PODCAST: record prices for Europe chemicals show crisis is not over yet

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Record-breaking prices for some European chemicals show that pandemic-related market and supply-chain trends are still disrupting chemical markets.

• New record prices for Europe epoxy resins, titanium dioxide (TiO2) contracts, spot polyethylene terephthalate (PET), butanediol (BDO) and acetone methyl methacrylate (MMA)
• Driven by production issues, a lack of Asian imports, shipping costs, energy prices, feedstock costs, strong demand
• Stocks still low along some supply chains, signs of panic buying
• strong construction outweighs weak automotive demand
• Danger that high prices could destroy demand
• Asia polyolefins suffering low prices, negative margins
• Supply-chain disruption means more regionalisation of markets
• Global carbon price needed to force low-carbon shift

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior editor Heidi Finch, ICIS Insight editor Nigel Davis and ICIS senior consultant Asia John Richardson

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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