Research and Analysis

1. Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 30 March 2020

   27 March 2020 Sian Jones Rajiv Biswas Ken Wattret Joseph Hayes Bernard Aw

   Final PMI data will be keenly anticipated for the extent of the broader economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak around...

   

2. Ethane prices drop amid talk of export slowdown, olefin woes

   27 March 2020

   Ineos's term-controlled ethane shipments out of the US and into the North Sea slowed considerably this week, with vessels reported at anchor....

3. GDP growth forecast revised downward, again

   27 March 2020

   In response to a rapidly deteriorating economic outlook as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak intensifies, IHS Markit has again...

4. COVID-19: IHS Markit cuts GDP forecast, again

   27 March 2020

   In response to a rapidly deteriorating economic outlook as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak intensifies, IHS Markit has again...

5. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - 27 March 2020

   27 March 2020 Chris Fenske

   Equity markets were lower across most of the Europe and the US today, as negative economic reports out of China and the rapid growth of new COVID-19...

   

6. COVID-19: EPA suspends some enforcement due to virus impact

   27 March 2020

   The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will suspend enforcement of environmental regulations as the nation deals with the outbreak...

7. Evonik's Kullmann appointed VCI president

   27 March 2020

   German association's new president highlights role of the chemical industry in supplying products to fight COVID-19.

8. Synthomer divests Germany-based unit to Trinseo as part of Omnova acquisition

   27 March 2020

   Suspends dividend payment.

9. FECC cancels annual congress due to COVID-19

   27 March 2020

   Event had been scheduled for Milan in late May.

10. Researchers in US developing new technology for fast charging batteries

    27 March 2020

    Team of researchers have captured how lithium ions move in lithium titanate, in real-time

    

11. COVID-19: How the various agri-industrial sectors are responding

    27 March 2020

    Earlier disruption to food and drink supplies caused by port blockages has been exacerbated by border closures that hinder road transport and...

    

12. Blog: African Swine Fever spread prompts vaccines search

    27 March 2020 Dr. Alan Bullion

    African swine fever (or ASF), is a highly contagious viral disease which affects domestic and wild pigs.

    

13. Nouryon expands raw material partnership with Sumitomo Chemical

    27 March 2020

    Will source diol from new plant in Japan.

14. COVID-19: Anglo American halts work on UK potash project

    27 March 2020

    Actions taken for swift resumption of work.

15. COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Automotive Suppliers

    27 March 2020

    IHS Markit conducted a survey to capture the perception of suppliers regarding the impact the COVID-19 pandemic

    

16. Special Report: Disruptors and Innovators 2020

    27 March 2020

    In this year’s report, we take a look at the top 20 most innovative start-ups from the 2018 report, and update readers on the progress they have...

    

17. Air Products breaks ground on three nitrogen plants in the Netherlands

    27 March 2020

    Product will be used to condition imported natural gas.

18. PetroChina posts higher volume for chemical products in 2019

    27 March 2020

    Production of ethylene grew by 5.3% to 5.863 MMt.

19. Mitsubishi Chemical, Ube Industries form Li-ion battery JV

    27 March 2020

    Mitsubishi Chemical owns 80% stake in the new JV, MU Ionic Solutions Corp.

20. Coronavirus leaves Europe exporters without empty containers

    27 March 2020 Greg Knowler

    Extensive blank sailings have left virtually no empty containers available at European ports, according to the latest data, and extreme measures...

    

21. Tronox provides guidance for strong first quarter

    27 March 2020

    No upcoming maturities on term loans or bonds until 2024.

22. Nacero selects Topsoe technology for $3 billion methanol-to-gasoline plant

    27 March 2020

    Unit to be built in Arizona.

23. Ciech Soda Romania fails to agree utility price

    27 March 2020

    Forced to lay off workers.

24. Nexam reports rise in earnings, sales in preliminary results

    27 March 2020

    Sales in the first quarter are strongest in the company's history, driven by PET foam demand from wind power industry.

