Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 24 November.

ExxonMobil to grow petchems by leveraging innovation, integration and scale – president
ExxonMobil is committed to growing its global petrochemicals and plastics business as it leverages innovation, integration and scale for lasting competitive advantage, said the head of its chemicals and refining division.

Big Three US automakers eye return to full production after union ratifies new contracts
The Big Three automakers in the US said they are ready to move forward and reach full production schedules in the coming days now that membership in the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have ratified new contracts and ended a six-week strike.

Canada to appeal court ruling that overturned move to list plastics as toxic
Canada’s federal government is planning to appeal a court decision that overturned a government measure listing plastic manufactured items (PMIs) as toxic.

Freight train derails in Kentucky, spilling molten sulphur and forcing evacuations
A CSX freight rail train derailed on Thursday morning near Livingston, south of Lexington, Kentucky, involving 16 railcars, including two molten sulphur railcars that breached and caused a fire, officials said.

INSIGHT: Argentina’s petchems brace for deep downturn as Milei delivers shock therapy
Argentina’s petrochemicals players are bracing for a severe and potentially year-long economic contraction as President Elect Javier Milei implements his shock recipes for the country’s beleaguered economy.