Topic Page: US ITC terminal tank fire

Note: this article is no longer updated and is held on the ICIS archive. 

A storage tank caught fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) Deer Park facility in La Porte, Texas on 17 March. The fire lasted for several days, spreading to tanks containing toluene, xylenes, naphtha, gasoline blendstocks and base oils used to make machine lubricants.

A tank farm containment wall partially collapsed on 22 March, releasing chemicals into a ditch that leads to the Houston Ship Channel, prompting the US Coast Guard to partially close traffic on the water near Tucker Bayou and the ITC site.

As clean-up efforts continued, shipping restrictions resulted in a backlog of vessels trying to get in and out of the area.

Some companies have declared force majeure because of logistical issues, and petrochemical prices are facing upward pressure as market participants continue to monitor the potential impact of the fire and its aftermath.

Pictured above: A plume of smoke rises from a tank fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park facility near Houston, Texas. (Source: David J Phillip/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

ITC INCIDENT RESOURCES

SOURCE: ITC website

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) created an interactive resource on response activities for the ITC fire. Click on the following image to open a new window and scroll through the story map.

Pictured above: Oil gathered in boom at the confluence of Tucker Bayou and the Houston Ship Channel, downstream of ITC. (Source: EPA)

LATEST NEWS

Total lifts force majeure from US PP plant in La Porte

16 May 2019 22:45 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA has lifted the force majeure on polypropylene (PP) products from its plant in La Porte, Texas, according to market sources.

US Houston Ship Channel open without restrictions

15 May 2019 20:57 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel has returned to normal operations on Wednesday, including two-way passage for ships, after two barges involved in a collision on Friday were removed.

US ITC terminal now open for trucks, rail cars

14 May 2019 22:50 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park facility in La Porte, Texas, is now able to dispense material via rail cars and trucks, according to customers with material at the facility.

US MEK imports face global trade concerns, production issues

14 May 2019 18:17 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) imports face volatility surrounding US-China trade concerns and Brexit amid Asian production issues.

Snug supply, rising upstream costs push US April styrene contracts higher

10 May 2019 23:57 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Tight supply amid a planned turnaround and higher raw material costs combined to support a slight increase for US April styrene contracts.

US phenol faces pressure from higher costs, tight supply

10 May 2019 23:06 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US May phenol contracts face upward pressure following an increase in upstream May benzene contracts.

US May PS contracts likely to roll over

10 May 2019 23:01 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US May polystyrene (PS) contracts are likely to roll over from April as supply and demand are largely in balance.

Lengthening supply to weigh down US spot benzene

10 May 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot benzene is expected to trend down into June and July as the global oversupply extends in the coming months with increased global production and imports,  the end of cracker turnaround season and increased refinery rates during the summer gasoline season.

US spot toluene, MX begin to stabilise following ITC reopening

10 May 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Octane-enhancing toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) faced downward pressure during the week as prices begin to stabilise following the partial reopening of the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park facility in La Porte, Texas, late last week.

Lengthy supply keeps pressure on US acetone

10 May 2019 22:52 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US May acetone barge contract price has faced upward pressure due to recent increases for feedstock refinery-grade propylene (RGP) costs, but a dip this week may alleviate some of that pressure.

US May OX contracts roll over from April

10 May 2019 19:44 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US May orthoxylene (OX) contracts rolled over from April, tracking lower US spot paraxylene (PX) and stabilising mixed xylenes (MX) prices.

High water on Illinois River could tighten US EPS supply

07 May 2019 23:24 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Supply of US expandable polystyrene (EPS) could tighten as high water levels on the Illinois River are limiting product delivery for a large US producer.

US May PA contracts increase, tracking OX

07 May 2019 23:17 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US phthalic anhydride (PA) prices increased for May by 1 cent/lb ($22/tonne) on Tuesday, tracking April contracts for feedstock orthoxylene (OX).

US aromatic solvents at parity as toluene rises, xylenes retreat

07 May 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US prices for toluene and xylene delivered by truck and rail are at parity this week, after toluene prices edged higher and xylene values fell.

Vessel arrivals at US ITC plunges 68% in April after March fire

07 May 2019 22:36 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Vessel arrivals in April at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park site in La Porte, Texas plunged 68% from the previous month, reflecting the terminal’s closing because of a fire that struck the terminal in mid-March.

