Sulphuric acid

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India has proposed to impose counter duties on select products from the US in response to American tariffs on steel and aluminium, the South Asian nation said in a notice to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 12 May. The US's tariffs on steel and aluminium were introduced as safeguard measures on 12 March 2025. India reserves the right to suspend concessions or other obligations that are substantially equivalent to the adverse effects of the measure to India's trade, India said in its statement to the WTO. “The proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations takes the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the United States,” it added. “The US safeguard measures would affect $7.6 billion imports into the US of the relevant products originating in India, on which the duty collection would be $1.91 billion,” the notice said. In April, India had sought consultations with the US under the WTO's safeguard agreement, following the US decision to impose these tariffs. On the request for consultation, the US informed the global trade body that its decision was based on national security grounds and should not be considered as safeguard measures. The US first implemented safeguard measures on imports of certain steel and aluminium products in March 2018. It imposed ad valorem tariffs of 25% and 10% respectively. This was extended in January 2020. It was revised again in February 2025 for an unlimited duration and was raised to 25%. In response, India in June 2019 imposed duties on 28 US products, including almonds, walnuts, phosphoric acid, and iron and steel products among others. The proposal assumes significance as both countries are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with an Indian official team expected to visit the US this month for trade talks. The BTA seeks to more than double bilateral trade between the two countries to $500 billion by 2030. Total goods trade between the two countries stood at around $129.2 billion in calendar year 2024, as per official data. Visit the US tariffs, policy – impact on chemicals and energy topic page for the latest update on the US-China 90-day pause with significantly reduced tariffs while negotiations take place.

13-May-2025

LONDON (ICIS)–Premiums for used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) were under pressure following a controversial move from the German government to release previously-blocked proof of sustainability (POS) certificates from a suspended hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) producer. Price impact on the spot European biodiesel market, more specifically on UCOME, materialized quickly with sharp drops over the two days since the news emerged on Tuesday. In an official statement,  the federal office of agriculture and food (BLE) said that following an investigation, it held “a strong suspicion that the HVO producer does not exist”, but made the decision to validate the POS certificates. The tickets are used to verify the sustainability of a biofuel. One source highlighted a significant market impact following the re-entry of the controversial tickets, adding that prices collapsed in a short span of two days. “It killed the UCOME market,” said the market source. Spot premiums for UCOME over gasoil dropped by US$ 75/tonne week on week, to reach US$ 780-790/tonne FOB ARA. A second player agreed the market had been “quite weak” since the news came out. A BLE press officer told ICIS on Friday the unblocking of the POS certificates takes "into account the possible protection of confidence" in line with the Biofuels Sustainability Ordinance, known in Germany as Biokraft-NachV. Controversy emerged as market participants voiced concerns over the release of the previously suspended proof of sustainability (POS) certificates back into the market and fuelling an oversupply. Issues began to emerge at the start of the year. The investigation also showed biofuels sustainability verification scheme ISCC suspended the user's certification in January. The government statement, published on Tuesday, also voiced doubts over the existence of the supplier which was meant to be based in the Netherlands. The HVO producer had been using the country’s Nabisy biofuels compliance registry, but its access has been revoked. In contrast, premiums for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME 0) and rapeseed methyl ester (RME) rose slightly this week. The German government said the Nabisy ticket scheme user, the HVO producer, used an address in the United Arab Emirates, but during an associated audit report had given a different address in Hong Kong. The impacted Nabisy users were asked to provide a “self-declaration on compliance”. The government statement also indicated further steps “in criminal law” were being considered.

09-May-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Saudi Arabia’s Basic Chemical Industries (BCI) has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italmatch's Middle East unit to supply chemicals to Italmatch’s facilities in the PlasChem Park in Jubail Industrial City. The MoU, first signed in May 2023, was extended to 31 Dec 2025, BCI said in a filing on the Saudi bourse Tadawul on 4 May. Italy-based Italmatch has extended the timeline on increased scope and additional technical work to modify product processes to match the local market, it added. The deal involves the supply of chlorine, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid to Italmatch’s facilities. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Saudi Arabia’s BCI manufactures chlorine gas, hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, and sodium hypochlorite at a site near Dammam, according to the company’s website.

