Blog - Chemicals

Polyethylene Prices in the EU to Remain Elevated After Soaring Last Year

Feb 22, 2022

In the EU, the average import price for primary polyethylene stood at $1,672 per ton in 2021, rising by 54% against the previous year. High energy resource costs and logistic tensions are forecast to keep prices elevated this year.

Saudi Arabia Emerges as the Third-Largest Polymethyl Methacrylate Exporter Worldwide

Feb 18, 2022

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Saudi Arabia sharply ramped up sales abroad and became the third-largest supplier of polymethyl methacrylate worldwide. From 2017 to 2020, polymethyl methacrylate exports from Saudi Arabia soared from 2.9K to 90K tons. In value terms, supplies increased from $7.3M to $147M.

Brazil's Monoammonium Phosphate Imports Soar to $1.5B

Feb 17, 2022

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In 2020, the amount of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) imported into Brazil skyrocketed to 4.8M tons, surging by 22% against the year before. In value terms, MAP purchases rose remarkably from $1.4B to $1.5B.

U.S. Soap and Detergent Imports Skyrocket to $1.7B

Feb 15, 2022

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In 2020, U.S. purchases abroad of soap and detergent increased by 49% y/y to 841K tons. In value terms, supplies soared from $1.2B to $1.7B.

South Korea Becomes Fastest-Growing Sorbitol Importer in Past Decade

Feb 15, 2022

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South Korea became the fastest-growing sorbitol importer in the past decade. From 2010 to 2020, supplies to South Korea rose from $3.1M to $19.2M, while in physical terms, they expanded from 3.4K to 17K tons.

Global Potash Production See Robust Growth with Rising Output in Belarus, Russia and Canada

Feb 14, 2022

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Global potash production increased by 2.3% y/y to 46M tons of potassium oxide (K2O) equivalent in 2021. With the steady expansion of mining facilities in Russia, Canada and Belarus, the world’s potash output is forecast to pick up a further 11% by 2025.

Average Cyclic Hydrocarbon Export Price Reach Lowest Level in Decade

Feb 11, 2022

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From 2010 to 2020, the average export price for cyclic hydrocarbons dropped nearly twofold, from $1,119 per ton to $615 per ton. That was the lowest level over the past decade.

U.S. Ammonium Sulphate Imports Reach 803K Tons

Feb 7, 2022

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Ammonium sulphate imports into the U.S. soared to 803K tons in 2020, with an increase of 63% against the year before. In value terms, purchases skyrocketed to $178M.

South Korea's Synthetic Latex Exports Surge to $947M

Feb 7, 2022

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Synthetic latex rubber exports from South Korea surged to 879K tons in 2020, increasing by 23% on the year before. In value terms, supplies surged from $709M to $947M.

U.S. Biodiesel Market: Price Rally to Continue in 2022, Making Biofuel Uncompetitive

Feb 2, 2022

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Biodiesel prices in the U.S. soared by 59% y/y last year, making biofuel less competitive compared to fossil fuels. The average FOB price for American biodiesel B100 was $5.58 per gallon in November 2021, while the on-highway average price for conventional diesel was $3.74 per gallon.

Boosting Investments in Eco Battery Industry to Drive Global Bromine Market

Jan 12, 2022

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Rapidly expanding manufacturing of zinc-bromine batteries, strong eco-friendly competitors for lithium counterparts, is to stimulate the growth of the global bromine market. Compared to lithium analogues, zinc-bromine batteries are more cost-effective and less flammable because they can function at high temperatures. Developers and producers of zinc-bromine battery components are actively fundraising last year thanks to the high market potential. Gelion launched an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, while Neogen Chemicals’ stocks more than doubled in 2021.

U.S. Gelatin Imports Rise 5% to $300M

Jan 6, 2022

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The U.S., the largest importer in the global gelatin market, boosted purchases from Argentina, Germany, France and India in 2021, while shipments from China dropped dramatically.