PODCAST: Glimmers of hope for Europe acetone and phenol derivative chain in a difficult climate; freight/logistics key

LONDON(ICIS)–European downstream demand remains low due to inflation and high interest rates. Add logistics issues and a continuous flow of imports to that, and the doom of European petrochemical industry begins. But with the recent reduction in interest rates by ECB and increased tariffs on Asian EVs, there is hope that the acetone and phenol derivative chain might come back to its glory.

Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss the latest development in imports, bans and interest rates that are likely to impact the acetone, phenol and derivatives markets.

• Acetone market balanced to tight on export demand, slim import volumes and curtailed op rates as phenol struggles to find demand
• Cut of interest rates by ECB and tariffs on Chinese EVs increases hope of recovery of demand
• Dependency increases on Asian imports for PC
• BPA and epoxy players keep close eye on upstream, logistics and regulatory factors
• Challenging global as well as regional logistics impact MMA supply in Europe