05-May-2025

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 2 May. Europe PE, PP spot pricing stable to soft as softer May anticipatedEuropean polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) spot pricing is stable to soft following the unpredictable trade wars at the beginning of the month. Players are universally expecting a softer month in May. Spanish refineries, chemicals restart after nationwide power outageRefineries and chemical sites in Spain have taken their first steps towards restarting operations following Monday’s nationwide power outage which forced widespread shutdowns. European phenol/acetone market reacts with surprise to Orlen closure newsThe European phenol and acetone market has reacted with surprise to the news that Orlen is to decommission its phenol and acetone plant in Plock, Poland, by the end of this year. Europe acrylic acid contract prices fall in April as feedstock costs subsideThe Europe acrylic acid (AA) market has seen the freely negotiated contract prices for April settle at a slight decrease. INSIGHT: CEOs face new problem as economy weakens, overcapacity worsensAs the trade war puts a squeeze on already tepid economic growth, and deepens chromic global overcapacity in chemicals, CEOs may struggle to find fresh markets as they shift product flows to avoid the burden and uncertainty of tariffs.

05-May-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia's petrochemical markets are poised for a resurgence in activity following the May Day holidays, with discussions subdued as buyers await signs of recovery and producers restart plants over the coming months. Producers to restart plants, refill inventories after holidays Delayed purchases until after holidays US has contacted China for trade talks – Chinese state media The May Day or Labor Day holiday is celebrated in China from 1-5 May, and in most other Asian countries on 1 May. Japan and South Korea also observe several days of holiday in May. Feedstock propane supply-demand fundamentals are being weighed on by the ongoing US-China trade war, which is affecting the cost of propane imports and could lead to reduced operating rates for propane dehydrogenation (PDH) units. This may tighten propylene supply in the longer term, potentially supporting prices if demand picks up. Demand has been sluggish in the propylene market, weighing prices down as producers maintain low inventories ahead of 1 May. However, after the Labor Day holiday, there is an expectation of increased supply, which may lead to a more balanced supply-demand scenario as they resume normal operations. Separately, the glycerine market in Asia is expected to see a notable pick-up in restocking activities after the holidays. Chinese buyers, who have been holding back purchases due to a sluggish downstream epichlorohydrin (ECH) market and uncertainties surrounding the US-China trade war, are likely to return to the market. “We will wait until after the Labor Day holidays before we commit to any purchases as we expect the downstream ECH market to slow down after the holidays,” a Chinese buyer said. The ECH market, a key downstream sector for glycerine, is anticipated to experience a price drop after the holidays due to demand remaining weak amid the US-China trade war. Asia's butyl glycol (BG) import prices were assessed as lower this week amid a bearish market sentiment amid unimproved demand conditions. In southeast Asia, the glycol ethers market is undergoing price adjustments as producers lower offers in anticipation of the Labor Day holidays. China's export prices for propylene glycol ether (PGE) also softened as sellers looked to increase sales before the holiday. Meanwhile, propylene glycol prices are expected to remain stable as market participants await the outcomes of the holiday period. In China, domestic prices have held steady, but the overall sentiment remains cautious due to the impact of the holiday on production and logistics. The stability in pricing reflects balanced supply-demand fundamentals, though any unexpected disruptions post-holiday could lead to short-term volatility. PRODUCERS ADJUSTING OUTPUT The acetic acid market is experiencing softening spot prices due to lengthening supply as plants restart operations following maintenance turnarounds. However, the holiday period is likely to further influence supply dynamics, with some producers adjusting output to manage inventory levels. In China, a new plant tied to a downstream ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) unit has come online. It is among other plants in Asia with a combined capacity of nearly 1.8 million tonnes/year which have either already restarted or are restarting in May, EVA-linked vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) demand is generally expected to slow as June approaches, when a pricing policy in China – which has spurred a rush in solar panel installations across the country – comes into effect. Concerns of slowing demand were kept on the boil in Asia ethyl acetate (etac) markets amid fluid developments surrounding trade tensions between the US and China, and its potential ripple effect on sentiment in the days ahead. Notably, market players were conscious of weakening product spreads or etac production margins. Eroding margins have thus left regional suppliers with little room to scale back asking levels, despite the current market climate that was viewed as largely skewed towards buyers. EYES ON POSSIBLE TRADE TALKSAs the US-China trade war persists, both sides have indicated a willingness to engage with each other on trade talks. On Friday, a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce said that senior US officials have “repeatedly expressed their willingness” to negotiate with China on tariffs, according to state media outlet CCTV. The spokesperson said that the US has sent requests hoping to talk to China, and the Asian country is currently evaluating them. “China's position is consistent. If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is open,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has maintained that trade talks are ongoing between the two largest economies in the world, which Chinese state media denied. Amid US tariffs, manufacturing activity continued to remain sluggish across Asia, including China and Japan. In April, China's manufacturing activity shrank as export orders weakened due to the escalating trade war with the US. The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 49.0, indicating contraction, down from 50.5 in March. Japan's manufacturing PMI rose to 48.7 in April from 48.4 in March, marking the tenth consecutive month of contraction. Focus article by Jonathan Yee Additional reporting by Seymour Chenxia, Helen Yan, Julia Tan, Joy Foo and Matthew Chong and Melanie Wee.

