Synthetic rubbers

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Discover the factors influencing synthetic rubbers markets

There are endless potential uses for synthetic rubbers which can be found in everything from vehicle tyres to footwear. Spikes in demand occur frequently due to the breadth of downstream sectors in play, as well as the changeable market dynamics of each. Synthetic rubbers market players therefore need fast and easy access to accurate, relevant and timely information. This way, the right decisions can be made quickly.

Using an established international network of market experts, we are able to provide the speed, breadth and depth of coverage needed, along with benchmark prices to use in your negotiations. We monitor frequently traded synthetic rubbers varieties: styrene butadiene rubber (SBR); polybutadiene rubber (PBR); acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR); and elastomer ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) – so you can be sure to discover exactly the information you need.

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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 14 February. NEWS INSIGHT: US mulls reciprocal tariffs on Brazil ethanol, cabinet hopes steel quota is to be kept Although the new US administration has so far only imposed tariffs on China, President Donald Trump keeps using the tariff threat as a form of negotiation and in the latter part of this week it was the turn of Brazil’s ethanol. Brazil’s Unigel plans listing but location undisclosed, rules out IPO – company Unigel’s restructuring plan includes listing shares on the stock exchange but not an initial public offering (IPO) issuing new shares, a spokesperson for the Brazilian chemicals producer said to ICIS. Brazil’s inflation slows in January but monetary tightening to continue – analysts Brazil’s annual rate of inflation fell in January to 4.56%, down from 4.83% in December, the country’s statistical office, IBGE, said this week. INSIGHT: EU-Chile trade deal could benefit chemicals indirectly via higher minerals supply (part 1) An interim trade accord between Chile and the EU kicked off on 1 February and the 27-country bloc is not shy about its main objective: get preferential access to the Latin American nation’s vast resources of raw materials. Mexico’s inflation falls in January nearing target, automotive exports under pressure Mexico’s annual rate of inflation fell to 3.59% in January, down sharply from December’s 4.2%, the country’s statistics office Inegi said. Brazil’s automotive January production up 15% on healthy demand at home, abroad Brazil's petrochemicals-intensive automotive production rose more than 15%, year on year, to 175,500 units – the highest January output since 2021 – while exports jumped over 50%, the country’s trade group Anfavea said on Monday. PRICING LatAm PE international prices stable to up on higher US export offersInternational polyethylene (PE) prices were assessed as stable to up on higher US export offers. LatAm PP domestic prices up in Mexico on higher feedstock costs Domestic polypropylene (PP) prices increased in Mexico tracking higher propylene costs. In other Latin American countries, prices were unchanged.

17-Feb-2025

Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 14 February. IPEX: Asia finding a floor, up 1%; PVC and PP drive 1.3% index fall in Europe; USG toluene firms The ICIS Petrochemical Index (IPEX) for January shows that northeast Asian chemical markets may be finding a floor after two consecutive months of declines, with the regional index up 1% – only its second gain in six months, driven by a 14.7% surge in butadiene due to rising crude oil costs. US higher steel tariffs could backfire, reduce capex in chemical, industrial plants – ICIS economist Potential US 25% tariffs on steel and other metals could ultimately reduce capital expenditure (capex) in chemicals and industrial plants as costs rise, according to an economist at ICIS. US’ 25% tariffs on all steel, aluminium imports start 12 March The US will start imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports starting 12 March, under the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on 11 February. INSIGHT: EU-Chile trade deal could benefit chemicals indirectly via higher minerals supply (part 1) An interim trade accord between Chile and the EU kicked off on 1 February and the 27-country bloc is not shy about its main objective: get preferential access to the Latin American nation’s vast resources of raw materials. INSIGHT: US reciprocal tariffs would have little direct impact on commodity chemicals markets – analysis The threat of US reciprocal tariffs is the latest wrinkle in US trade policy, spurring players to game out potential impacts. For the US chemical industry, there should be little direct impact on commodity markets as imports largely originate from Canada and South Korea – countries that already have free trade agreements with the US. Americas Styrenics sale process delayed as better market conditions expected later in 2025 – Trinseo The potential sale of Americas Styrenics (AmSty) – the 50/50 joint venture between Trinseo and Chevron Phillips Chemical (CP Chem) is being delayed as better market conditions are expected later in 2025, said the CEO of Trinseo. Reciprocal tariffs will match taxes on US goods by other countries; to take effect in April The US plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries as early as 2 April once the required investigations have taken place, President Donald Trump said on Thursday. INSIGHT: US mulls reciprocal tariffs on Brazil ethanol, cabinet hopes steel quota is to be kept Although the new US administration has so far only imposed tariffs on China, President Donald Trump keeps using the tariff threat as a form of negotiation and in the latter part of this week it was the turn of Brazil’s ethanol.

