AFPM ’19: US acetone oversupply issue needs solution – sources

SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–Acetone oversupply will continue to weigh on both phenol and acetone markets, and players say a long-term solution needs to be found.

The root issue is not addressed with phenol adder increases or antidumping duties, sources said on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC), nor is there a compelling solution downstream.

“The answer has to be in recycling of the material, or something similar that has not been done,” a source said.

Concern still surrounds INEOS’ announced capacity expansion, with sources wondering how the acetone volumes will be absorbed.

Major US acetone producers include INEOS Phenol, Shell Chemical, Altivia, AdvanSix, SABIC and Olin

Hosted by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the IPC takes place on 24-26 March in San Antonio, Texas.