02-May-2025

HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US is taking steps that could lead to tariffs on imports of up to 50 critical minerals, many of which are used to make catalysts for key processes used by refiners and chemical producers. If the US ends up imposing the tariffs on the critical minerals, then they would take the place of the reciprocal tariffs. REFINING CATALYSTS AND AROMATICS MARKETSFluorspar is used to make hydrofluoric acid, a catalyst used in alkylation units. These units convert isobutane and propylene into alkylate, a high-octane blendstock. Cerium and lanthanum are used to make catalysts for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units. These units convert gas oils into gasoline and refinery grade propylene (RGP). If the US imposes tariffs on these catalysts and if the tariffs cause large enough price increases, then refiners could alter their operations to reduce their costs. If refiners lower alkylation operating rates, they may rely on other high-octane blendstock such as toluene or mixed xylenes (MX). Changes in alkylation and FCC rates would concurrently affect supply and demand for RGP. ANTIMONY AND PETChinese restrictions on antimony already have led producers to propose price increases for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which relies on the mineral as a catalyst. If the US imposes tariffs on antimony, then it would further increase prices from the other countries that export the mineral to the US. BISMUTH AND POLYURETHANESBismuth is used as a catalyst for making polyurethanes. One such bismuth-based catalyst won an innovation award. OTHER CATALYSTSIridium, neodymium, rhodium, ruthenium, ytterbium and yttrium are all used to make catalysts, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Palladium and platinum are used in catalytic converters in automobiles. TIO2 AND PAINTS MARKETSThe US also considers titanium and zirconium as critical minerals. It is unclear if the US would impose tariffs on titanium metal or titanium oxide. However, the US list of critical minerals implies that the tariffs could include titanium oxide. Titanium oxide is the feedstock that is used to make titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment that is used to make paints opaque. Producers of paints and coatings are already facing higher costs from US tariffs on steel. In 2023, Sherwin-Williams estimates that plastic and metal containers made up 15% of its product's costs. A tariff on titanium oxide would further increase costs for paints and coatings producers. Zirconium is a byproduct of processing mineral sands that contain titanium. TiO2 producers Tronox and Chemours operate such mines. Tronox's are in Australia and South Africa, and Chemours has mines in the US states of Florida and Georgia. FLUORSPAR AND FLUOROMATERIALSFluorspar is also the upstream feedstock for fluorochemicals and fluoropolymers. Polyurethane foams use fluorochemicals as blowing agents. Fluoropolymers include Teflon. These are becoming increasingly important in 5G equipment, semiconductor fabrication plants and lithium-ion batteries. Fluoropolymers are also used as membranes in hydrogen fuel cells and chlor-alkali plants. BARITE, CESIUM USED IN OIL PRODUCTIONBarite is used to make drilling mud. Cesium is used to make cesium formate drilling fluids, which are used by oil and gas producers. FLAME RETARDANTSAluminum and antimony are used to make flame retardants. INVESTIGATION TO PRECEDE ANY TARIFFSBefore the US imposes any tariffs on critical minerals, it will conduct an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The US has used that section to impose tariffs on other products such as steel and aluminium. The scope of the investigation will include the 50 minerals deemed critical by the USGS, processed critical minerals and derivative products. Derivative products include semi-finished goods and final products "such as permanent magnets, motors, electric vehicles, batteries, smartphones, microprocessors, radar systems, wind turbines and their components and advanced optical devices", according to the order. The secretary of commerce will have 180 days to submit a final report of the investigation to the president. Recommendations will include tariffs and policies the US could adopt that would promote more production of critical minerals. LIST OF CRITICAL MINERALSThe following table shows the minerals that the US considers critical. Aluminium Magnesium Antimony Manganese Arsenic Neodymium Barite Nickel Beryllium Niobium Bismuth Palladium Cerium Platinum Cesium Praseodymium Chromium Rhodium Cobalt Rubidium Dysprosium Ruthenium Erbium Samarium Europium Scandium Fluorspar Tantalum Gadolinium Tellurium Gallium Terbium Germanium Thulium Graphite Tin Hafnium Titanium Holmium Tungsten Indium Vanadium Iridium Ytterbium Lanthanum Yttrium Lithium Zinc Lutetium Zirconium Source: USGS Insight article by Al Greenwood (Thumbnail shows a fuel pump that dispenses gasoline, which relies on critical minerals for production. Image by Shutterstock.)