ITC terminal opens for rail cars after fire, cleanup

07 May 2019 20:46 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Customers with material at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park facility in La Porte, Texas, have been able to access the site via railcar since Monday, according to market sources.

US OxyChem Q1 after-tax income falls as sales decline

06 May 2019 20:06 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Occidental Chemical (OxyChem), the chemical business of Occidental Petroleum, reported that first-quarter income fell year on year.

US MEK importers hold back on Trump’s tariff threats

06 May 2019 18:51 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) market is once again facing a period of heightened insecurity and import pressure, as US President Donald Trump has threatened additional tariffs on Chinese material.

US spot PX continues downside with Asia

03 May 2019 23:46 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Freely negotiated US spot paraxylene (PX) was mostly stable amid bearish sentiment in Asia alongside signs that downstream polyester demand may improve in the coming weeks and months. Prices were also stable amid lower operating rates for selective-toluene disproportionation (STDP) units amid squeezed margins for on-purpose PX.

US spot toluene average flat-to-down with volatile crude, lower gasoline

03 May 2019 23:38 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Bids and offers for US spot toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) decreased toward the end of the week with lower crude and gasoline. Gasoline prices fell amid volatile crude prices, a build in inventories and decreased consumption.

US spot benzene averages up with increased demand

03 May 2019 23:34 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot benzene averaged slightly higher this week amid increased demand for benzene for styrene production, shorter supply during cracker turnaround season and short-term supply and shipping logistics concerns in the aftermath of the March Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire.

US acetone price pressure likely to continue in May amid oversupply

03 May 2019 23:25 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Downward price pressure is expected to continue in May in US acetone markets amid oversupplied conditions that have worsened this spring.

US phenol supplies improving, but acetone length weighing on market

03 May 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US phenol supplies remain snug but are improving heading into May, although lengthening acetone will continue to be a problem in the second quarter.

Europe May PO formula contracts rise on upstream propylene cost gains

03 May 2019 19:25 LONDON (ICIS)–European propylene oxide (PO) formula contract prices for May have edged up on upstream propylene cost gains.

Europe MMA April contracts soften on supply length, weak auto demand

03 May 2019 17:37 LONDON (ICIS)–European methyl methacrylate (MMA) April contracts settled at a double-digit decrease, driven by a global supply length, and flaccid automotive demand.

US ITC terminal receives approval to reopen most docks

02 May 2019 22:30 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US terminal in Texas that caught fire in mid-March and caused a severe blockage in the US petrochemical supply chain has received government approval to reopen some of its docks.

LyondellBasell denies force majeure on US IPA

02 May 2019 21:22 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A LyondellBasell spokesperson said on Thursday that the company is not force majeure on US isopropanol.

Monument declares force majeure on US IPA

02 May 2019 17:18 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Monument declared force majeure on US isopropanol, according to market sources, following the fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in the US Gulf Coast on 17 March.

Issues from Texas terminal fire to cost US Dow $40m in Q2

02 May 2019 17:16 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Shipping restrictions caused by the March terminal fire in Texas will last through the second quarter and cost US-based Dow a $40m hit to earnings, a top executive at the company said on Thursday.

Dow seeks N American IPA increase for May

02 May 2019 16:37 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Dow is seeking a 10 cent/lb ($220/tonne) price increase on all grades of North American isopropanol (IPA), effective 6 May or as contracts allow.

Europe May acrylate esters contract talks start amid upward feedstock pressure

02 May 2019 10:32 LONDON (ICIS)–European acrylate esters May contract talks are in their early stages, with players awaiting the upstream propylene settlement.

US Valvoline Q2 net income slips 6% on higher costs

01 May 2019 23:38 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Valvoline’s fiscal Q2 net income fell by 6.0% year on year as cost of sales rose faster than net sales, the US-based lubricant producer said on Wednesday.

US May PC increases on higher upstream costs

01 May 2019 23:09 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US polycarbonate (PC) formula-based prices increased  by 6 cents/lb ($132/tonne) on Wednesday, pressured up on higher phenol and acetone monthly contracts, the two primary drivers of PC pricing.

US Olin expects lower Q2 caustic soda prices

01 May 2019 19:52 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US Olin on Wednesday morning said that the company expects liquid caustic soda prices to continue to drift lower during the second quarter, but expects price recovery during the second half of 2019.

