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.

Ageing populations, chemicals demand and the broader picture
29th May 2025

We need new models for forecasting chemicals demand growth

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Trade war or no trade war, these are the market fundamentals that won’t change
26th May 2025

THE TRADE WAR, whether it continues or goes away, won't change the market fundamentals

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As the new realities sink, petchems search for a new business model
23rd May 2025

DELEGATES at this year's Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference in Bangkok recognised the demand crisis resulting from demographics

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China’s Petrochemical Plans Clouded by Trade War, Demand Risks
6th May 2025

Confused? You should be, raising the need for deeper and wider scenario planning on China's petrochemicals self-sufficiency.

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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.

Bond vigilantes start to push interest rates higher – and impact auto/housing markets
25th May 2025

Borrowing makes a lot of sense when interest rates and inflation are low. But now, both are returning to more normal levels. This will increase defaul

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President Trump’s tariff war and planned tax cuts reawaken the ‘bond vigilantes’
18th May 2025

Republicans are racing to finish the draft budget by Memorial Day at the end of the month. Bond investors can be forgiven for getting nervous about wh

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Apple set for double hit from Trump’s tariff war
11th May 2025

China is Trump's main target. He has claimed that China will pay the extra cost. But US consumers know better. They rushed to buy in March before pric

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Sell in May, and go away?
4th May 2025

President Trump's Tariff War will soon lead to empty shelves at Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and many other stores this month. The famous saying "Well

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