17-Feb-2025

S Korea's S-Oil Shaheen project 55% complete; to start commercial ops in H2 ’26

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–S-Oil's Shaheen crude-to-chemical project in Ulsan, South Korea is now 55% complete and is expected to start commercial operations in the second half 2026, the producer said on Monday. Construction of the $7bn project at the Onsan Industrial Complex of Ulsan City started in March 2023, with mechanical completion targeted by the first half of 2026. South Korean refiner S-Oil is 63%-owned by Saudi Aramco, the world's largest crude exporter. The Shaheen project – named after the Arabic word for “falcon” – will have a 1.8 million tonne/year mixed-feed cracking facility; an 880,000 tonne/year linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit; and a 440,000 tonne/year high density PE (HDPE) plant. The site will have a thermal crude-to-chemical (TC2C) facility, which will convert crude directly into petrochemical feedstocks such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha, and the cracker is expected to recycle waste heat for power generation in the refinery. The company currently produces a range of petrochemicals and fuels including benzene, mixed xylenes, ethylene, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), paraxylene, polypropylene, propylene, propylene oxide, biodiesel, and potentially bio-based aviation and other bio-derived products at its Onsan site. S-Oil plans to supply feedstock to domestic petrochemical downstream companies mainly through pipelines. "To this end, the construction of logistics-related infrastructure, such as a new pipeline network, is being carried out at the same time," it said. Long-term agreements for stable supply of raw materials are being signed between S-Oil and petrochemical companies located at the two industrial complexes in Ulsan, which would boost competitiveness of domestic value chain, the company said.

17-Feb-2025

Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 14 February. Europe MX and PX chemical value chain braces for headwinds amid downstream closures and tariff threats Downstream demand for mixed xylenes (MX) and paraxylene (PX) in Europe has been limited at the start of 2025, with permanent shutdowns and the threat of tariffs among the hurdles to a meaningful recovery. Germany's battered chemical industry holds its breath ahead of general election Germany is set to head to the polls on 23 February amid one of the most challenging economic scenarios the country has faced in post-war times. EU gas price cap proposals would drive shipments to other regions – ICIS expert Proposals under consideration in the European Commission to temporarily cap natural gas pricing would likely result in the diversion of supplies away from Europe and tighten supply in the region, an ICIS analyst said on Wednesday. EU promises plan to save chemicals as Clean Industrial Deal approaches The European Commission has promised to address the plight of the region’s energy-intensive petrochemical sector later this year as it gears up for the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal on 26 February. IPEX: Asia finding a floor, up 1%; PVC and PP drive 1.3% index fall in Europe; USG toluene firms The ICIS Petrochemical Index (IPEX) for January shows that northeast Asian chemical markets may be finding a floor after two consecutive months of declines, with the regional index up 1% – only its second gain in six months, driven by a 14.7% surge in butadiene due to rising crude oil costs.

