Markets Polymer Materials Petrochemicals

New EU regulations on the horizon / Public consultation in progress / “Health risk across all age groups”

European coal prices drop / HWWI commodity price index on downward trend

US calls “temporary” halt to new LNG export terminals / Existing units to remain onstream / Energy department plans study on international climate impact of US gas

Lawsuit against activist investors draws flak from sustainability circles / Energy giant also takes aim at regulator SEC

Phenol, acetone, cumene: Ineos reportedly declares force majeure in Germany

New TPU plant inaugurated at Zhanjiang / First development stage for EUR 10 bn Chinese complex completed

US court reinstates air quality permit for Sunshine Project / Path to realisation remains long

What influence does the conflict in the Middle East have on the supply situation and polymer prices? / Interview with PIE price expert Martin Bäcker

A clear position is not an end in itself: the plastics industry must also take a firm stand

Ineos declares force majeure for PP from US plant in Texas – report

Lawsuit seeks to block shareholder vote on emissions targets / Decision to bypass SEC could provide stark precedent

Steady outlook for oil prices to end of 2025, barring escalation of Middle East conflict / Weakening demand, rising non-OPEC output key drivers

Most German firms expect lower earnings – survey / Bleak outlook for 2024

Onset of winter cripples plants in Texas, Louisiana / Exports to Europe only affected to a small extent

Acquisition of 35% stake in Saudi's Natpet planned / USD 500 mn deal to boost PP business

Selection of SGC eTEC for Saudi ethylene expansion / Extra output due online in H1 2026

Transformation plans for Porvoo oil refinery / Total investment estimated at EUR 2.5 bn

German cumene plant starts production

Russia to raise its own funds for major Amur Gas project / Construction progress seems uncertain

Japanese supplier divests Indonesian PTA business / Deal follows decision to shift focus

Supplier secures new environmental licence / Large-scale Project One cracker a go again

PA 6: Envalior ends force majeure for caprolactam

Little output growth seen for 2024 / Plastics buyers to continue struggling / Competition with US and China a challenge

Firms seek to decarbonise ethylene glycol process / Saudi government joins carbon capture and storage thinktank

The plastics industry continues to work in a state of emergency / Slumps in demand, cheap imports and ever-new regulations make life difficult for producers and processors / Producers on the other side of the Atlantic also face more difficulties