25. Negative sentiment going into 2020 gives way to historical chaos in the North American service industry

    27 March 2020 Paola Perez Pena

    Several forces have plunged the upstream sector into what will surely be an historic downturn, and it’s difficult to overstate just how dire...

    

26. Dow to increase capacity of silicone products at Zhangjiagang, China

    27 March 2020

    Potential investments at $300 million in the next five years.

27. COVID-19: Industrial gases industry in Europe seeks legal exemptions to speed delivery of medical oxygen

    27 March 2020

    The European Industrial Gases Association is proposing 10 temporary measures covering storage, supply, certification of medical gases.

28. Arkema withdraws guidance for 2020 on rapid spread of pandemic

    27 March 2020

    Combined hit on EBITDA in January and February was €20 million.

29. COVID-19: Brenntag implements plan to ensure continuity of operations

    26 March 2020

    Company instigates crisis-management teams in all regions.

30. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - 26 March 2020

    26 March 2020 Chris Fenske

    Most global equity indices, government bonds, credit indices, and US municipal bond markets closed higher today. Some of the day’s positive momentum...

    

31. How painful is it? Measuring the thresholds and distress of the OPEC and Vienna Alliance countries

    26 March 2020 Mariam Al-Shamma David Gates Catherine Hunter

    With multifaceted challenges, the global oil market is facing a period of massive oversupply.

    

32. ACC: US chemical production falls slightly in February

    26 March 2020

    ACC's US chemical production regional index (CPRI) declined by 0.2% in February, following a 0.1% gain in January and 0.2% dip in December. Output...

33. H.B. Fuller results decline, revenue hit from COVID-19 is expected

    26 March 2020

    H.B. Fuller today reported fiscal first-quarter net income down 18.9% year-on-year (YOY), to $9.9 million, on net revenue down 3.9%, to $646.6...

34. ACC calls on G20 leaders to lift tariffs, export restrictions amid COVID-19

    26 March 2020

    ACC on Thursday urged G20 leaders to lift tariffs and export restrictions to increase access to products needed by healthcare workers during...

35. PTTGC, Daelim take step forward on Ohio petchems project

    26 March 2020

    Development agreement with Ohio's state enterprise zone program would provide 15-year property tax exemption for plant facility.

36. Covestro seals €225 million EIB loan facility for circular economy R&D projects

    26 March 2020

    Loan will provide medium-term funding for company's R&D project work in areas of sustainability and circular economy within EU.

37. All Focus on Flattening the AGM and COVID Curve

    26 March 2020

    The market's input on General Meetings, New Technology, Dividends and Communication Needs

    

38. COVID-19: OMV cuts capex, reduces operational and exploration costs

    26 March 2020

    Postpones €1.5 billion worth of projects to 2022.

39. COVID-19: Shortages of ethanol and n-propanol could hurt Europe's food packaging sector

    26 March 2020

    Some countries are considering restricting ethanol use to health and pharma sectors as prices soar.

40. Capital Markets Weekly: Risk of multiple emerging-market defaults increasing

    26 March 2020

    Despite IMF/IBRD moves to ease official debt burdens, Ecuador has moved towards debt default:  Argentina and African states also seeking relief...

    

41. COVID-19: Eni to cut capex by 25%, opex by €400 million

    26 March 2020

    Cuts affect mainly upstream investments.

42. OMV and Mubadala amend payment schedule for Borealis share transaction

    26 March 2020

    Amendment will allow OMV to optimize its cash flow in current challenging economic environment, says OMV's CEO.

43. SK Global Chemical to mothball aging Ulsan cracker, EPDM line in refocus

    26 March 2020

    With the closure, its ethylene output will shrink to 670,000 metric tons/year from the current 870,000 metric tons/year.

44. Umicore temporarily shuts most of catalyst production outside Asia, withdraws full-year outlook

    26 March 2020

    Demand and production levels for both automotive catalysts and battery materials in Asia are now gradually picking up.

45. COVID-19: Tata Chemicals, GSFC suspend operations

    26 March 2020

    GSFC has decided to shut down all its plants and facilities in Vadodara and Sikka, Gujarat State, for three weeks.

