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The issue of ICIS Chemical Business covering August 27 to September 9, 2012, begins with a cover story looking at the impact that the drought in the US has had on corn growth, which in turn has negatively impacted the ethanol market. Also featured in the current issue are examinations of Saudi Arabia’s plans for massive polymer conversion centers there, and how the slowdown in China’s construction market is affecting growth of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) there. Meanwhile in this week’s regular columns, we look at derivative demand in China; the search for bio-butadiene; India’s Reliance Industries starts a $12bn expansion; and more.

ESGM editor Ed Cox discusses recent additions to ICIS' natural gas portfolio

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the weeks of August 13 and August 20, 2012, starts with a cover story looking at financial results for chemical companies in Europe: The continued storm of bad macroeconomic news is now affecting balance sheets. Additionally, another article in the current issue examines mergers and acquisitions (M&A): global M&A is down by 76% for the first half of 2012, as compared to the same period last year. Looking forward, the latest issue also features the finalists for the ICIS Innovation Awards 2012. All this and more, including reports on the US ethanol industry; increasing Chinese ethylene imports; and global polyethylene turmoil, are in the latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business covering July 30 to August 12, 2012, begins with a cover story on the proposed merger between US-based PVC producers Georgia Gulf and US-based PPG Industries’ chlor-alkali business. This deal could create an integrated vinyls company with roughly $5bn in sales. The current issue also has two feature articles looking at the chemical industry and weight reduction in automobiles. Among this week’s regular columns are examinations of European benzene, Asian methanol, US ethanol, and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for July 16-29, 2012, begins with a cover story and very large supplement examining The ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributors 2012: in addition to the ranking of the world’s top chemical distributors, this special section offers coverage of the leading companies, as well as interviews with and commentaries by the heads of the major chemical distribution associations. The latest issue also contains a feature covering how the US is regaining its competitive position; as well as columns on polyolefins in Europe and India; improving demand increases naphtha prices in Asia and US; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the weeks of July 2 and July 8, 2012, starts with a cover story on how the glut of propane in the US is spurring investments in export capacity, as well as the construction of new world-scale propylene facilities. Also featured are articles on the beneficial impact from US shale gas on bio-based products, and a look at the increasing commercialization of bioplastics. Meanwhile, in this issue’s regular columns we examine: the caustic soda oversupply that is expected in five years; falling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) prices in Latin America; Wall Street analysts are lowering 2012 and 2013 profit forecasts for commodity chemicals; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 25, 2012, begins with a cover story on the European economy and how the recent Greek elections may impact the chemical industry. The current issue continues with several features looking at India: while tough times are projected for the nation’s polyester industry, massive capacity expansions there indicate a bright future. Other articles in this issue include: weakening oil prices will drive more cautious purchasing strategies; an economic hard landing is projected for China; plentiful US natural gas inspires a new methanol plant in Texas; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 18, 2012, begins with a cover story on the announced ethylene capacity expansions going on the US Gulf Coast—by 2016, US ethylene capacity is expected to have increased by 33%. This issue also has a special feature on the construction boom in the Middle East, focusing on the proposed multi-billion-dollar petrochemical facilities for the region. Meanwhile, the issue’s regularly scheduled columns look at: the state of Pennsylvania plans a tax-credit program to encourage ethylene producers; the US driving season sustains demand for naphtha; tightness for European benzene supports the regional styrene market; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 11, 2012, starts with a cover story on US optimism fading: several CEOs of chemical firms turn decidedly negative on the near-term outlook. Meanwhile, the current issue’s features section looks at caustic soda and chlor-alkali: while demand may be weak, that could also help drive up prices. Then in this week’s columns, we look at: Formosa Petrochemicals in Taiwan is closing a cracker temporarily; falling ethylene prices in Europe drag down polyethylene prices; subsidies in China are not boosting sales of polypropylene there; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 4, 2012, starts with a cover story examining falling sales in Europe’s industrial sector—it seems end-markets in the region are subsiding. Meanwhile, this issue’s features look at Latin America: from the need for more polymer imports in Central America, to the threat US shale gas poses to the region’s proposed cracker projects. Among the stories covered in this issue’s columns, we have falling