Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 2 August.

Massive North America PE growth wave is over through 2027 – LyondellBasell
The massive shale gas-driven expansion in polyethylene (PE) and to a more limited extent in polypropylene (PP) has ended, boding well for operating rates and profitability moving forward through 2027, said executives at LyondellBasell.

INSIGHT: US chems face poor trade prospects under presidential candidates
Regardless of who wins the next presidential election, US chemical producers may see little benefit from the trade policies of either candidate, with one exposing them to retaliatory tariffs and the second likely continuing the policies of the current administration.

INSIGHT: US Fed moves closer to rate cuts, paving way for chemicals demand recovery
The US chemical industry, along with other interest-rate sensitive sectors, is poised to get a lift as the US Federal Reserve moves closer towards its first interest rate cut – a move increasingly likely in September.

INSIGHT OUTLOOK: LatAm petchems producers hope protectionism, higher freight costs improve margins
Latin American petrochemicals prices remain in the doldrums due to global oversupply, but domestic producers are hoping a sustained increase in freight costs and protectionist measures could start improving their dented market share.

OUTLOOK: US recycled plastics weather mixed demand, new capacity as pivotal year, 2025, approaches
Although the broader US recycled plastics market has yet to see the full recovery as hoped by this time, there still remain opportunities and challenges through year end.

INSIGHT: More US chem firms give up on H2 recovery
So far in the earnings season, US chemical producers have given up on a second half recovery and will rely on their own actions to increase earnings while they wait for interest rates to fall.