17-Apr-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Indorama Ventures Ltd (IVL) is divesting from its indirect subsidiary in Portugal that makes purified terephthalic acid (PTA), the Thailand-listed polyester major said on Wednesday. Its entire stake on Indorama Ventures Portugal PTA (IVPPTA) will be pulled out, it said. IVPPTA has a 700,000 tonne/year PTA plant in Sines, Portugal, which was mothballed in October 2023. The Portuguese company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Netherlands BV (INBV), IVL’s financial holding company registered in the Netherlands. "After a thorough assessment of market conditions and economic pressures, including high raw material and energy costs, inflationary impacts, and competition from low-cost PTA imports, the company has decided to implement its asset optimization strategy by divesting its investment in IVPPTA," the company said in a statement. The divestment will not affect IVL's operations or financial position, as IVPPTA’s assets were already impaired last year, IVL said.

16-Apr-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–New energy storage plays a crucial role in ensuring power balance in China, especially in effectively addressing the intermittent issues of new energy generation. It helps alleviate the dual pressures of power supply security and consumption. China new energy storage capacity more than double by 2030 China new energy storage capacity at 73.76 million kW/168 million kWh by the end of 2024 Policy support accelerates rapid development of new energy storage By fully considering market and price factors, it can achieve a win-win situation of ensuring power balance and profitability. The new energy storage market in China has great development potential in the future. The cumulative installed capacity of new energy storage in China is expected to exceed 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2025, according to the Energy Storage Industry Research White Paper 2025 released by the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics on 10 April. The capacity is likely to surpass 200GW by 2030, more than double the 2024 level of 73.76GW. NEW ENERGY GENERATION CAPACITY EXCEEDS COAL POWER FOR FIRST TIME China's "dual carbon" goals, announced in September 2020, aim to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. As the "dual carbon" goals approach, China's power structure is continuously evolving towards cleaner energy, with the proportion of non-fossil energy, especially new energy, steadily increasing. The total wind and solar power generation in 2024 increased by 20% to 1,288.4 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). As of February 2025, the installed capacity of wind and solar power totalled 1.45 billion kW, surpassing coal power for the first time to become the largest power source in China. This achievement came nearly six years ahead of the 2030 target of 1.2 billion kW for wind and power generation installed capacity. The national new energy utilization rate was 96.3% as of December 2024, according to data from the State Grid Energy Research Institute released at the 3rd China Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition in end-March. NEW ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE AS KEY SUPPORT FOR POWER SUPPLY Due to the randomness and volatility of new energy generation output, coupled with the integration of a large number of power electronic devices into the grid, the operation of power system faces challenges such as supply stability and consumption. New energy generation combined with new energy storage will provide key support for power supply. In terms of ensuring supply, new energy generation has insufficient output capacity during peak power load periods. The balancing capacity of wind power is 5-15%, while the balancing capacity of solar power during the evening peak is almost 0, data from the State Grid Energy Research Institute showed. During consecutive days of no sunlight and no winds, the prolonged low output of new energy may lead to temporary power shortages. On the consumption side, the growth of new energy installed capacity will continue to maintain a rapid growth momentum, surpassing the growth rate of system regulation capacity. Hence the utilization rate of new energy is expected to be on a downward trend in the future. The total installed capacity of power generation nationwide will exceed 3.6 billion kW in 2025, with an additional new energy generation installed capacity of over 200 million kW, according to the National Energy Administration's Energy Work Guidelines for 2025, released in February. Additionally, changes due to technical characteristics present new challenges to the operational risks of the power system. New energy storage features fast regulation speed and the ability to charge and discharge, providing regulation capabilities in both time and space scales. Through the innovative application of grid-forming energy storage, it is an important solution to the many challenges of large-scale integration of new energy. POLICY SUPPORT ACCELERATES RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ENERGY STORAGE Governments at national and local levels have introduced policies in areas such as ancillary services, demand response, and direct subsidies to encourage the strategic development of new energy storage. The Energy Law of the People's Republic of China, promulgated in November 2024, proposed the rational layout and active, orderly development and construction of pumped storage power stations. It also promotes the high-quality development of new energy storage and emphasizes the regulatory role of various types of energy storage in the power system. