Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 19 June.

US phenol balanced as players look to H2 demand recovery
US phenol supply and demand are balanced as players turn their attention to H2 for demand recovery. There is some optimism as economic activity resumes, but the outlook is clouded.

US IPA demand sees weak increase amid growing regional coronavirus cases
After seeing a gradual decrease in prices over the past two months, isopropanol (IPA) prices mostly held steady this week.

ICIS WEBINAR: Chems to see H2 demand pick up, but coronavirus challenges remain
US and European chemical producers will see sequential improvements in demand in H2 as economies emerge from the Q2 coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdowns and restrictions.

Chem M&A market starts thawing after Covid-19 freeze – banker
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the chemicals sector is starting to thaw after many processes were put on hold amid the Covid-19 crisis, an investment banker said.

PODCAST: US PP faces varying demand, shifting trade flows on new capacity
US polypropylene faces significant variations in demand between applications with fibre and packaging performing well while automotive and appliances are weak.

Clariant announces breakthrough in PP catalyst technology that boosts output – execs
Clariant said it has made a breakthrough in polypropylene (PP) catalyst technology with a phthalate-free catalyst that can also provide superior properties and improve plant output, executives said on Tuesday.

US chem shares rise amid market rally
Most US-listed shares of chemical companies rose on Tuesday amid a general rally in the stock market.

US chem shares rise as stock market stages large swing
US-listed shares of chemical companies rose on Monday after the stock markets swung from sharp losses earlier in the day. Stock markets opened lower amid fears of a resurgence of the coronavirus.

FOCUS: Wall Street turns more bullish on chemicals outlook, raises price targets
Chemicals equity analysts are turning more bullish on the sector, citing a potential bottom in transportation and industrial end markets, an upturn in leading economic indications (LEIs) and price stabilisation.