PODCAST: Weak demand expected for Asia propylene and downstream PO

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s propylene market will continue to see weak demand, although potential curbs in plant run rates in China amid weak margins could lend support.

Downstream, China’s propylene oxide (PO) import demand may continue to be adversely impacted by domestic Chinese start-up capacities, while demand in the main downstream polyols sector is unlikely to recover in the second quarter (Q2).

• South Korea June-loading propylene volumes likely to increase month on month
• Domestic Chinese PO start-ups to keep domestic supply lengthy, hampering import demand
• Global PO supply excluding China remains tight, downstream polyols likely muted in Q2

In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Julia Tan and Shannen Ng discuss trends in the Asian propylene and PO markets.