The downward correction in urea prices continues and the future points to more weakness. Will an Indian tender turn the weak sentiment or will it not be enough to offset Chinese supply?
ICIS editors Julia Meehan, Mark Milam and Deepika Thapliyal discuss what is expected ahead, including the trend in the US domestic market.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Senior Editor Jasmine Khoo speaks with Izham Ahmad, editor in charge of the Middle East base oils market, on recent developments.

Middle East base oils continue to face dire supply shortages with no clear end in sigh

• Middle East spot prices remain at record highs
• SN500 UAE prices have risen 34% since January 2021
• No sign of any improvement in supply in coming weeks

The global acrylonitrile (ACN) markets is at a precipice, supply remains tight, but there are signs that each region will see an improvement moving forward.

In this podcast, ICIS pricing editors Jane Massingham (Europe), Li Li Chng (Asia) and Lucas Hall (US) discuss the latest developments in the market and what can be expected in the short-term.
- Supply still restricted, but less critical
- Demand remains robust in all regions
- Easing of pressure from feedstock propylene

Post-pandemic patterns of chemicals demand will break the traditional link to GDP, meaning new models are needed to measure and analyse market trends.
- Post-pandemic demand patterns will vary between mature, emerging economies
- Questions over future demand growth for durable goods, packaging
- Demand has completely broken link to GDP
- Sustainability, geopolitics, demographics will impact demand
- Europe chemicals growth could be driven by sustainability
- China self-sufficiency could alter global chemicals supply picture radically
- US consumers are cautious, in save not spend mode
- Industry must boost customer contact to realise opportunities
- Demographics may be a drag on the US economy

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's toluene availability has increased, but uptake among buyers  remained largely on a need-to basis.

Asia toluene supply improved with more spot cargoes available
Demand may stayed lackluster amid cautious attitude among market players
Eyes on Asia-US arbitrage window and import demand from India

In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, Senior Editor Jasmine Khoo speaks with Bonnie Yin, editor in charge of the Asia-Pacific toluene market on the recent developments.

ICIS’ Sylvia Traganida speaks to Senior Editor Andy Hemphill as conjecture abounds among muriate of potash fertilizer players over the future of the China 2021-2022 supply contract benchmark, after its counterpart India had its own annual agreement renegotiated at an increase.