Europe top stories: weekly summary

LONDON (ICIS)–Here are some of the top stories from ICIS Europe for the week ended 26 May.

Supply concerns lead to heightened focus on Europe C2, C3 export potential
The prospect of lengthier olefins balances for European producers developing over the summer months has ramped up export interest, with propylene and to a lesser extent ethylene volumes already fixed.

Europe caustic soda under downward pressure in May
European caustic soda’s rocky road has continued in May, with contract and spot prices falling and demand remaining low.

Europe butadiene contract falls by €80/tonne for June
The European butadiene (BD) contract reference price for June has been set at €880/tonne, down by €80/tonne from May.

IFA ’23: Sulphuric acid tanker market in desperate search for ‘fuel of the future’
Freight rates remain a key concern for sulphuric and phosphoric acid players across the globe – especially as shipowners continue to delay investment in new-build chemical tankers, as the market searches for a path to achieve carbon-neutral shipping.

Europe PP contracts move past monomer pass through in May
European polypropylene (PP) prices have continued on a downward trend with contracts agreed down for May beyond the monomer passthrough.