Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 14 March.

US energy secretary optimistic as tariff proposals in early days
The US is still in the early stages of its tariff proposals, which could increase the costs of the steel and aluminium needed for oil and gas production, but vigorous dialogue about their effect on the economy is taking place behind closed doors, the secretary of energy said on Monday.

AFPM ’25: Shippers weigh tariffs, port charges on global supply chains
Whether it is dealing with on-again, off-again tariffs, new charges at US ports for carriers with China-flagged vessels in their fleets, or booking passage through the Panama Canal, participants at this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC) have plenty to talk about.

AFPM ‘25: US tariffs, retaliation risk heightens uncertainty for chemicals, economies
The threat of additional US tariffs, retaliatory tariffs from trading partners, and their potential impact is fostering a heightened level of uncertainty, dampening consumer, business and investor sentiment, along with clouding the 2025 outlook for chemicals and economies.

INSIGHT: Tariff war escalates as EU new round of retaliation includes US PE, plastic products
Yet another front is opening up on the US tariff war – this one with the EU. In retaliation for US 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports that took effect on 12 March, the EU plans to not only roll out old measures, but launch new more significant tariffs directly targeting US polyethylene (PE) and other plastic products.

AFPM ’25: INSIGHT: New US president brings chems regulatory relief, tariffs
The new administration of US President Donald Trump is giving chemical companies a break on regulations and proposing tariffs on the nation’s biggest trade partners and on the world.

Dow to announce decisions on European asset footprint on Q1 and Q2 earning calls – CFO
Dow plans to announce decisions from its European asset review on its Q1 and Q2 earnings calls, its chief financial officer (CFO) said.

Canada’s new prime minister to focus on trade diversification and security
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, will focus on diversifying the country’s trade relationships and improving its security, he said on Friday after officially taking over from Justin Trudeau.

AFPM ’25: LatAm chemicals face uncertain outlook amid oversupply, trade policy woes
Latin American petrochemicals face ongoing challenges from oversupplied markets and poor demand, with survival increasingly dependent on government protectionist measures.