17-Feb-2025

Asia top stories – weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 14 February. SE Asia PE plant shutdowns deemed necessary for rebalancing By Izham Ahmad 10-Feb-25 10:57 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–A recent wave of plant shutdowns among polyethylene (PE) producers across southeast Asia has been seen by some as a reflection of how dire the situation in the market is. Malaysia's Lotte Chemical Titan incurs record Q4 loss; '25 outlook downbeat By Nurluqman Suratman 10-Feb-25 14:44 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Lotte Chemical Titan (LCT) incurred its largest-ever quarterly loss, with analysts expecting the Malaysian producer to remain in the red in 2025 amid weak economic conditions and an oversupply of petrochemical products. INSIGHT: Strong hydrogen push in China to reshape global industry amid US pullback By Patricia Tao 10-Feb-25 18:23 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The US has suspended financial support for its own hydrogen sector, while China is ramping up efforts to expand its hydrogen industry. The sharp policy divergence between the two countries could accelerate the global hydrogen market’s shift and reshape the industry landscape over the next three to five years. Asia polyester tracks rising costs despite weak post-holiday demand By Judith Wang 11-Feb-25 12:57 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s polyester export discussions edged up in line with the higher cost pressure after the Lunar New Year holiday, while buying activities were limited as end-user demand remained weak. SE Asia VAM market rallies on crimped supply, demand surge By Hwee Hwee Tan 12-Feb-25 12:43 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The southeast Asia vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) import market is being buoyed by resurgent restocking demand and supply disruptions into February. INSIGHT: US policy shift raises concerns on future of CCS, blue ammonia value chain By Bee Lin Chow 12-Feb-25 13:04 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The unfolding political battle in the US over national economic interest and energy security has raised concerns about potential implications for its emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) and blue ammonia sectors, and the potential spillover impact on Asia. PODCAST: US hydrogen subsidy halt vs China’s expansion – what’s next for the global market? By Anita Yang 12-Feb-25 15:45 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The Trump administration swiftly withdrew financial support for its hydrogen sector, while China is accelerating hydrogen expansion with strong policy backing. INSIGHT: India may offer tariff concessions to US as PM Modi meets Trump By Priya Jestin 13-Feb-25 14:18 MUMBAI (ICIS)–India may offer the US tariff cuts on various products, including electronics and automobiles – major downstream sectors of petrochemicals – to avoid US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal duties”, which may deal a big blow to the south Asian nation’s exports. Vietnam to raise 2025 GDP growth target to 8% to fuel socioeconomic growth By Jonathan Yee 13-Feb-25 16:08 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Vietnam announced on 12 February it would raise its GDP growth target for 2025 to 8.0% from 6.5-7.0%, with industrial manufacturing and foreign investment expected to drive growth. Singapore 2024 petrochemical exports grow 4.6%; trade risks stay high By Nurluqman Suratman 14-Feb-25 14:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Singapore’s petrochemical exports in 2024 rose by 4.6%, supporting the overall growth in non-oil shipments abroad which is being threatened by ongoing trade frictions among major economies.