polyethylene prices in the US; the $7bn Petro Rabigh II expansion in Saudi Arabia is approved; acrylic fiber prices in China halt their decline; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of May 28, 2012, begins with a cover story examining how the eurozone crisis has impacted China’s petrochemical and polymers prices. Then the China Outlook special report looks at how rising labor costs in China and the reduced cost of feedstocks in US—due to shale gas—could lead to a revival of North American manufacturing. The current issue also features an exclusive interview with the chairman of the board of management for LANXESS; overcapacity and rising costs are making the quick recovery of chemical shipping unlikely; bio-materials are gaining more and more market share with their growing popularity; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of May 21, 2012, begins with a cover story and several features examining the current price plunge for many polymers and petrochemicals. Then there is a special supplement looking at the European Association for Chemical Distributors (FECC) Annual Congress for 2012. Also in this issue: Saudi Arabia-based SABIC is investing roughly $175m to upgrade crackers in the Netherlands; the European methanol market is at a crossroads, especially with sanctions against Iran; polyethylene prices weaken as feedstocks fall; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of May 7, 2012, starts with a cover story, and has several feature articles on third party logistics providers (3PLs), including The ICIS Top 50 3PL List, highlighting the best services, capabilities and geographic locations for 3PLs. Also in this issue: a look at China’s shrinking demand for petroleum; a giant methanol production facility scheduled for Trinidad is on hold; demand for polycarbonates in Asia are rising; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of April 30, 2012, starts with a cover story on the search for PA-12 alternatives. PA-12, otherwise known as polyamide-12, or Nylon-12, is essential to automakers. But with Evonik responsible for roughly 40% of PA-12’s capacity, a March explosion at the company’s facility in Germany has thrown the auto industry into turmoil, with chemical suppliers scrambling to make up the PA-12 deficit. Also in the latest issue: a detailed report on the global plastics packaging market; a look at the penetration of bio-polymers into packaging; an exclusive interview with the CEO of Italy-based chemical manufacturer Eni Versalis; caustic soda contract prices in Europe are falling because of oversupply and weak demand; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of April 23, 2012, has a special feature section on oleochemicals and surfactants—performance is key, say many market participants. Then, the special China outlook in this issue points out that the urbanization of that nation’s population does not necessarily translate into higher polymer profits. Meanwhile, in this issue’s regular columns, we look at: butadiene in Asia and the US; plans to blend methanol with gasoline; the outlook for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in North America is very strong; and much more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of April 16, 2012, starts with a cover story promoting the annual ICIS Innovation Awards. ICIS is searching for the most innovative processes, products, business practices and environmental initiatives. The current issue also features a look at the growing commercial production of bio-based chemicals, as well as an exclusive interview with the head of Shell Chemicals’ downstream technology unit. Also featured in this issue: manufacturers consider alternative methods of butadiene production; US-based Invista to build a new nylon plant in China; anti-dumping duties in India on soda ash imports are deferred; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of March 26, 2012, has a cover story on the intense competition in the global polymers arena, as well as a look at the “New Normal” and resulting policy changes from government that impact the petrochemical industry. In the issue’s weekly columns: a look at the potential for shale gas in Europe; PVC prices are increasing across many regions; volatility is projected for the oleochemicals market; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of March 19, 2012, starts with a cover story on Germany, and how exports are aiding that nation’s chemical industry. The current issue’s look at Germany continues with exclusive interviews with top executives from two of that country’s leading companies: international chemical producers BASF and Bayer MaterialScience. Elsewhere in this issue, we look at: Butadiene’s prospects are very good for the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China); rising feedstocks are driving up the cost of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) worldwide; high crude oil prices are driving up the price of naphtha; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of March 12, 2012, has a cover story on bio-paraxylene, an important piece to the 100% renewable plastic bottle puzzle. Another special feature in the latest issue takes a look at the very good prospects for bioplastics in the next few years; as well as an exclusive interview with the CEO and founder of Thailand-based polymers giant Indorama Ventures. Meanwhile, in the weekly columns we examine the markets of acetone, styrene, naphtha and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of March 5, 2012, focuses on aromatics, and starts with a cover story examining Middle East-based oil and gas provider Saudi Aramco’s plans to add downstream aromatics units as part of its drive to diversify regional production. Paraxylene, phenol and benzene are also covered in our aromatics feature section. