Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 2 July.

Despite improved production, acrylates have upstream supply pressure, higher feedstocks
Although Dow removed its force majeure at the start of the month on 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), butyl acrylate (butyl-A) and ethyl acrylate (ethyl-A), supply remains tighter than expected for some market participants.

US chemical activity rises in June
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) chemical activity barometer (CAB) rose 0.8% in June, from May, on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis, the group said on Tuesday.

US Celanese may expand Santoprene output after closing deal
Celanese may start making more Santoprene after it completes the $1.15bn acquisition of the business from ExxonMobil, the US-based acetyls and engineered materials producer said on Wednesday.

US Enterprise acquires NOVA Chem’s ethylene storage business in Texas
US midstream energy and petrochemicals company Enterprise Products Partners has acquired the ethylene storage and trading business Canadian producer NOVA Chemicals operates at the Mont Belvieu trading hub in Texas.

High water levels on Mississippi river delaying some chemical shipments
Some chemicals shipped by barge on the Mississippi river are seeing delays after heavy rains in the region.

BLOG: Hurricane season’s quick start highlights heightened market risks
Forecasters of this year’s hurricane season expect above-normal activity, and so far that seems on point with the naming this week of Elsa, the Atlantic’s fifth tropical system.