on a new master agreement in November, according to a joint statement from both parties. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing the dock workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the ports, reached a tentative agreement on 3 October that ended a three-day strike. The strike was paused until 15 January after parties agreed on the salary portion of the agreement, essentially meeting in the middle. Levine said port automation remains the major sticking point, and if there is no progress in the coming weeks anxious shippers may start increasing orders again ahead of another possible strike. CANADA WEST COAST PORT LABOR UNREST The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), which represents ports on Canada’s west coast, has issued formal notice of its intention to lock out port workers coastwide, starting Monday, 4 November at 8:00 local time, it said on Friday. On Canada’s east coast, dock workers at the Port of Montreal on Thursday, 31 October, went on an indefinite strike at two of the port’s four container terminals. The labor dispute is about automation at Dubai Ports World (Canada), as well as retirement benefits. The parties have been negotiating a new collective labor deal since the last one expired in March 2023. LIQUID CHEM TANKER RATES STABLE US chemical tanker freight rates were largely unchanged this week for most trade lanes, while vessel demand continues to be soft for various routes. The USG to ARA remains soft and solid for contractual cargoes and any additional available CPP tonnage could continue to pressure the market even further. Similarly, that situation exists for volumes on the USG to the Caribbean and South America trade lanes. From the USG to these regions, space among regular carriers remains available, due to a lack of interest. However, for the USG to Asia spot volumes continues to be weak as there seems to be plenty of prompt space available. Mainly parcels of methanol to China seems to have provided any support to the weak market. Additionally, ethanol, glycols and caustic soda were seen in the market in various directions. With additional reporting by Stefan Baumgarten and Kevin Callahan Visit the ICIS Logistics – impact on chemicals and energy topic page
01-Nov-2024
UPDATE: SCG invests $700 million in Vietnam’s LSP ethane enhancement project
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) will invest $700 million to pave the way for Vietnam’s first integrated petrochemical complex to use US ethane as feedstock for production. Project completion slated in end-2027 Ethane to account for as much as two-thirds of LSP cracker feedstock Bulk of investments go toward handling/storage of ethane The project, which will mean increased feedstock diversification for its wholly owned Vietnamese subsidiary Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP), is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, SCG said in a bourse filing on 30 October. LSP is currently working with Vietnamese authorities to acquire necessary certificates and permits to build storage and supporting facilities at the complex in Bah Ria-Vung Tao province in southeastern Vietnam. The cracker at the site can produce 950,000 tonnes/year of ethylene, 400,000 tonnes/year of propylene, and 100,000 tonnes/year of butadiene (BD). Once the ethane enhancement project is completed, LSP will be able to utilize ethane for as much as two thirds of its total feedstock, in addition to propane and naphtha. By utilizing imported ethane from the US as raw material, “LSP can significantly enhance its competitiveness through lower feedstock cost and flexibility, while also lowering carbon emissions”, SCG said. Majority of the investment will go toward handling and storage of the ethane feedstock, which requires temperature as low as minus 90-degree Celsius, it said. LSP was completed at a cost of $5.2 billion whose commercial operations began on 30 September 2024 "following a comprehensive test period", SCG said. The Thai conglomerate first announced the plan to use US ethane as feedstock for LSP in September, noting that over the past three years, its average price has been lowered by around 40% compared with those of naphtha and propane. Most crackers in Asia use naphtha as feedstock whose prices track highly volatile upstream crude movement. “In light of the existing petrochemical trough with historical low margin, and current volatile global economic environment, LSP is closely monitoring the market situation and will adjust the run rate of its operation during this challenging period for petrochemical business,” SCG said. Focus article by Pearl Bantillo (adds details throughout) Initial reporting by Fanny Zhang Thumbnail image: Container cargo ships unload at a port in Hai Phong, Vietnam on 25 May 2015. (Minh Hoang/EPA/Shutterstock)
31-Oct-2024
UPDATE: China extends five-year ADDs on ethanolamine imports