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the issue, we have: an exclusive interview with the CEO of Thailand’s PTT Chemicals; polycarbonate price increases are projected for the near-term; Formosa Plastics plans a $1.7bn project in Texas; the aviation biofuels sector needs government action; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of February 27, 2012, has a cover story on the global ethylene situation, and ties in with a detailed map revealing the pertinent information regarding ethylene projects around the world. Also in this issue: an exclusive interview with the director of olefins manufacturer INEOS; China’s massive coal-to-olefins projects; styrene profit margins in Europe; crude oil price increases are driving up naphtha costs; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of February 20, 2012, starts with a cover story on the acceleration of the petrochemical industry of Russia. There is also a special supplement in the latest issue, examining the global base oils market with a wide variety of interviews and articles. Elsewhere in this issue, we look at: the global styrene butadiene rubber market; construction of a new, major methanol facility in Trinidad and Tobago; coating manufacturers are reducing their use of titanium dioxide; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of February 13, 2012, takes a look at chemical sites, with a cover story on Europe’s facilities rising to the challenge: many of Europe’s sites are now attracting higher levels of investment. The Marcellus Shale region of the US has also attracting high levels of investment, and chemical industry growth is expected to be huge there. The latest issue also takes a look at China rethinking its ethylene strategy; price hikes not expected for US caustic soda; Asian naphtha prices expected to climb again; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of January 30, 2012, focuses on intermediates, starting with a cover story on China’s various coal-to-chemicals projects. The latest issue also looks at how political unrest in the Middle East is impacting plastics production there. Other articles include: European propylene producers seek price hikes; hostile takeover bids may change the face of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market; Italian bioplastics manufacturer Novamont plans growth; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of January 23, 2012, starts off with a cover story and special outlook section on China: There are articles on the nation’s policies as well as economic forecasts, with special attention paid to China’s ethylene, polyethylene and aromatics. Also in this issue, we feature detailed analysis of the failed merger between Westlake and Georgia Gulf; rising PVC prices; demand for caustic soda is expected to fall; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of January 16, 2012, concentrates on housing and construction—with a look at the steep decline in the US sector; stagnant markets hit the outlook for polyvinyl chloride (PVC); and shortages of titanium dioxide are forcing prices up. Elsewhere in this issue, we look at Asian melamine; Russia’s Sibur plans for a world-scale cracker; the global benzene outlook is stable; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of January 9, 2012, has a cover story and special section focusing on the automotive market. Among several articles, we take a look at projections of auto growth, increasing use of polymers and carbon fibers, and the increasing price of chemicals for tires. Also in this issue: articles on North American polyethylene; Latin American polypropylene; new challenges to the US biofuels market; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of January 2, 2012, has a cover story and special features section on the global industry outlook—one thing is for certain, the Eurozone crisis is cause for concern. Also in this issue: a look at the market for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and the increased volatility of the crude oil market. Meanwhile, this week’s columns all provide outlooks for the upcoming year in petrochemicals, polymers, intermediates and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of December 12, 2011, has a cover story and special supplement looking at the growth and diversification of the Middle East’s chemical industry. The supplement was created to coincide with the Sixth Annual Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemical Association (GPCA) Forum, and contains in-depth interviews and features covering products, strategies, logistics, financing and more. In this issue, we also look at: the quarterly update on mergers and acquisitions (M&A); Germany’s long-delayed ethylene pipeline; the increasing price of naphtha in Asia and Europe; caustic soda price hikes in the US; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of December 5, 2011, features as its cover story the ICIS Top 40 Power Players: the top 40 firms taking on the turbulent world of the chemical industry—meet the global industry’s movers and shakers. Also in this issue: the macroeconomic outlook speaks of modest growth in 2012; US demand for expandable polystyrene remains steady; projects in Iran will be delayed by US sanctions; Asia naphtha prices rise amid the uptrend in derivatives; and polyethylene producers are facing hard times.