Chemicals & Materials Now!

Will growth end mega M&A deals?

Posted on June 23rd, 2017 by John Baker in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

The mutually agreed merger of Huntsman and Clariant to create a specialty chemical company with $20bn enterprise value is the latest in a string of major consolidation deals in the sector. Leading chemical producers have been seeking ways of achieving growth during an extended period of sluggish global economic expansion, and mergers and acquisitions has been the go-to strategy. Continue reading “Will growth end mega M&A deals?” »

Asia’s next shift in petrochemicals to be led by China and India

Posted on June 2nd, 2017 by Joseph Chang in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

While a good amount of buzz at the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Sapporo, Japan, on 18-19 May was on the coming wave of US ethylene and derivatives capacity and its potential impact, Asia itself is undergoing major structural shifts with implications for global markets. Continue reading “Asia’s next shift in petrochemicals to be led by China and India” »

Volume proxy turns negative amid oil slump, US fed rate hike

Posted on March 24th, 2017 by Joseph Chang in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

After a buoyant start to the year, the global chemical market is due for a pause. The recent sharp decline in crude oil values has put a halt to the big run-up in many chemical and polymers prices. Continue reading “Volume proxy turns negative amid oil slump, US fed rate hike” »

Trump speech to congress short on specifics but ignites markets

Posted on March 3rd, 2017 by Joseph Chang in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

US President Donald Trump’s first speech to the joint session of Congress revealed little detail to his platform policy issues, but sparked a big rally in the US equity market on continued hopes for business friendly changes along with a change in tone directed towards compromise.

Continue reading “Trump speech to congress short on specifics but ignites markets” »