Europe IPA slow on spring holidays, but could be impacted by US tightness

01 May 2019 17:27 LONDON (ICIS)–European isopropanol (IPA) spot prices were stable for the third consecutive week due to slower business during the Easter and Labour Day holidays throughout the region, but supply could be hit by logistics issues and force majeures in the US

ITC fire cut LPG export volumes; backlog to be filled in early May – US Enterprise

01 May 2019 17:14 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US Enterprise Products Partners said on Wednesday that the fire at a storage terminal on the Houston Ship Channel negatively impacted liquid petroleum gas (LPG) export volumes and that the backlog of vessels caused by the event will be filled early this month.

LyondellBasell targets US IPA increase for May

01 May 2019 17:09 HOUSTON (ICIS)–LyondellBasell is seeking a 10 cent/lb ($220/tonne) price increase on US isopropanol (IPA), for both anhydrous and pharmaceutical grades, effective 7 May or as contracts allow.

US VAM expansion provided cushion for ITC disruptions

01 May 2019 00:40 HOUSTON (ICIS)–When Celanese cranked up its 150,000 tonne/year vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) unit in December, market participants wondered how the addition would impact an already oversupplied market.

US April epoxy contracts roll over but May price increases lie ahead

30 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Indications are that US epoxy resins prices held steady as nothing of significance occurred in April, but price increases are being sought next month.

Talk increasing that Texas terminal will re-open soon

30 April 2019 22:42 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Talk is intensifying that the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) site in Deer Park, Texas, will re-open soon, possibly this week.

Increase initiatives emerge for US aromatic solvents amid rising gasoline demand

30 April 2019 20:58 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Major producer ExxonMobil is seeking a 3 cent/lb ($66/tonne) increase for hydrocarbon fluids, including Aromatic 100 and Aromatic 150, effective 6 May, or as contracts allow, according to a letter to customers obtained by ICIS.

LyondellBasell lifts force majeure on US benzene, styrene

30 April 2019 20:36 HOUSTON (ICIS)–LyondellBasell has lifted force majeure on US benzene and styrene as of mid-to-late April, according to market sources, following the 17 March fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility along the US Gulf coast.

US ITC faces criminal environmental charges for mid-March fire

30 April 2019 01:05 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The Harris County district attorney’s office has filed five environmental criminal charges against Intercontinental Terminals Co (ITC) for a mid-March fire at its Deer Park facility in Texas, the government agency said on Monday.

US April styrene faces upward pressure on tight supply, higher raw materials

26 April 2019 23:46 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April styrene prices are facing upward pressure, as supply is snug with a major producer undergoing a planned turnaround and upstream benzene values holding at elevated levels.

US BD to remain stable as sluggish demand offsets supply constraints

26 April 2019 23:36 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US butadiene (BD) markets are expected to remain steady, with supply levels supported by cracker start-ups but demand muted by continued weakness in downstream styrene butadiene rubber (SBR).

US April barge acetone contracts firm on RGP despite oversupply, muted demand

26 April 2019 23:05 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US acetone oversupply continues to weigh on markets and will likely keep prices soft for buyers outside of the large-buyer settlement, which faced higher prices due to increased costs.

Supply constraints continue driving US phenol markets well into Q2 2019

26 April 2019 23:02 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US phenol markets are expected to remain tight into May with two producers still on force majeure and logistics hampered by the closure of Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC).

US IPA, MEK price increases targeted for May

26 April 2019 22:26 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Price increase initiatives have emerged for US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and isopropanol (IPA).

Europe MEK market in tug of war, prices rise at high end

26 April 2019 17:16 LONDON (ICIS)–European methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) spot rose at the high end this week as a majority of producers again pushed prices up on the back of reduced availability and further outflux to Asia.

US April cumene contracts higher, tracking feedstocks

25 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April cumene contract prices rose on the back of higher feedstock costs.

US terminal fire raises uncertainty for chem industry – Methanex CEO

25 April 2019 22:24 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Methanex’s top executive said on Thursday that the recent terminal fire in Texas has caused significant disruptions in chemical supply chains and created huge uncertainty in the industry.

US PC price uncertain, raw materials under discussion

24 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US polycarbonate (PC) pricing direction remains uncertain, as pricing for raw materials phenol and acetone are trending in different directions. Phenol and acetone are the key drivers for formula-based PC pricing.