17-Feb-2025

INSIGHT: India may offer tariff concessions to US as PM Modi meets Trump

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India may offer the US tariff cuts on various products, including electronics and automobiles – major downstream sectors of petrochemicals – to avoid US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal duties”, which may deal a big blow to the south Asian nation’s exports. India PM Modi in US for state visit on 12-13 February Tariff cuts incorporated in India budget for year to March 2026 India braces for impact from US’ 25% tariffs on all steel, aluminium imports Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Trump in Washington on Thursday – their first meeting since Trump assumed office for a second term. The US has not imposed any direct tariffs on India yet. However, the world’s biggest economy is expected to announce reciprocal tariffs on any countries with tariffs on US goods. India’s tariffs on agricultural, mining and manufacturing products from the US were in double-digits, while US tariffs for the same products from India were in the low single-digit levels. The south Asian country, which is a giant emerging market in Asia, is expected to offer tariff cuts on more than 30 goods, as well as increase the purchase of US defence and energy products, according to analysts at Japanese brokerage firm Nomura, in a research note on 10 February. India’s national budget for the next fiscal year starting April 2025 contained provisions reducing import duties on some goods including electronics, textiles, intermediate goods used for technology manufacturing and satellites, synthetic flavouring essences and motorcycles, which are expected to benefit US-based companies. It was largely seen as a pre-emptive move to thwart reciprocal tariffs from the US under Trump. India may consider further tariff reductions on luxury vehicles, solar cells, and chemicals, as part of its strategy to maintain smooth trade relations, according to analysts from Nomura. “We are analysing the announcements made by the US on increasing tariffs,” an official from India’s Ministry of Commerce said. “We are also asking our industry how these tariffs are going to affect them positively or negatively and are looking at the impact of the tariffs that have already been imposed,” he said. DIALING DOWN ON PROTECTIONIST STANCE India has much higher tariff rates compared with other countries in Asia. Amid threats of reciprocal tariffs from the US, India is being forced to backtrack on its protectionist policy, at least where the US is concerned, while maintaining a tough stance on rival Asian giant China. In year to March 2024, the US was India’s largest export destination and accounted for nearly 18% of the country’s total merchandise exports of $437.10 billion, official data showed. Key Indian exports to the US include industrial machinery, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, fuels, iron and steel, textiles, vehicles, and chemicals. US’ exports to India, meanwhile, accounted for just 2% of total US shipments abroad in January-December 2024. A mutually beneficial tariff regime could be struck between then as India seeks to further boost exports to the world’s biggest economy. The US’ recent tariff hikes on China opens up opportunities for Indian exporters to increase their share in the US market. For instance, India’s exports of auto components to the US are currently very low, accounting for only 2% of the US market, underscoring scope for expansion. Between April and September 2024, the country’s total exports of auto parts stood at $11.1 billion, a third of which – or $3.67 billion – were shipped to the US, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Over the past few years, India has adopted trade measures like import certification under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), increased antidumping duties on various products, including petrochemicals, to limit imports and boost domestic production. While some of these policies apply globally, some of them are directed at China, which is a major exporter of goods to India. While the tariffs are worrisome, certain sectors like auto components, mobiles and electronics, electronic machinery, apparel, leather and footwear, furniture, pharmaceutical and toys could see an increase in demand from US buyers, the commerce ministry official said. India is a major exporter of pharmaceutical products to the US but relies on China for 70% of raw material called active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The US accounted for over 31% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports of $27.9 billion in year to March 2024. IMPORTS OF US LNG TO GROW; US’ TARIFFS ON STEEL, ALUMINIUM WORRY INDIA The south Asian country is expected to increase its petroleum product imports from the US, to alleviate trade imbalances. For the fiscal year 2023-24, India imported $12.96 billion worth of petroleum oil and products from the US, according to official data. India’s state-owned oil and gas companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), are in active discussions with American suppliers to import more LNG from the US, petroleum secretary Pankaj Jain said on 10 February. The recent announcement of 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US could heavily impact India. While Indian steel exports to the US are relatively small, the US tariffs could cause exporting nations to redirect their goods to the Indian markets. India is both a major exporter as well as importer of steel, on which a basic customs duty of around 7-8% apply – much lower than the US’ 25% – raising fears of supply flooding the south Asian country. With the US shutting its doors to global steel, the surplus will inevitably be redirected to India, threatening our domestic industry with market distortions, price crashes, and unfair competition, Indian Steel Association (ISA) Naveen Jindal said said in an official statement on 11 February. “The US, a major steel importer, has historically imposed strict trade restrictions, with over 30 remedial actions in force against Indian steel – some for more than three decades,” Jindal said. “This latest tariff is expected to slash steel exports to the US by 85%, creating a massive surplus that will likely flood India,” he added. While only 5% of the total steel exports from India go to the US, the country accounts for nearly 12% of India’s aluminium exports. Both steel and aluminium industries use chemicals like caustic soda and soda ash during the production process. Insight article by Priya Jestin With contributions from Nurluqman Suratman and Pearl Bantillo