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–China has extended its antidumping duties (ADD) on imports of ethanolamines from four countries, for another five years from 30 October. The extension was necessary to prevent potential dumping activities from damaging the country's domestic industries, China's Ministry of Commerce said on 29 October 2024. China's ADDs on ethanolamines from the US, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Thailand first came into effect on 29 October 2018. The ADD quantum remains unchanged as below: Country Company ADD rates US The Dow Chemical Company 76.0% US INEOS Americas LLC 97.1% US Huntsman Petrochemical LLC 97.1% US All Others 97.1% Saudi Arabia Saudi Basic Industries Corporation 10.1% Saudi Arabia All Others 27.9% Malaysia PETRONAS CHEMICAL DERIVATIVES SDN BHD/ PETRONAS CHEMICALS MARKETING(LABUAN) LTD 18.3% Malaysia All Others 20.3% Thailand TOC GLYCOL COMPANY LIMITED 37.6% Thailand All Others 37.6% In late October 2023, when the ADD period was due to expire, the ministry announced that it would conduct a year-long review following requests by Chinese participants. (adds table, with recasts throughout) Thumbnail image: At a container terminal at Nantong port in Jiangsu province in east China on 19 October 2024.(Xinhua/Shutterstock)
30-Oct-2024
PODCAST: Europe oxo-alcohols, derivatives endure weak demand amid economic woes, geopolitical tensions
LONDON (ICIS)–Throughout October, demand in the European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets has been slow-paced and below initial expectations. Sluggishness is expected to persist throughout the remainder of Q4, influenced by various factors including wider economic weakness, geopolitical tensions, and end-of-year destocking. Butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye speaks to oxo-alcohols reporter Nicole Simpson, glycol ethers reporter Cameron Birch and acrylate esters reporter Mathew Jolin-Beech about market dynamics down the oxo-alcohols value chain.
29-Oct-2024
Americas top stories: weekly summary
HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 25 October. Earlier unplanned outages contributing to tight US MEG, DEG supply in Q4 US monoethylene glycol (MEG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) spot availability is expected to remain snug through Q4, while concerns are growing for triethylene glycol (TEG) supply as peak season begins. US Sherwin-Williams expects choppy H1, sees signs of consumer weakness Sherwin-Williams expects demand during the first half of 2025 will remain choppy while the company waits for what it expects will be an inevitable inflexion point for demand for its products, the US-based paints and coatings producer said on Tuesday. Mexico's Orbia lowers 2024 guidance, PVC group reports flat Q3 income Orbia's vinyls business reported on Wednesday that Q3 operating income was flat year on year amid lower costs for ethylene and electricity as well lower volumes and prices. Styrolution to permanently shutter Sarnia styrene plant next year INEOS Styrolution has decided not to restart its 445,000 tonnes/year styrene production plant in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, and will permanently shut it down by early Q4 2025, the company announced Thursday. Chlor-alkali demand benefited from hurricanes, new pulp plants – OlinDemand for chlorine derivatives and caustic soda benefited from US hurricanes and two new pulp and paper plants that opened in South America, which provided some bright spots in what has otherwise been a challenging market due to the slowdown in home building and durable goods, US-based Olin said on Friday.
28-Oct-2024
Europe top stories: weekly summary
LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 25 October. Sentiment in Europe jet fuel market dented by crude instability and soaring stocks Bearing the brunt of low demand and a supply overhang, sentiment in the European jet kerosene spot market has been further dulled by upstream Brent crude fluctuations and soaring regional stock levels hitting their highest since August 2021. Eni to close Versalis crackers, PE plant as it pivots to low carbon, specialty production with €2 billion investment Italy’s Eni plans to close its Versalis crackers at Brindisi and Priolo, plus a polyethylene (PE) site at Ragusa as it refocuses on low carbon and specialty chemical production through a €2 billion investment over the next five years. Dow to review Europe polyurethanes amid ‘increasing challenges’ of regulation Dow is set to review the competitiveness of several assets in Europe, particularly around its polyurethanes operations, amid “increasing challenges” presented by the region’s regulatory environment, CEO Jim Fitterling said in a Q3 results statement. Europe ECH prices dip for first time since January as raw material costs ease Europe epichlorohydrin (ECH) freely negotiated contract prices have softened in October for the first time since January 2024 as propylene feedstocks costs ease in a muted and well supplied ECH market. INSIGHT: ‘Bridge’ countries bring new opportunities as global trade flows fragment – Bertschi Changing trade flows driven by increasing friction between China, the US and their allies mean there will be demand for new chemical logistics routes and infrastructure, according to the executive chairman of chemical logistics group Bertschi. Europe PE/PP October contracts down on monomer and stagnant demand European polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) contracts have been agreed down slightly beyond the monomer drop for October.