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration (NEA) jointly issued the Notice on Deepening Market-oriented Reform of New Energy Grid-connected Electricity Prices and Promoting High-quality Development of New Energy on 27 January 2025, marking the formal establishment of a dual-driven mechanism of policy and market for the energy storage industry. The configuration of energy storage should not be used as a prerequisite for the approval, grid connection, and grid access of new energy projects, which will fully leverage the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and facilitate the formation of a more mature and comprehensive business model for energy storage, the notice stated. At the local level, governments of 18 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions released 32 batches of energy storage demonstration project lists from 2021 to 2024.  Over 40 cities in eight provinces have introduced subsidies for user-side energy storage. For example, the subsidy amount for initial investment in energy storage projects ranges from yuan (CNY)100 to CNY200 per kWh in Shenzhen and Dongguan of Guangdong province, and in Shanghai. Subsidies for the charge and discharge volumes of energy storage projects range from CNY0.15 to CNY0.30 per kWh, with a subsidy period of two to three years in cities such as Wuhu in Anhui, Ningbo, and Wenzhou in Zhejiang. The nationwide operational new energy storage capacity reached 73.76 million kW/168 million kWh by the end of 2024, about 20 times the level in 2020, at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period  and more than double compared with end-2023 levels, according to NEA data. Data from the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) showed that the installed capacity of new energy storage in its operating area reached 58.61 million kW/137.86 million kWh by the end of 2024, more than double their 2025 levels. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), an additional 180 million kW of new energy storage is expected to be added, with an effective capacity of 160 million kW, covering 27.4% of the incremental demand for power generation. ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVELOPMENT STANDS OUT Currently, there are dozens of new energy storage technology routes in China, including advanced compressed air energy storage, flywheel energy storage, lithium iron phosphate batteries, vanadium redox flow batteries, and sodium-ion batteries, each suitable for different scenarios based on their characteristics. Among them, electrochemical energy storage (such as lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, flow batteries, and sodium-sulfur batteries) has become the mainstream form of new energy storage due to its high efficiency, high power density, and high energy density. The dominant role of lithium-ion battery storage has been further strengthened, with over 97% of the newly added new energy storage in 2024 coming from this type of storage. There was a total of 1,473 operational electrochemical energy storage stations by the end of 2024, with a total installed capacity of 62.13GW/141.37GWh, according to data from the National Electrochemical Energy Storage Power Station Safety Monitoring Information Platform. Among these, lithium-ion battery storage installed capacity was 135.76GWh, representing 96.03% of the total (with 99.91% of lithium-ion projects being lithium iron phosphate). However, lithium-ion batteries have relatively poor thermal stability and are prone to thermal runaway issues. As the number of energy storage projects increases, higher requirements are placed on safety technology and management capabilities. The platform data also showed that in 2024, China saw significant improvement in the operational performance of electrochemical energy storage compared to the previous year. The average annual operation time was 1,649 hours, an increase of around 510 hours compared to 2023. The average annual utilization time was 911 hours, an increase of about 300 hours year on year. The total charging electricity was 8,991GWh, and the discharging electricity was 7,980GWh, with an average conversion efficiency of 88.75%. Energy storage is mainly used in three major application scenarios: the power generation side, the grid side, and the user side. Currently, energy storage stations on the user side are relatively profitable, while the profit margins for the power generation side and the grid side are limited. Based on a typical 20-year lifespan and 350 charge-discharge cycles per year for batteries, the energy storage market needs to achieve a revenue of CNY0.42 per kWh, Zheng Yaodong, an expert from China Southern Power Grid said at the 3rd China Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition. However, this is difficult to achieve under the current domestic market mechanism. In the future, the development of new energy storage business models should follow a comprehensive market system approach, including the capacity market, energy market, and ancillary services market, to gradually improve and perfect the business models. Insight article by Anita Yang ($1 = CNY7.30)