13-Feb-2025

BLOG: The first of three things you should do during the rest of this downturn

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Click here to see the latest blog post on Asian Chemical Connections by John Richardson. At first glance, the latest ICIS ethylene operating rate forecast is alarming. Even by 2035, global operating rates could still be below their long-term average—potentially marking a 14-year downturn since the Evergrande Turning Point in late 2021. But here’s the good news: This is a live situation, and industry adaptation is inevitable. The future is not set in stone—it will be shaped by the decisions we make today. The Data Speaks • ICIS base case projections show an average 6.3 million tonnes per year of new capacity. • However, by reducing this to 2.5 million tonnes per year, operating rates could return to 87%—the long-term norm. • The question is: When and how will the market rebalance? Plant Closures, Project Delays & Cancellations: The Unknowns Balancing the market means making difficult decisions, but shutdowns and project delays are far from straightforward: • Timing uncertainty – Could the upturn come sooner than expected? • High exit costs – Environmental clean-up and pension liabilities complicate shutdowns. • China’s role – Ageing plants, coal-based capacity, refinery feedstock limits, and regulatory shifts could drive rationalisation, but when and to what extent? • Government intervention – Will policy sustain industries in Europe & South Korea, or will we see major consolidations? Your Three-Point Plan for Success 1. Update the data every six months – Ethylene is just the start. Conduct the same detailed analysis for every product, country, and region. 2. Stay ahead of trade policy – As global trade tensions rise, import tariffs will shift market dynamics. Companies that act early will gain an advantage. 3. Leverage AI & analytics – Cost savings and efficiencies from AI-driven tools like Ask ICIS are already transforming decision-making. What This Means for You Yes, the downturn is severe, but opportunities remain. A data-driven approach will enable your business to adapt, optimise, and position itself for the recovery. Are you ready? Editor’s note: This blog post is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

11-Feb-2025

Malaysia's Lotte Chemical Titan incurs record Q4 loss; '25 outlook downbeat

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Lotte Chemical Titan (LCT) incurred its largest-ever quarterly loss, with analysts expecting the Malaysian producer to remain in the red in 2025 amid weak economic conditions and an oversupply of petrochemical products. Indonesia LINE project start-up may be delayed 2025 plant utilization rate projected to drop to 50-55% Market volatility continues amid geopolitical uncertainties, US tariffs in Malaysian ringgit (M$) thousands Q4 2024 Q4 2023 % Change 2024 2023 % Change Revenue 1,793,286 1,855,771 -3.4 7,435,031 7,646,170 -2.8 EBITDA -506,605 -84,409 -816,443 -357,098 Net income -510,074 -186,477 -1,183,406 -702,286 On 7 February, LCT shares on Bursa Malaysia had slumped by 7% to close at a record low of ringgit (M$) 0.535, after the company reported a wider Q4 2024 net loss of M$510 million ($114 million). At 06:02 GMT on Monday, its shares recovered slightly, rising by 0.93% to M$0.540. “LCT is expected to remain loss-making in the coming quarters, as product spreads are unlikely to see meaningful improvement due to persistent supply overhang from significant capacity expansions – primarily in China – outpacing demand growth,” Malaysia-based brokerage TA Securities said in a note. While construction of its petrochemical project in Indonesia is expected to be completed in the first half of this year, commercial operations may be deferred as product spreads may remain unfavorable, the brokerage said. The project called LOTTE Chemical Indonesia’s New Ethylene (LINE) project in Merak, Indonesia is nearing completion and is expected to be fully completed by 2025. It is expected to produce 1 million tonnes/year of ethylene and 520,000 tonnes/year of propylene. In Malaysia, LCT shut in December last year its cracker in Pasir Gudang to “mitigate losses by loading down its operations”. In a statement on 6 February, LCT said that it expects ongoing volatility in the global business environment due to geopolitical factors, including the Russia-Ukraine War, Middle East tensions, and US President Donald Trump's policies. “The sluggish economic performance and oversupply of petrochemical products in China have impacted supply and demand balances,” the company said. Malaysia, Indonesia, and the rest of ASEAN region will remain LCT’s key markets in the foreseeable future due to their strong economic growth. For 2025, Indonesia's growth is expected to reach 5.1%, up from 5.0% in 2024, while ASEAN's growth is projected at 4.7%, up from 4.6% in 2024. Malaysia’s GDP growth, however, is forecast to slow to 4.4%, from 4.8% in 2024, LCT said, citing projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). LCT’s plant operating rate for the whole of 2025 is expected to range from 50% to 55%, down from 57% in 2024, subject to periodic adjustments. HIGH PRODUCTION COST WEIGHS ON EARNINGS Q4 group revenue fell due to the depreciation of the US dollar against the ringgit, but was partially mitigated by higher sales volumes, Lotte Chemical Titan said in a filing on Bursa Malaysia on 6 February. A stronger ringgit makes Malaysian exports more expensive for international buyers, particularly those paying in US dollars. In 2024, the ringgit had appreciated by 2.7% against the US dollar, supported by a stronger-than-expected economic growth. Olefins and derivative products’ revenue increased by 2.0% to M$373.5 million on higher sales volume, but the segment’s loss before taxation and impairment widened to M$72.1 million from M$49.2 million in the same period of the previous year. In contrast, the polyolefin products’ revenue declined by 4.7% year on year to M$1.42 billion in Q4 2024, but the segment’s loss to narrow to M$74.3 million from M$148.5 million in the same period last year on improved margins and a reversal of an inventory write-down. Focus article by Nurluqman Suratman ($1 = M$4.47)

