PODCAST: Europe propylene market drowns, faltering demand signals broader economic woes

Will Beacham

24-May-2022

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Europe’s propylene market is in disarray, with massive oversupply and faltering demand signalling trouble for the broader economy.

  • Extreme oversupply in Europe propylene markets
  • Sellers desperate to off load volumes
  • Europe spot propylene trading at 15-30% discount to contract price
  • Five Europe crackers in planned maintenance, unplanned outages elsewhere
  • Weakness in downstream demand on top of unplanned outages
  • High inventories in Europe polypropylene (PP)
  • China economy is frozen with 30% in lockdown
  • Global economy may enter severe downturn
  • Three horsemen of the apocalypse – war, pandemic, potential famine

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior editor, olefins Nel Weddle, ICIS senior consultant Asia John Richardson and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

Click here to listen to the podcast

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

ICIS is organising regular updates to help the industry understand current market trends. Register here .

Read the latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

Read Paul Hodges and John Richardson’s ICIS blogs.

READ MORE

Global News + ICIS Chemical Business (ICB)

See the full picture, with unlimited access to ICIS chemicals news across all markets and regions, plus ICB, the industry-leading magazine for the chemicals industry.

Contact us

Now, more than ever, dynamic insights are key to navigating complex, volatile commodity markets. Access to expert insights on the latest industry developments and tracking market changes are vital in making sustainable business decisions.

Want to learn about how we can work together to bring you actionable insight and support your business decisions?

Need Help?

Need Help?