Shifts in the European Ethylene Market
A close look at the integration of the European ethylene market reveals the impact of recent plant closures, ownership changes, and capacity consolidation. Read More
European Imports of US-Origin Propylene in April Jump 37% on Month
European imports of propylene from the U.S. in April to date have jumped by 37% from the overall total for March, as supply tightens in the region amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to the latest Vortexa shipping data. Read More
When Ethylene is Optional: Coal-Based Supply is Stepping Up
Amid ongoing disruptions to Middle East energy and chemical feedstock flows, the impact is extending beyond feedstocks into the petrochemical chain, with regional steam crackers operating at reduced rates or offline, significantly curtailing olefin and derivative exports. Read More
Europe’s Chemical Industry Faces Fight for Survival
The Cefic Chemical Trends Report published at the start of March underscores the perilous state of Europe's chemical industry and its fight for its survival, indicating urgent action is needed for the chemical sector to survive and support European industry as it has for much of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century. Read More
Europe April Ethylene Contract Settles Up 39% at €1,595/mt on Conflict Disruption
The European ethylene monthly contract price for April delivery jumped 39% month on month to settle at €1,595 ($1,837)/metric ton Tuesday amid supply disruptions, according to producers and Chemical Market Analytics (CMA) by OPIS, a Dow Jones company. Read More
Europe Faces Uphill Battle to Replenish Gas Stocks by Q4
European natural gas buyers faces an uphill battle in a competition with Asia to secure enough tonnage ahead of the fourth quarter this year, as inventories in Europe fall close to four-year lows, data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) showed. Read More
ExxonMobil’s UK Plant Closure Stokes Ethylene Demand, Widens US-Europe Arbitrage
The sudden closure of ExxonMobil's 770,000 metric tons/year ethylene plant at Fife, Scotland, has fanned demand and widened the arbitrage between the U.S. and Europe, a trading source told OPIS this week. Read More
US-Europe Ethylene Arbitrage Opens with 20,000 mt Heading for Europe
A tightening of ethylene supply in Europe has opened an arbitrage window into the region from the U.S., enabling traders to ship cargoes into the European pipeline system, sources have told OPIS. Read More
US August Ethylene Exports Recede, Propylene Exports Rise From July: Census
U.S. ethylene exports slipped in August while propylene shipments climbed sharply, reflecting diverging trends across key olefins. Updated Census Bureau data highlights shifting trade flows, major destinations, and year-to-date movements. Read More
Ineos, Recycled Plastics Producers Call on EU to Safeguard Industry
The European recycled plastics industry has called on the European Union for help and support following a raft of regional closures this year, according to statements released by Ineos and Searious Business, a European circular plastics lobbying company. Read More
Sinopec Expands Xinjiang Refining Complex Into High-Value Petrochemicals
Sinopec has started a major upgrade of its Tahe refining and petrochemical complex in Xinjiang, aiming to boost capacity and diversify into higher-margin products such as ethylene and paraxylene, amid a broader shift in China’s industrial strategy, according to a news release on Saturday. Read More
Buyers Weigh Alternatives As Brazil’s Polyethylene Duties Take Effect
Polyethylene (PE) market participants in Brazil said the market was finding a new equilibrium after the Brazilian government implemented provisional anti-dumping duties of $199/mt on U.S. resin and $238/mt on Canadian resin at the end of August. 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