US April EPS contracts rise on higher styrene, improving demand

23 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April expandable polystyrene (EPS) contracts settled up by 3 cents/lb ($66/tonne) on Tuesday, supported by higher upstream costs for styrene and improving demand.

Plant status: Celanese Mexico etac plant returns to normal rates

23 April 2019 15:36 LONDON (ICIS)–Here is a plant status report: Ethyl acetate (etac) production at Celanese’s site in La Cangrejera, Mexico site has returned to typical rates, according to a company source.

US Dow locks 200 workers out of Deer Park plant

22 April 2019 23:42 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Dow’s chemical plant in Deer Park has locked out more than 200 employees as contract negotiations stalled, the company and representatives of the United Steelworkers confirmed Monday.

Increasing China capacity puts downward pressure on US PX

19 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Lengthening supply in the key China market is expected to continue to weigh down US spot paraxylene (PX) until weather conditions improve and consumption and demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the polyester chain increases in the coming weeks and months.

US April phenol contracts face upward pressure on benzene, adders

19 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April phenol contract prices face upward pressure on rising costs and proposed adder increases.

Decreased demand, new capacity in Asia to weigh on US spot benzene

19 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A sustained uptrend in crude prices is likely to maintain upward pressure on US spot benzene amid poor weather conditions in North America and logistics issues regarding the ongoing situation in the Houston Ship Channel.

US PE export prices steady on thin trade, stable crude

19 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US polyethylene (PE) export prices were assessed flat as upstream crude oil prices showed signs of stabilising while Easter holidays kept trading activity limited in Latin American markets.

New PX capacity in China weighs down US spot toluene, MX

19 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) prices are facing downward pressure from anticipated new aromatics capacity in the key China market, despite an uptrend in crude pricing.

US Coast Guard opens Houston Ship Channel for two-way traffic

19 April 2019 17:41 HOUSTON (ICIS)– The US Coast Guard declared the Houston Ship Channel open for two-way traffic on Friday after a month of restrictions on the waterway because of the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in mid-March.

US PPG details impact from March ITC fire

18 April 2019 21:11 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US PPG detailed the impact to its operations from the March fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) in PPG’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday.

US MEK market hindered by ITC fire, Asian outages and Shell strike

18 April 2019 17:50 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) market will continue to face pressure following several separately announced price increases as well as tight supply following the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in March.

ExxonMobil targets additional price increase on US MEK

18 April 2019 17:19 HOUSTON (ICIS)– ExxonMobil announced a US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) price increase of 5 cents/lb ($110/tonne) effective 25 April or as contracts allow, according to a company statement.

LyondellBasell targets price increase on US anhydrous, USP IPA

18 April 2019 16:52 HOUSTON (ICIS)–LyondellBasell is targeting a 5 cent/lb ($110/tonne) increase for both US anhydrous and USP isopropanol (IPA) effective 15 April or as contracts allow, according to a company statement.

European VAM contract prices rise for first time in nine months

18 April 2019 16:14 LONDON (ICIS)–European vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) contract values in April have risen for the first time in nine months.

US etac market faces weak demand, globally long supply

17 April 2019 22:28 HOUSTON (ICIS)– The US ethyl acetate (etac) market faces weaker-than-usual demand as well as long supply in other regions, according to market sources.

Europe coastal propylene supply ample but turnarounds, US import delays could balance supply

17 April 2019 13:48 LONDON  (ICIS)–Europe’s propylene market remains lengthy at the coast but spring turnarounds, possible US shipment delays and rising seasonal demand could balance it.

US ITC terminal still closed; no decision yet on reopening

16 April 2019 23:22 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Deer Park facility in Texas remains closed following last month’s fire and chemical spill, and a decision has not been made on when operations will resume, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday.

US April EPS prices face upward pressure on higher upstream costs, improving demand

16 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April expandable polystyrene (EPS) prices are facing upward pressure, as upstream styrene and benzene values remain elevated.

US aromatic solvents steady as concerns over US Gulf storage facility linger

16 April 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US prices for toluene and xylene delivered by truck and rail held steady this week, but participants in the aromatic solvents market continue to monitor the situation in the Houston Ship Channel, where a fire and related cleanup have created logistical issues that have impacted supply.

US PVC market players see a boon in expected end to Indian ADDs

16 April 2019 16:54 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US polyvinyl chloride (PVC) producers may get a new export market opportunity if India reduces or removes antidumping duties (ADDs) put in place five years ago.

