Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 29 November 2024.

ICIS Economic Summary: US election uncertainty over, policy impact to begin
Much of the uncertainty surrounding the US election has been lifted, but there remain questions about the extent that stated policy goals will be achieved and their impact on the economy next year and beyond.

INSIGHT: Deloitte expects more chem M&A as industry remains in flux
The chemical industry is entering the new year amid an especially large amount of flux, with China receding as a demand driver, Europe contending with plant shutdowns and producers rearranging businesses through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Canadian manufacturers fear ‘devastating’ impact from Trump’s proposed 25% tariff
New US tariffs on US-Canada trade would have a devastating impact on manufacturers, workers and consumers on both sides of the border, trade group Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) said on Tuesday.

INSIGHT: LatAm chemicals face threats of US tariffs, global oversupply
Chatter on challenges permeated the Latin American Chemical and Petrochemical Association (APLA) Annual Meeting as delegates faced down threats of global oversupply and the potential for new tariffs from the US.

INSIGHT: US refiners to face higher oil, catalyst costs with Trump’s tariffs
The tariffs proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump on imports from Mexico, Canada and China would raise costs for the heavier grades of oil needed by US refineries as well as rare-earth elements used to make catalysts for downstream refining units.

Argentina’s petchems prices to take time to fall despite import tax withdrawal
Argentina’s decision to eliminate the so-called PAIS import tax earlier than planned is unlikely to have any impact on petrochemicals prices for now, sources said this week.

LatAm PE domestic prices fall in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico
Domestic polyethylene (PE) prices were assessed as lower in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico on the back of competitive offers from abroad and weak demand. In other Latin American (LatAm) countries, prices were unchanged.