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of November 21, 2011, has a special section on “green chemicals,” with a cover story on the expansion of bioplastics: more major brands are switching to bio-based materials. There are also articles on the return of natural rubber, and the increased use of sustainable materials in Asia-Pacific. Elsewhere in the latest issue we look at: the slump in European benzene; polypropylene prices falling on cheaper feedstocks; alternative fuels for the aviation industry; increasing Asian naphtha prices; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of November 14, 2011, starts with a cover story examining the red tape trap vexing the chemical distribution industry. It is part of this issue’s special supplement to coincide with the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD). This supplement features many articles and interviews with and about the concerns and opinions of the distribution industry, and where it is headed. Also in this issue: ExxonMobil Chemical has big plans in Singapore; despite a grim market for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) currently, producers are making capacity expansions; Asian naphtha price increases are stifled by poor demand; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of October 31, 2011, starts its look at textiles and fibers with a cover story on China’s textiles evolution—what was once the lowest-cost producer is now facing greater competitive challenges. Coverage in this issue continues with looks at the man-made fiber market; and polyester fibers benefitting from cotton’s poor harvest. Elsewhere in the current issue, there are articles examining the global PVC market; falling Asian naphtha prices; NOVA Chemicals securing feedstocks from Marcellus Shale; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of October 24, 2011, has a special outlook section on Japan, examining how the nation’s chemical sector fights to rebuild itself following March’s earthquake, and despite a slowing Asian economy. Included are looks at reconstruction, mergers and acquisitions, and the growth of the bio-based chemicals in Japan. Also in this issue are reports on Asian naphtha, European titanium dioxide and an interview with Arkema’s CEO.

The focus of the issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of October 17, 2011, is on innovation, with several features and articles spotlighting The ICIS Innovation Awards, which honors those chemical companies who are thinking outside the box. The latest issue also covers the creation of the world’s largest styrenics firm; oil leads Mexico’s polystyrene prices to decline; despite low demand, the polycarbonate outlook is solid; and Shell restarts its Bukon refinery after a major fire disrupted production.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of October 10, 2011, has a special feature on the outlook for China: macroeconomic concerns are making chemical producers edgy. Meanwhile, polyolefin orders are slumping, and analysts are saying that chemical companies in the region are looking to the growing specialty chemicals segment. The latest issue also contains reports on: Shell’s force majeure at its Singapore refinery; a look at the EPA’s new greenhouse gas restriction rules; and Chinese polypropylene prices fall on weak demand.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of October 3, 2011, features a special supplement prepared by ICIS in association with the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA). In addition to interviews with the president and vice president of EPCA, the supplement features articles examining the new levels of cooperation between producers and logistics suppliers; the increased use of bio-based feedstocks in Europe; increased regulations creating difficulties for producers; the cautious revival of mergers and acquisitions in petrochemicals; and much more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of September 26, 2011, concludes the coverage of the ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies Analysis with the announcement of the ICIS Company of the Year: Chevron Phillips Chemical. In addition to an in-depth examination of the company, the latest issue also features an exclusive interview with the CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical, Peter Cella. This issue also takes a look at chemical financing cooling down; economists clashing over the macroeconomic outlook; Asian PVC is feeling the squeeze of weak demand; European naphtha is tightening as refiners reduce output; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of September 19, 2011, expands upon the previous week’s ICIS Top 100 Chemical Companies with the ICIS Top 100 Analysis: a region-by-region examination of the top chemical producers in each region—2010 was an excellent year for chemical manufacturers in all regions, and that strong performance has continued into 2011. Also in this issue: an interview with LANXESS about its upcoming bio-butyl rubber facility; weak demand continues to hurt global acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) margins; European naphtha is bearish, but the outlook is brighter; INEOS Bio looks to start its US cellulosic ethanol plant in 2012; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of September 12, 2011, unveils the ICIS Top 100 listing, an analysis highlighting important trends in sale, profitability, and spending patterns—as well as a detailed chart that ranks the top 100 global chemical companies. Also in this issue are articles and columns focusing on melamine in China; butadiene’s falling demand; US companies poised for bio-butanediol production; the restart of Formosa Petrochemical’s third cracker in Taiwan; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of September 5, 2011, focuses on feedstock volatility, with