US MEK to face uncertainty tracking production issues, trade tensions

15 April 2019 17:41 HOUSTON (ICIS)—  US methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) prices will continue to face uncertainty for the remainder of 2019 as international concerns and production issues weigh on the market.

Asia MMA at 25-month low; declines to slow down on US supply woes

15 April 2019 08:50 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s methyl methacrylate (MMA) spot prices are at their lowest in more than two years and are likely to remain under pressure on rocky regional fundamentals.

US spot benzene pressured up by higher crude

12 April 2019 23:42 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A sustained uptrend in crude prices is likely to exert upward pressure on US spot benzene prices in the near term.

US propylene spot prices rise on costs, outages

12 April 2019 23:29 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US propylene spot prices climbed amid gains on upstream crude oil and propane costs, ongoing production outages and the restart of a downstream unit.

US PE export prices flat to higher on stronger crude, Iranian supply disruptions

12 April 2019 23:20 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US polyethylene (PE) export prices were assessed flat to higher as rising crude oil futures and supply disruptions linked to widespread flooding in Iran pushed global PE prices higher.

US Houston Ship Channel close to resuming normal operations

12 April 2019 22:10 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The Houston Ship Channel appeared to be close to resuming normal operations on Friday, though chemical shippers will probably have a longer wait before getting back to business as usual on the waterway.

Europe acetone domestic spot flat, mixture of pricing directions emerge

12 April 2019 20:34 LONDON (ICIS)–The Europe acetone domestic spot range remained flat, although a mixture of pricing directions emerged amid conflicting expectations from participants.

High water on US Mississippi river reducing ship traffic

12 April 2019 18:51 HOUSTON (ICIS)–High water on the US Mississippi river continues to reduce shipping traffic, with a flood warning still in effect for river areas north of St Louis, Missouri, limiting the size of tows in New Orleans, Louisiana and making the discharge of import vessels there a challenge.

US April OX contracts increase with higher MX

12 April 2019 18:17 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April orthoxylene (OX) contracts increased by 1 cent/lb ($22/tonne) from March, sources confirmed on Friday, with higher US spot mixed xylenes (MX) pressured up in the aftermath of the International Terminals Company (ITC) tank fire and chemicals leak in mid-March.

Plant status: LyondellBasell declares force majeure on US BD

12 April 2019 18:12 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here is a plant status report: LyondellBasell has declared force majeure and is limiting sales of butadiene (BD) in April to 92% of contracted volumes due to feedstock limitations from issues stemming from the recent fire at the nearby Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility, market sources said.

Europe-US methanol arb wide open as Rotterdam price slumps

11 April 2019 18:33 LONDON (ICIS)–Europe’s methanol prices sank to a 17-month low in early April, cracking open the deepest spread with the US in four years and creating a favourable environment for exports in what is typically a net importing region.

Europe MMA declines expected in Q2 talks

11 April 2019 17:48 Europe’s methyl methacrylate (MMA) April and second-quarter contract talks are progressing slowly, with declines discussed.

US MEK prices rise on tight supply, ITC fire

10 April 2019 23:57 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US prices for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) rose by 5 cents/lb ($110/tonne) this week, after global tightness from production issues in Asia worsened after a fire at a storage facility along the Houston Ship Channel.

US aromatic solvents rise on supply, logistics issues from ITC fire

09 April 2019 23:34 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US prices for toluene and xylene delivered by truck and rail rose by 1.5 cents/lb ($33/tonne) this week, pressured higher by supply and logistics issues related to a fire and cleanup along the Houston Ship Channel.

US Houston Ship Channel traffic shows slight improvement

09 April 2019 23:21 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel improved slightly on Tuesday with a reduction in the number of vessels waiting to depart.

Plant status: Total restarts US PP plant at La Porte

09 April 2019 22:45 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here is a plant status report: Total restarted its PP plant in La Porte, Texas late last week, according to market sources.

Europe chemical tanker spot market subdued, demand pick-up expected post-Easter

09 April 2019 08:00 LONDON (ICIS)–Activity in Europe’s chemical tanker spot markets remains subdued, with spikes of activity ongoing for now and prices stable for 2,000-tonne parcels.

US Houston Ship Channel reopens after weather halts inbound traffic

08 April 2019 23:23 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel resumed early on Monday after thunderstorms on Sunday limited vessel movement to inbound ships.

