Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 14 February.

Bulk of non-compliant chems in EU from imported goods – Cefic
Imported goods are the key source of non-compliance with Reach and other chemicals regulatory frameworks within the EU, according to industry body Cefic.

Clariant in transition phase with more divestments planned, CEO hunt
Clariant is in a “clear transition phase” redefining the business’ direction over the next couple of years, the acting CEO at the Swiss specialty chemicals producer said on Thursday.

Coronavirus slashes Q1 crude demand, weakest full-year growth since 2011 – IEA
China’s coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has sent shock waves through global oil markets, cutting first-quarter demand by an expected 435,000 bbl/day and pushing projected growth for the year to the lowest since 2011, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday.

PVC tightens globally in key markets as supply shocks squeeze exports
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) spot prices in several key global markets have soared in early 2020, as worldwide supply shocks squeeze export availability.

Coronavirus confidence crisis to last until mid-Q2 – OPEC
The sharp slowdown in industrial activity in China and wider Asia due to the coronavirus crisis may last until the middle of the second quarter, OPEC said on Wednesday.

UK plans for import controls on EU goods from 2021
The UK government expects to introduce more controls on EU goods at the end of 2020 in measures that could stand to slow the pace and increase the cost of goods passing across the English Channel.

Finland paper industry strike ends after agreement reached
A strike and blockade in the Finnish paper sector, a key chemicals end market, was called off on Monday after unions agreed proposals that removed a controversial working hours amendment.

EU TiO2 makers require clarity, common approach for carcinogen classification implementation
European titanium dioxide (TiO2) producers are hoping to get more clarity on the upcoming EU classification of the material as a carcinogen in inhalable powder form.