10-Feb-2025

SHIPPING: Asia-US container rates tick lower; shippers frontloading cargoes on tariff pause

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Rates for shipping containers from Asia to the US ticked lower this week, although they could see upward pressure from shippers pulling forward volumes ahead of the 30-day tariff freeze, while rates for liquid chemical tankers held steady. Global average rates fell by 3%, according to supply chain advisors Drewry and as shown in the following chart. Global average rates are down by almost 18% from 1 September, and down by almost 45% from the high of the year in mid-July. Rates from Shanghai to both US coasts fell by 1%, as shown in the following chart. Drewry expects spot rates to decrease slightly in the coming week due to the increase in capacity as container ship order books are at record highs. Judah Levine, head of research at online freight shipping marketplace and platform provider Freightos, said his company is already seeing some upward pressure on prices although some could be because of shippers frontloading volumes to beat the 30-day pause before tariffs are enacted. ‘We could expect frontloading ahead of tariffs – which has been a major factor keeping US ocean import volumes and transpacific container rates elevated since November – to intensify until the new tariffs are introduced or called off,” Levine said. Levine said it is hard to determine the impact from volumes being pulled forward since this has likely been happening for several months, and with the market in the lull surrounding the Lunar New Year (LNY) holiday. “But we could expect demand and rates to increase post-LNY,” 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 STEADY US chemical tanker freight rates as assessed by ICIS were unchanged this week with contract of affreightment (COA) nominations steady for most trade lanes. For the cargoes in the South American trade lane, COAs remain strong leaving very little spot availability. A large parcel of ethanol fixed USG to San Luis, and several others were quoted for second half of February. Similarly, for the USG to ARA trade lane, it was another off week with only a few reported fixtures. However, there were some unusual cargoes fixed for products like caustic soda and ethanol. Some styrene was reported fixed from Lake Charles to ARA. Overall, rates seem to be maintaining current levels particularly for the 3,000- and 5,000-tonne parcels. There was no difference along the USG to Asia routes, as it was another quiet week on this trade lane. Spot rates remain steady as the H1 February space across the regular carriers is sold out. Some of the larger players should have space in the second half of February depending on COA nominations. The chemical COAs have been steady through H1 March, but still in the tentative phase. Several inquiries were seen for methanol, ethanol, vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), styrene and MEG. On the other hand, bunker prices were unchanged this week but overall remain strong. PANAMA CANAL UPDATE Panama’s president said the country will not renew its agreement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) after a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump surprised some when he said that the US should reclaim the Panama Canal, and a US congressman has since introduced a bill that would authorize the purchase of the vital waterway. The actions taken by Panama’s president, Jose Raul Molino, may slow action by the Trump administration to take back control of the canal. Additional reporting by Kevin Callahan

07-Feb-2025

PODCAST: Stable Europe ABS, ACN demand expected amid evolving supply landscape

LONDON (ICIS)–Relatively stable demand and evolving global supply dynamics are expected in European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets in 2025. In this latest podcast, Europe ABS report editor Stephanie Wix and her counterpart on the Europe ACN report, Nazif Nazmul, share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Geopolitics-led macroeconomic challenges dampen prospects of demand resurgence Balanced-to-long supply dynamics anticipated to endure Players assess impact of EU ADD investigation into ABS imports from South Korea, Taiwan ABS is the largest-volume engineering thermoplastic resin and is used in automobiles, electronics and recreational products. ACN is used in the production of synthetic fibres for clothing and home furnishings, engineering plastics and elastomers.

07-Feb-2025

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