Americas top stories: weekly summary
ICIS Editorial
11-May-2020
HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 08 May.
VIDEO: Recycled plastics demand falls
by the wayside amid low oil prices during
coronavirus
Watch News Reporter, Juhi Varma, discuss the
state of the recycled plastics industry during
the coronavirus pandemic.
US IPA prices see modest price declines
as supply increases
While demand for isopropanol (IPA) continues to
be strong due to surging demand for hand
sanitizers, prices are starting to come down
from previous highs.
INSIGHT: US sulphuric acid yet to feel
supply squeeze despite lower
production
The US sulphuric acid market has remained
mostly balanced despite the pandemic and
feedstock constraints.
Michigan reopening prompts firm dates
for Big 3 automaker restarts
US automakers firmed restart dates for 18 May
as Michigan announced phased reopening plans
following coronavirus-related shutdowns.
US PET demand may be showing first
signs of weakness
Demand for US polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
remains strong, supported by sustained buying
activity from the end-user segment – mainly at
supermarkets via food packaging, according to
many market participants.
INTERVIEW: Chemours TiO2 capacity
expansions to be stretched out on capex cuts –
CEO
Chemours will stretch the timing of its
titanium dioxide (TiO2) capacity expansions
toward 2021-2022, as it cuts capital spending
(capex) on growth projects in 2020.
US Green Plains expects China to stick
to trade agreement, make ethanol
purchases
US ethanol producer Green Plains said it still
expects China to stick to the first phase of
the US-China trade agreement that requires
ethanol purchases.
US April ethylene contracts settle at
18-year low on ample supply, soft
demand
US April ethylene contracts settled for the
majority of participants at a decrease of 1.25
cents/lb ($28/tonne), as lower spot prices
outweighed higher cash costs amid muted demand.
PODCAST: US acrylates show signs of
recovery amid ample supply, mixed
demand
While the US glacial acrylic acid and acrylate
esters markets face ample supply and mixed
demand, there are some indicators pointing
towards a recovery later in the year.
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