14-Apr-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 28 March. Japan Mar manufacturing activity deteriorates as output, new orders fall By Nurluqman Suratman 24-Mar-25 12:28 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Japan's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 48.3 in March, marking its lowest point since February 2024 amid a sharp drop in output and new orders, preliminary estimates from au Jibun Bank showed on Monday. INSIGHT: Chandra Asri prioritizes Indonesia chlor-alkali-EDC project By Pearl Bantillo 24-Mar-25 19:42 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Indonesian producer Chandra Asri Petrochemical is proceeding with its flagship chlor-alkali (CA) ethyl dichloride (EDC) project, taking a bottom-up approach in its planned second petrochemical complex amid a challenging global landscape. Asia MEK faces demand slowdown, mounting cost pressure entering Q2 By Joy Foo 25-Mar-25 13:19 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) prices have declined in March due to weakened demand, but Chinese makers’ cost pressure and low inventories may limit further market downside in the near term. INSIGHT: China's solar policy deadlines fuel volatility of EVA market By Joanne Wang 26-Mar-25 12:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The recurring “rush-to-install” phenomenon in China’s photovoltaic (PV) industry- marked by deadlines like April 30 and May 31 – has profound ripple effects on China’s EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) market, a critical material for PV encapsulation films. INSIGHT: Can Q2 heavy turnarounds pull Asia MEG market out of its malaise? By Judith Wang 26-Mar-25 13:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia's monoethylene glycol (MEG) prices had plunged to a six-month low by late March driven by slower-than-expected demand recovery and ample domestic supply in China. Emission regulations, lower cost needed for alternative marine fuels support – IEA By Jonathan Yee 26-Mar-25 17:41 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Accelerating the transition to cleaner energy in the maritime sector will require emission regulations and financial incentives surrounding alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s Regional Cooperation Centre. China presses on with PP exports as supply pressure intensifies By Jackie Wong 27-Mar-25 12:18 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–With self-sufficiency on the rise and even more production capacities coming onstream through 2027, China is pressing on with its polypropylene (PP) exports, even as weak economic conditions and slow end-product demand persist. Asia automakers’ shares slump on US’ 25% tariffs on car imports By Jonathan Yee 27-Mar-25 12:14 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Shares of automotive companies in Asia slumped on Thursday after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all foreign-made cars from 2 April. Asia imports more US ethane feedstock on diversification, trade diplomacy By Jonathan Yee 27-Mar-25 15:30 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asian petrochemical firms are expected to import more US ethane feedstock in the coming years as energy diversification efforts grow in the region, alongside southeast Asian leaders looking to improve trade relations with the US amid President Donald Trump’s tariff threats on countries with trade surpluses. S Korea carmakers call for government measures to mitigate US tariff impact By Nurluqman Suratman 28-Mar-25 12:44 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–South Korea’s automotive industry leaders on Friday called on the government to implement measures to soften the expected impact of US tariffs, which will take effect in early April. INSIGHT: Asia adipic acid waits on verdict from Europe ADD investigations By Josh Quah 28-Mar-25 13:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–An ongoing anti-dumping duty investigation from the European Commission on adipic acid imports from China have rocked Asia adipic markets in recent weeks.

31-Mar-2025

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–In this video, ICIS analyst Jady Ma shares insights on the expanding acetic acid capacity in China and the new price point published in the ICIS acetic acid daily report from 24 March. Central China’s share in domestic acetic acid capacity expected to rise to 17% following Handsome Chemical’s new plant start-up around May Trading activities in Central China on the rise amid intensive start-up of new downstream capacities in recent two years Inter-regional trade flows become more flexible, arbitrage margins between central China and other regions drawing more attention ICN

24-Mar-2025