28-Oct-2024
SHIPPING: Asia-US container rates fall as carriers eye blank sailings to keep floor on prices
HOUSTON (ICIS)–Rates for shipping containers from east Asia and China to the US fell this week, but carriers have announced an increase in blank sailings so they can tighten capacity and maintain a floor on prices. Rates have been falling steadily since July as importers pulled forward peak season volumes to get ahead of the dock workers strike at East Coast and US Gulf ports. Judah Levine, head of research at online freight shipping marketplace and platform provider Freightos, said some carriers added blank sailings on Asia-to-US routes. Last week, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) announced four blank sailings on its Asia-USEC 2M service, citing ongoing congestion at some ports related to the brief work stoppage. Levine said the action could also be to maintain a floor on rates. Global average rates fell by 4% and are just above $3,000/FEU (40-foot equivalent unit), according to supply chain advisors Drewry and as shown in the following chart. Rates to the East Coast fell by 6.1% to around $5,200/FEU, with rates to the West Coast falling by 2.6% to around $4,800/FEU, as shown in the following chart. Transpacific rates are now about 30% below the July peak, and Levine expects them to continue to soften as the market is in a slow period between the end of the Christmas holiday peak season and the Lunar New Year. “As long as Red Sea diversions continue to absorb capacity on an industry level, prices may not fall much further than seen back in April,” Levine said. Container ships and costs for shipping containers are relevant to the chemical industry because while most chemicals are liquids and are shipped in tankers, container ships transport polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are shipped in pellets. They also transport liquid chemicals in isotanks. LIQUID TANKER RATES FLAT TO LOWER Overall, US chemical tanker freight rates were softer this week for several trade lanes, in particular the USG-to-Brazil and USG-Asia trade lanes as spot tonnage remains readily available. There has been limited spot activity to both regions and COA nominations are taking longer than usual. The vessel owners have tried to delay the sailings but there has been very little spot interest in the market leaving no other options for full cargoes and in turn impacting spot rates. On the transatlantic front, the eastbound leg remains steady as there was ample space available, which readily absorbed the few fresh inquiries for small specialty parcels stemming from the USG bound for Antwerp. Various glycol, ethanol, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and methanol parcels were seen quoted to ARA and the Med as methanol prices in the region remain higher. Additionally, ethanol, glycols and caustic soda were seen in the market to various regions. Additional reporting by Kevin Callahan
25-Oct-2024
Asia top stories – weekly summary
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 18 October. China VAM exports may slow throughout October By Hwee Hwee Tan 14-Oct-24 16:55 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Persistent increases in China’s vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) domestic prices have pushed up spot export offers, dampening buying interest for Chinese cargoes in Asia this month. China Sept crude imports dips 0.6 on year; down 7.4% on month By Fanny Zhang 14-Oct-24 17:51 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–China’s crude oil imports in September totaled 45.5 million tonnes, down by 0.6% year on year and lower by 7.4% from the previous month, official data showed on Monday. India Sept inflation at nine-month high; Aug industrial output shrinks By Priya Jestin 14-Oct-24 22:46 MUMBAI (ICIS)–India’s retail inflation hit a nine-month high of 5.49% in September, mainly on firmer food prices, while the country’s industrial output in August shrank for the first time in 22 months. Oil prices fall by more than $3/barrel on abating Mideast tensions By Nurluqman Suratman 15-Oct-24 14:57 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Oil prices fell by over $3/barrel on 15 October on moderating concerns over potential supply disruptions, following news that Israel may refrain from targeting oil facilities in Iran. Asia fatty alcohols demand to remain firm near term despite proposed EUDR delay By Helen Yan 15-Oct-24 16:41 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s fatty alcohol mid-cuts demand is expected to remain firm in the near term despite the proposed one-year delay in the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Asian synthetic rubber discussions in limbo as buy-sell differences deepen By Ai Teng Lim 16-Oct-24 13:28 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Spot trade liquidity for Asian spot imports of various synthetic rubbers, from styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (PBR) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-rubber (NBR), are tapering amid widening differences in near-term pricing outlook between buyers and sellers. Asia BG demand expected to stay weak in Q4 By Joy Foo 17-Oct-24 13:22 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The gap between China and southeast Asia butyl glycol (BG) import markets narrowed in October as lackluster demand has weighed down southeast Asia's import discussions. India petrochemicals demand subdued pre-Diwali; weak rupee effects unclear By Jonathan Yee 18-Oct-24 13:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–India's petrochemicals demand is losing momentum, hindered by the prolonged monsoon season, economic uncertainty, and volatile crude prices.
21-Oct-2024
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