SINGAPORE (ICIS)--ICIS has revised down its forecast for China’s combined imports of propane and butane for 2024 because of weaker-than-expected demand in fuel applications.

• Full-year LPG imports projected at 36.7 million tonnes
• Fuel LPG demand falls on increased natural gas usage amid weak economy
• Strong feedstock LPG demand partly offset decline in fuel consumption

Europe’s beleaguered petrochemical industry could see its fortunes improve dramatically if Mario Draghi’s new industrial policy proposals are adopted, along with a fair regulatory framework.

- New industrial strategy can rescue region from structurally higher costs, low levels of investment

- Historic moment with momentum building for new approach to Europe industry transformation

- Green Deal objectives need to work alongside measures to improve competitiveness

- New requirements for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will have big impact on chemicals

- Compliance teams face a “nasty cocktail” because of lack of regulatory clarity

- Shift from risk to hazard-based approach

- Regulations create opportunities for innovative chemical companies

In this podcast, Senior Editor Emily Friedman, and Analyst, Josh Dill, dive deeper into the challenges US chemical recyclers face.