Falling River Rhine Levels in Europe Impact Plant, Terminal Operations
The river Rhine flowing from its source in Lake Constance, Switzerland, to the sea in the Amsterdam Rotterdam Antwerp (ARA) trading complex is one of Europe’s key transport arteries for all goods, but especially for petroleum products and chemicals. Read More
China to List Propylene Futures and Options for Trading
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has approved the registration of propylene futures and options on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, in a move that could open the door for petrochemical industry players to hedge against risks and enhance supply chains. Read More
INEOS Faces $31 Million Penalty Despite Reducing Carbon Emissions by 75%
INEOS Acetyls has said it faces a £23 million ($31 million) penalty in withheld carbon credits despite slashing emissions by 75% at its site based in Hull, in the north of England. Read More
No Sign of Recovery for Europe Chemical Industry Amid High Energy Prices, Tax
The overall message from the recent European Petrochemical Luncheon in Munich, Germany, in mid-June suggests that demand for most sectors of the petrochemical industry remains soft and there is no real sign of any recovery until 2026. Read More
Sinopec Cuts Benzene Price Again as Market Slides on Crude Retreat
China’s state-owned Sinopec reduced its benzene list price for the second time this week, cutting it by 100 yuan per metric ton ($14/mt) on Thursday to 6,100 yuan/mt ex-warehouse, industry sources said Friday. On an import parity basis, the adjusted list price equates to around $747/mt CFR China. Read More
South Korea’s Aromatics Exports Down in May On Global Trade Uncertainty
South Korea’s aromatics exports declined in May as weak demand and ongoing trade uncertainties continued to weigh on market sentiment. Buyers are scaling back purchases amid volatile commodity prices and ongoing global trade tensions, an industry source said on Friday. Read More
Asia’s Benzene Margins Narrow as Trade Routes Shift, Demand Falters
Asian benzene producers are grappling with shrinking margins as the benzene-to-naphtha spread sank to $130 per metric ton on June 20, well below the breakeven threshold of $150/mt, according to OPIS data. The last time the spread was this low was in early May, and producers have struggled to remain profitable amid persistent global oversupply and weak downstream demand. Read More
Ethylene Exports Surge, Propylene Trade Tempers in April: Census
U.S. Gulf Coast April ethylene exports surged 117% from March levels, while April propylene exports and imports saw decreases of over 20% from March levels, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Read More