Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 14 January.

December IPEX down 6% on sharp price drops in northeast Asia, US
The ICIS Petrochemical Index (IPEX) dropped by 6.2% month on month in December, tracking price declines across the main petrochemical and plastic global markets, not least in northeast Asia and the US.

Domestic PE prices move lower for January in Brazil
Domestic polyethylene (PE) prices for January were nominated with decreases in Brazil, according to market sources.

New COVID outbreaks in new year likely to impact cargo movement – Maersk
The container shipping industry is continuing to battle with congested ports and labour issues, including outbreaks of COVID-19 in the area surrounding one of China’s largest ports that are making it harder to move product from region to region.

US Huntsman faces activist investor shake up at AGM
US investor Starboard Value has nominated four candidates to the board of directors for election at chemicals major Huntsman’s next annual general meeting (AGM).

Celanese lifts Americas force majeure on VAM, issues sales control
US-based acetyls producer Celanese has lifted its force majeure on vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) in the Americas.

Shipping container rates from China to US on rise again
Rates for shipping containers from east Asia and China to both US coasts are on the rise again as US consumers’ demand for goods shows no signs of easing.