Plant status: Reduced rates at Celanese Mexico etac plant continue

08 April 2019 14:04 LONDON (ICIS)–Here is a plant status report: Etac production is running at reduced rates due to a feedstock shortage at the site, according to a company source.

Europe Q2/April MMA contract talks progress slowly, decreases expected

08 April 2019 10:58 LONDON (ICIS)–European methyl methacrylate (MMA) April and second-quarter contract talks are progressing slowly, with decreases discussed for both.

Asia benzene remains on uptrend on US arbitrage play, plant outage

08 April 2019 07:59 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia benzene market will remain bullish as the spot East-West arbitrage remains in play, and amid supply concerns following the closure of aromatics unit after an explosion at Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation (FCFC) plant on 7 April in a gas pipeline.

Higher upstream benzene, spot prices push US March styrene contracts higher

05 April 2019 23:59 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A higher settlement for March benzene contracts combined with elevated spot styrene values pushed US March styrene contracts higher on Friday.

US spot toluene, MX close to parity amid shifting market dynamics

05 April 2019 23:39 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot toluene increased on short-term covering amid storage and shipping concerns associated with the ongoing issues in the Houston Ship Channel caused by the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) tank fire and chemicals leak in mid-March. Higher crude and gasoline prices further bolstered the market.

US spot benzene rebounds with Asia, crude

05 April 2019 23:33 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US benzene spot prices averaged higher following a rebound in Asia, with deals and bids and offers increasing following a sharp drop last week.

US phenol markets expected tight through April

05 April 2019 23:30 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US phenol markets are expected to remain tight through April.

Houston Ship Channel averaging over 50 vessels per day

05 April 2019 21:06 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Vessel traffic on the Houston Ship Channel is rising, as more than 50 vessels/day on average have been able to access the vital waterway after a fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) and clean-up limited access.

US MEG sentiment firming amid supply constraints

05 April 2019 20:26 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Sentiment is firming among some US monoethylene glycol (MEG) market players as supply and demand fundamentals have become more bullish.

European acetic acid contract prices showing signs of softening

05 April 2019 19:44 LONDON (ICIS)–Contract values for the second quarter of 2019, now being discussed and in some cases already settled, look set to decline slightly against those prevailing in the first quarter of the year.

Europe phenol domestic spot prices up on benzene, conditions steady

05 April 2019 17:30 LONDON (ICIS)–Europe phenol domestic spot pricing has moved up in line with the April benzene contract, with adders on top of the feedstock stable.

PLASTIMAGEN ’19: Events and rising prices may not be representative

05 April 2019 15:28 MEXICO CITY (ICIS)–A veteran North American polymer seller says sometimes events that make prices go up are just an illusion.

Limited methanol access on Houston Ship Channel pushes buyers to Mississippi river

04 April 2019 23:10 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US methanol buyers are paying higher prices and loading trucks and rails at points outside of the Houston Ship Channel, such as the Mississippi river, as effects from a mid-March fire at a key storage terminal in Houston continues to roil logistics.

Europe MMA prices continue to slide

04 April 2019 17:38 European methyl methacrylate (MMA) March contracts have settled at a decrease, mainly driven by length in supply, as prices continue to correct from previous highs.

European MEG talks halt as climbing production costs contrast with relaxed availability

04 April 2019 17:17 LONDON (ICIS)–European monoethylene glycol (MEG) contract talks have once again halted as buyers and sellers remain mismatched in pricing ideas.

Europe AA sellers looking for margin improvement for April contracts

04 April 2019 16:46 LONDON (ICIS)–European April acrylic acid (AA) contract talks are in the early stages, with some sellers looking for hikes above the upstream propylene increase.

Stolt-Nielsen swings to Q1 loss, warns on ITC fire impact

04 April 2019 12:46 LONDON (ICIS)–Stolt-Nielsen swung to a net loss for the fiscal first quarter ending 28 February amid continued bearish conditions for the chemical tanker market, and warned of the financial impact of the ITC Houston fire on US Gulf shipping.

INTERACTIVE: Global IPEX for March edges higher on crude prices, terminal fire

03 April 2019 17:12 LONDON (ICIS)–The Global ICIS Petrochemical Index (IPEX) edged higher in March as oil price rises in February fed through into contract prices for olefins and aromatics in northwest Europe. The Northwest Europe IPEX was up 2.81% as a result while the indexes in other regions marked time.

