PODCAST: Plunging chemical prices could signal return to ‘normal’

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Falling chemical prices in Europe and the US could be a sign that disrupted chemical markets are returning to more stable conditions as supply chain disruption eases.

– ICIS Europe and US spot daily price index falls sharply
– Could be a sign that supply chain issues are easing
– China polymer consumption collapsed January-April, compared to previous four-month period
– Slowing economy, supply chain issues may be responsible
– China will deflate global chemical prices once supply chains normalise
– International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 report spells out demise of fossil fuels

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Will Beacham interviews Nigel Davis, ICIS Insight Editor, John Richardson, ICIS Senior Consultant, Asia, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

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.

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Read the latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

Read Paul Hodges and John Richardson’s ICIS blogs.

Interview by Will Beacham