Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the Christmas holiday-shortened week ended 23 December.

INSIGHT: Mexico mulls tougher import permits for fossil fuels, chems
Dozens of Mexico-focused fuels and petrochemical market stakeholders have commented on a controversial draft regulation from Mexico’s economic ministry and energy ministry (SENER) that could give the government much greater discretion in granting import and export permits requested in 2021.

OUTLOOK ‘21: ‘All systems go’ for big bounce in global chemicals M&A
The chemicals mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is poised for a major rebound in 2021 following a pandemic-hindered 2020 as business confidence returns and central banks keep financing markets buoyant.

Planned Canada West Coast Olefins project hits hurdle
The planned West Coast Olefins (WCO) petrochemicals project in Canada’s British Columbia province is being opposed by two indigenous peoples groups, known as First Nations.