The plasticizers market is globalized with Europe dependant on imports of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) from northeast Asia, Turkey and the US. However, global trade flows are shifting as US DOTP dumping investigations are progressing into the final stages and Trump’s election is bolstering US trade protectionism

Europe plasticizers editor Nicole Simpson speaks to US editor Daniel Lopes about the future of the plasticizers market against a backdrop of falling US feedstock costs, growing US protectionism and economic challenges.

Two liquids-to-chemicals project announcements by Saudi Aramco highlight a new source of rapid capacity growth which will add to global overcapacity.

- Middle East oil and gas companies want to push liquids-to-chemicals as demand for transport fuels declines

- Aramco aims to convert around 4 million bbl/day of crude oil into chemicals by 2030 versus about 1 million barrels/day currently

- Demand growth will not be sufficient to meet rising supply

- More closures will be needed to balance the market

LONDON (ICIS)--November’s polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) prices have eased in the face of dispiriting demand and as maintenance season comes to a close in Europe.

ICIS senior editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake weigh up what's behind the November trends, how forex and logistics might be affecting the markets, and what’s coming for December.

They also discuss ICIS coverage of European PE, PP players adapting value propositions in the face of an evolving market, and Think Tank’s podcast episode: Trump trade war will drive end of globalisation for chemicals.

Editing by Will Beacham