ICIS Market Expert Blogs

Read our chemical and energy experts’ latest assessment of the market

Asian Chemical Connections

John Richardson’s Asian Chemicals Connections looks at Asian and global commodity chemicals and polymer pricing trends, supply and demand, macroeconomics, energy and environmental issues.

China’s PP Export Boom and the End of an Era for Overseas Suppliers
10th July 2025

LOSSES IN China are likely to continue, making gains in other markets much more important

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After the Bombs: Israel-Iran and Three Long-term Scenarios
1st July 2025

Here is the first of three outcomes or scenarios from the recent Israel-Iran conflict

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From Property Bust to Tech Boom: Is China Trading One Bubble for Another?
26th June 2025

Are we in the midst of another Chinese investment bubble, this time centred on high-tech?

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Three scenarios for the Israel-Iran crisis and the impact on the global economy
16th June 2025

HERE ARE THREE initial scenarios (and of course events are moving rapidly) about what the Israel-Iran crisis could mean for the global economy and thu

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Chemicals and the Economy

Guest blogger, Paul Hodges looks behind today's headlines and studies key influencers shaping the chemical industry over the next 12-18 months. He takes a closer look at oil prices, economic growth and the environment among other things, along with some light-hearted commentary along the way.

Oil price volatility highlights underlying market weakness
13th July 2025

Oil market volatility is likely to continue. But OPEC's need to regain market share also makes it likely that prices will continue to decline. This is

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US home prices have entered a danger zone
6th July 2025

Housing markets take time to crash, as sellers hold out for a price recovery that never comes. But then, the risk is that prices begin to slide as the

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Middle East and Ukraine wars add to trade war risks for the global economy
22nd June 2025

It would seem prudent to plan for further escalation of the military and trade wars in H2. Countries will likely continue to join trading blocs to cou

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