PODCAST: European downstream phenol and acetone markets face ongoing uncertainty

LONDON (ICIS)–The European phenol and acetone markets are paying close attention to demand in the downstream bisphenol-A (BPA), epoxy resins, polycarbonate (PC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) markets because sectors such as automotive remain slow and demand caution is creeping into construction.

In this podcast, ICIS Europe senior editor Jane Gibson discusses recent downstream market developments with senior editor Heidi Finch, markets reporter Mat Jolin-Beech and data reporter Miguel Rodriguez-Fernandez.

• European phenol and acetone turnarounds end soon. Will demand match supply?
• MMA market softens on weak demand and Asian imports, counteracting local supply disruptions
• PC market lengthens as demand hit by high product pricing, economic woes
• BPA contract demand holds despite derivative caution on supply constraints and strong contract over spot trend
• High costs, strong Asian export competition and demand uncertainty present challenge to Europe BPA and epoxy markets