Vessel traffic improving on US Houston Ship Channel

02 April 2019 20:31 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The flow of vessels through the Houston Ship Channel is improving, as 52 ships were able to traverse the vital waterway on Monday, according to the Houston Pilots.

US gasoline price surge compounded by ITC terminal fire, ethanol disruptions

01 April 2019 21:58 HOUSTON (ICIS)–With the high demand period of the summer driving season just around the corner, US gasoline prices are at risk of rising further on multiple disruptions across the domestic supply chain.

Europe MMA prices continue to slide on global supply imbalance

01 April 2019 10:37 LONDON (ICIS)–European methyl methacrylate (MMA) March contracts have settled at a decrease, mainly driven by length in supply, as prices continue to correct from previous highs.

Asia supply glut to exert downward pressure on US spot benzene in April

29 March 2019 23:29 HOUSTON (ICIS)–China’s benzene supply glut is likely to exert downward pressure on US spot benzene prices in April amid an ongoing downstream styrene turnaround and force majeure on benzene and styrene at LyondellBasell Industries’ Channelview, Texas complex.

Tight US phenol supply, higher costs pressure market into Q2 2019

29 March 2019 23:17 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US phenol supplies will be tight through April, and upward price pressure persists on proposed adder increases and rising benzene prices.

Europe toluene, MX price premiums slip as Med plants back in action

29 March 2019 20:19 LONDON (ICIS)–European toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) premiums are under pressure and could remain so into April as the return of Mediterranean plants boosts supply in the face of weak demand.

Vessel traffic jammed on US Houston Ship Channel from ITC clean-up

29 March 2019 20:03 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Getting chemicals out of storage tanks on the US Houston Ship Channel this week has become a huge logistics problem because of clean-up activities and vessel decontamination related to the recent Intercontinental Terminals (ITC) fire.

US April benzene contracts increase following ITC fire

29 March 2019 19:04 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April benzene contracts increased by 23 cents/gal ($69/tonne) on higher spot prices stemming from the recent tank fires and chemicals leak at Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in the US Gulf.

US BD to remain stable amid ample supply, sluggish demand

29 March 2019 17:41 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US butadiene (BD) supply levels are expected to remain ample as previously anticipated tightening in the second quarter has not materialised and demand is sluggish across all regions.

Med prompt vessel availability scarce due to uptick in activity

29 March 2019 17:37 LONDON (ICIS)–Prompt vessel availability is limited in the Mediterranean this week due to an uptick in activity over the past few weeks.

US April methanol contracts roll for second straight month

28 March 2019 20:27 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US April methanol contracts rolled over from March this week, putting contracts down slightly from the beginning of the year and down 13% from the same month in 2018.

LyondellBasell declares FM on US benzene, styrene following ITC fire

28 March 2019 19:35 HOUSTON (ICIS)–LyondellBasell declared force majeure on US benzene and styrene as of 22 March, market sources confirmed, following the fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in the US Gulf coast on 17 March.

Texas, Harris County sues ITC over terminal fire

28 March 2019 16:43 LONDON (ICIS)–The state of Texas and Harris County have sued Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) following a fire at the company’s storage tanks on the US Gulf Coast, accusing it of breaking clean air and water regulations.

US Houston Ship Channel backlog growing from ITC restrictions

27 March 2019 19:46 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The queue of vessels waiting to get in and out of the Houston Ship Channel continued to grow on Wednesday because of restrictions stemming from the Intercontinental Terminal Co (ITC) fire last week.

Total declares force majeure from US Texas PP plant following ITC fire

27 March 2019 16:34 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA has declared force majeure on all polypropylene (PP) products from its La Porte plant in Texas, it said in a customer letter.

INSIGHT: US ethanol moving to China by various means, including ship-to-ship transfers

27 March 2019 16:18 LONDON (ICIS)–Trans-shipments of ethanol from the US to China are taking place in renewed efforts to thwart US-China tariffs, including ship-to-ship transfers, several sources in Asia and Europe have confirmed.

Asia benzene declines after recent surge; China demand in focus

27 March 2019 04:59 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s benzene prices weakened after a recent strong performance as market attention returned to weak Chinese demand.

AFPM ’19: US phenol tight supply maintains price pressure

26 March 2019 17:06 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–US phenol supplies are tight, which is keeping pressure on prices, sources said this week.

