ICIS Benchmarks
Trusted price assessments for chemicals, energy and fertilizers
ICIS has provided market-leading benchmarks for over three decades. Our range of independent price assessments for chemicals, energy and fertilizers provides a factual and impartial reference point and is trusted by countless buyers and sellers around the globe.
Use ICIS benchmarks with confidence
Choosing ICIS means you can be sure that the highest quality standards have been met every time. Our benchmarks are derived from data gathered from a wide cross-section of each market, including consumers, producers, traders and distributors.
We adopt a rigorous methodology and every benchmark is checked, verified and free from conflict of interest. Most importantly, in every case, we meet all the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) price reporting agency (PRA) principles – the regulations set to ensure that commodity benchmark price reporting meets the highest standards.
How ICIS helps
Discover benchmarks for all the commodities you are interested in
As the largest, most recognised provider of commodity benchmark prices around the globe, you are sure to find what you need.
ICIS covers over 180 commodities across five regions – far more than any other provider. As well as mainstream chemical, energy and fertilizer benchmarks, we also cover downstream products, providing a complete picture including derivatives, putting you in a stronger position to optimise your trades.
Gain agreement quickly
ICIS benchmarks can save you time. No need to conduct time-consuming research into what other market participants are paying; you can agree contracts quickly and positively at a price both parties feel confident reflects true market value. You can also check benchmark history for a complete picture of price trends.
Backed up by in-depth market knowledge
The market experts who produce our detailed reports are also monitoring and reporting our benchmarks. So, if you need information or analysis to support your benchmark price, ICIS offers a consistent viewpoint for global and local commodity markets.
Why use a benchmark?
• Assurance and reliability: Researching market prices requires significant resources to do accurately. By using an ICIS benchmark, you know we have carried out a comprehensive assessment and reached a reliable and impartial point of view that is trusted by all market participants.
• To ensure fairness: Our independence and impartiality means that buyers and sellers are happy to adopt our benchmarks as a fair reflection of current market value.
• To speed up negotiations: Setting a contract price using a benchmark is the fastest and most effective way to close a deal.
How are ICIS benchmarks set?
Our benchmarks are based on data gathered by ICIS editors through thousands of interactions each week with a wide cross-section of participants in each market, including consumers, producers, traders and distributors.
We adopt a rigorous methodology and every benchmark is checked, verified and free from conflict of interest – trusted by buyers and sellers around the globe. Most importantly, ICIS is independently audited by PwC to ensure it meets the principles for price-reporting agencies set by the international regulatory body IOSCO.
How often are ICIS benchmarks updated?
Benchmarks in some very liquid markets are updated daily, while those in less-active markets are published weekly. We also provide monthly averages, which are preferable for some types of contracts.
Why choose an ICIS benchmark?
We report on over 180 commodities across five regions. Our methodology and assessment processes are rigorous – every benchmark is guaranteed to be checked, verified and free from conflict of interest. That’s why ICIS benchmarks are trusted implicitly by traders and negotiators, every day, around the world.
ICIS benchmarks are also backed up by in-depth market knowledge; the market experts who produce our detailed reports are also monitoring and reporting our benchmarks. For any additional information or expert analysis to support your benchmark price, ICIS offers a consistent viewpoint for global and local commodity markets.
Petrochemical, energy and fertilizer market intelligence
ICIS data sets provide independent, objective and trusted intelligence for the global petrochemical, energy and fertilizer markets. Available through the icis.com subscriber platform, our price reports cover more than 180 commodities, and focus on pricing trends in all major trading regions. Put simply, ICIS provides the information you need to make better-informed business decisions.
Compliance & Methodology
This area of icis.com will allow you to keep up to date with our latest consultations, methodology changes, as well as browse and download our general compliance documents.
- Access all ICIS methodologies
- Take part in any open ICIS consultations
- Access ICIS compliance documents