several articles examining the topic. The current issue also has a special feature looking at “The New Chemical Renaissance:” new opportunities and innovations are being driven by significant social and economic forces. In this week’s columns, there are articles looking at benzene in China; automotive demand driving polypropylene; increasing paraxylene prices; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of August 29, 2011, concentrates on the impact the massive deposits of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale are having on the petrochemical sector: Shell has announced it will build a new ethylene cracker in the US northeast, and several other companies have expressed interest in doing the same. Several US states are vying for these projects, and whenever these plants are built, it will be a boon to engineering and construction firms. Also in this issue are looks at Russia’s revitalized petrochemical sector; how to avoid the major economic and social crises that may arrive by 2021; and among the many regular weekly columns are projections that butadiene prices are set to rally again.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of August 15, 2011, starts off with a cover story looking at the havoc caused to the industry by the recent stock market meltdown. Keeping with this issue’s financial focus, the latest issue also features the quarterly update on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In addition to our regular columns, these is also a special feature in the issue focusing on India—included are a detailed map of the nation’s upcoming petrochemical projects, an examination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) capacity expansions, and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of August 1, 2011, examines the global rubber industry, with a cover story on green rubber gaining traction. Other articles looking at synthetic rubber report that demand is bouncing back, as well as a map covering all the major rubber manufacturing facilities in Asia. Also in this issue, there is a look at the nominees for the 2011 ICIS Innovation Awards, and in the weekly columns, there are articles on increasing propylene prices; the reconfiguration of the $20bn (€ 14.04bn) joint venture between Dow Chemical and Saudi Aramco; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exports are keeping US manufacturers ahead; and much, much more.

The edition of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of July 18, 2011, features a cover story and expanded features section looking at the Top 100 Chemical Distributors for 2011. The issue spotlights the annual ICIS listing of the leading global chemical distributors, and includes detailed commentaries from the heads of the chemical distribution associations for Canada, Europe, Brazil and US, as well as an examination of the merger and acquisition activities currently roiling the market. Also in this issue are articles looking at: polyethylene in China; ethanol subsidies in the US may end; and due to shortages, acetic acid prices are on the rise.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of July 4, 2011, concentrates on the Asian chemical market, beginning with a cover story on the darkened outlook for China: power shortages, tighter credit and global economic concerns cause falling chemical prices. There is also an interview with the CEO of Thailand-based Indorama Ventures; a look at Malaysia’s newly formed PETRONAS Chemicals Group; and an article covering Singapore’s securing of feedstocks. Also in this issue are an examinations of polystyrene market, a look at chlor-alkali troubles in Europe, and much more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 27, 2011, has a cover story and several features on the world of bioplastics: while next generation biofuels are facing challenges, it is a prosperous time for bioplastics projects. Then, among the weekly columns, there are articles on: styrene-butadiene rubber increasing in cost in Asia; acrylates in Europe are losing momentum; weal petrochemical demand is impacting naphtha markets; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 20, 2011, starts with a cover story looking at titanium dioxide’s big squeeze: prices are surging to historic highs as strong demand coincides with tight supply. Also in this issue are articles examining: US chlor-alkali getting a boost from shale gas; an interview with Rhodia’s CEO; revived optimism for the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market; major oil firms are expanding their Brazilian sugarcane ethanol investments; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 13, 2011, starts with a cover story examining new trends in alternative production technologies for acrylates. Also in this issue are an interview with the CEO of Ashland; the uncertain outlook for monoethylene glycol (MEG); the growth of the Chinese bioplastic industry; an expansion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) capacity in Poland; mergers and acquisitions in Europe may reshape the petrochemical industry there; and more.

The issue of ICIS Chemical Business for the week of June 6, 2011, features a cover story and special supplement taking a look at chemical distribution in Europe. This includes interviews with the leaders of the European Association of Chemical Distributors, two separate reports on merger and acquisitions activities, ways towards reducing tariffs, and more. Also in the issue are articles examining the projected surge in olefins consumption in Asia; despite falling margins, the polypropylene outlook is optimistic; and the potential use of waste plastics as an alternative fuel source.