AFPM ’19: ITC fire puts upward pressure on US aromatics

25 March 2019 21:28 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–The partial closure of the Houston Ship Channel following last week’s tank fires and chemicals leak at Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in the US Gulf coast continues to exert upward pressure on US aromatics prices, sources said on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).

AFPM ’19: US Houston Ship Channel remains partially closed after ITC fire

25 March 2019 14:20 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–Part of the Houston Ship Channel remains closed on Monday as clean-up continues following last week’s tank fires and chemicals leak at Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in the US Gulf Coast.

AFPM ’19: US BD truck logistics affected by ITC fire

24 March 2019 23:50 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–The ITC fire has impacted truck logistics for US butadiene (BD) buyers, sources said on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).

AFPM ’19: ITC fire, logistics issues weigh on US aromatic solvents

24 March 2019 22:19 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–A storage tank fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) facility on the Houston Ship Channel is likely to lead some customers to seek alternatives, sources said on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).

AFPM ’19: ITC fire at La Porte affecting neighboring facilities

24 March 2019 15:32 SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–The aftermath of a storage tank fire at a Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) facility in Deer Park/La Porte has stranded storage of liquid caustic soda, according to sources on Sunday.

Europe benzene at 2019 high, pricing momentum strong

24 March 2019 14:36 LONDON (ICIS)–European benzene spot values climbed to a 2019 high this week as momentum created by a recent unplanned outage, firmer crude oil values in March, and a series of imminent planned cracker turnarounds kept prices strong.

Fire reignites at US ITC facility in Deer Park

22 March 2019 22:58 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Fire re-erupted at tanks at the west side of the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) facility in Deer Park/La Porte area in Texas, the company said on Friday.

US spot benzene increases following fire at ITC facility near Houston

22 March 2019 22:56 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot benzene increased on the back of a fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) Deer Park, Texas, facility over the weekend.

US methanol spot price falls by 4 cents/gal, near yearly low

22 March 2019 22:48 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US methanol spot barge prices fell 4 cents/gal this week, bringing spot prices down near the yearly low and within close range of a popular contract discount.

US spot toluene, MX increase following ITC fire

22 March 2019 22:33 HOUSTON (ICIS)–US spot toluene and mixed xylenes (MX) increased following a fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) Deer Park, Texas over the weekend.

Dike at fire-hit ITC chemical tanks in US’ La Porte partially collapses

22 March 2019 19:43 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The dike surrounding the fire-damaged chemical storage tanks at Intercontinental Terminals Company’s (ITC) facility in La Porte, Texas, has partially collapsed, government agencies said on Friday.

US Chemical Safety Board will investigate Texas tank fires

21 March 2019 22:24 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) said on Thursday it will investigate the recent fire at a storage facility in Texas near Houston.

Texas city residents told to stay indoors after benzene detected in air

21 March 2019 13:13 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The city of Deer Park in Texas told its residents to remain indoors early on Thursday after high benzene levels were detected in the air in the wake of the fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) facility.

Ships to face delays after US Gulf terminal fire extinguished

20 March 2019 16:38 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A terminal fire on the Houston ship channel has been extinguished, with a shipping broker saying on Wednesday that more than two dozen ships could be delayed or required to change cargoes because of the fire.

US Dow Chemical monitors terminal fire in Deer Park

20 March 2019 15:33 LONDON (ICIS)–US Dow Chemical is closely monitoring the recent tank fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) located less than half a mile from the producer’s Deer Park facility in Texas, according to a company statement on Wednesday.

Fire at ITC facility in Texas likely to weigh on US aromatic solvents

19 March 2019 23:00 HOUSTON (ICIS)–Participants in the US aromatic solvents markets said a fire at the International Continental Terminals Co’s (ITC) facility in La Porte, Texas, has not yet impacted domestic prices for toluene and xylene, but will eventually.

Fire at La Porte, Texas ITC facility intensifies overnight

19 March 2019 14:54 HOUSTON (ICIS)–The fire at International Continental Terminals Co’s (ITC) facility in La Porte, Texas, intensified overnight due to a temporary reduction in water pressure and has spread to two empty tanks, the company said on Tuesday.

US terminal fire in Gulf spreads to toluene tank

18 March 2019 14:49 HOUSTON (ICIS)–A fire at a terminal on the US Gulf Coast has spread to a toluene tank, bringing the total number of tanks that are burning to eight, the company owning the site said on Monday.