46. Repsol cuts planned capex by over €1 billion on oil price drop, COVID-19

    26 March 2020

    Cuts Capex and Opex, delays presentation of 5-year strategic plan until macroeconomic outlook becomes clearer.

47. COVID-19: India grants IPA essential commodity status amid country lockdown

    26 March 2020

    The Indian government has capped IPA and ethanol prices at early-March levels.

48. ICL secures operations amid COVID-19 pandemic

    26 March 2020

    Suspends potash mining, expansion project in Spain.

49. Kemira celebrates 100th anniversary

    26 March 2020

    Makes donation to WHO COVID-19 fund.

50. Saudi Chemical's profit dives on higher expenses

    26 March 2020

    Revenues are flat.

51. Diagnosing factor performance during epidemics

    26 March 2020

    We review factor and model performance during prior epidemics.

    

52. Coronavirus brings famine before feast for trans-Pacific container volumes

    26 March 2020

    Just as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads from China to North America, the disruptive impact of the pandemic will shift from worries...

    

53. The impact of coronavirus on the renewables industry

    26 March 2020 Sam Wilkinson Francesco d'Avack Edurne Zoco, Ph.D. Eduard Sala de Vedruna Cormac Gilligan

    IHS Markit experts in clean energy technology recently sat down to discuss how coronavirus (COVID-19) could impact the renewables industry.

    

54. The escalating pandemic and the prospects for the six largest European economies

    26 March 2020 Tomasz Brodzicki, Ph.D.

    The global spread of the COVID-19 epidemic is the single biggest risk facing the world economy in early 2020.

    

55. Renewables emerge as winner during China’s COVID-19 lockdown

    26 March 2020 Xizhou Zhou

    Renewables have emerged as a winner in the increasing competition among different power generation resources in China.

    

56. Covid-19: India involves DRDO and OFB in fight against the coronavirus pandemic

    26 March 2020

    India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has pressed the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factory Board...

57. Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical's 2019 net profit drops nearly 60% as China's petchems industry faces pressure

    26 March 2020

    Outlines production plans for 2020.

58. Covid-19: UK MoD monitoring effect of coronavirus on specific procurement programmes

    26 March 2020

    The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is monitoring the effect of coronavirus on specific procurement programmes, and is working with industry to...

59. Covid-19: US DoD to get USD10.5 billion from virus bill

    26 March 2020

    The US Department of Defense is slated to receive USD10.5 billion under a broad-based USD2 trillion coronavirus disease (Covid-19) economic stimulus...

60. Covid-19: US Navy looks to accelerate future work as virus threatens current production

    26 March 2020

    The US Navy wants to accelerate new contract awards as the impacts of Covid-19 threaten to disrupt naval production and other existing programme...

61. Gripen E/F shifts focus from flight to sensor tests

    26 March 2020

    Saab has shifted the focus of its Gripen E/F testing away from basic flight trials towards the aircraft’s tactical and sensor suites as the programme...

62. Japan deploys SAM, ASM batteries to Miyakojima Island

    26 March 2020

    The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed on 26 March that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has deployed surface-to-air and...

63. Covid-19: Spain’s military lab to manufacture drugs to counter pandemic

    26 March 2020

    The Spanish government is reported to have ordered a Ministry of Defence (MoD) laboratory to start producing drugs for civilian use during the...

64. Covid-19: Czech IFV contract threatened by budget cuts

    26 March 2020

    The Czech Republic is preparing big cuts in defence spending and strategic contracts in its state budget as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic....

65. Raid on suspected DHKP-C cell in Athens finds high-powered firearms, indicates group's intent to continue attacks in Turkey

    25 March 2020

    Key Points The Greek counter-terrorism service raided two locations in the capital Athens on 19 March, detaining 26 suspected members of the...

66. Russia upgrades facilities to produce Sarmat ICBM

    25 March 2020

    Key Points Russia has upgraded production facilities to manufacture the new Sarmat ICBM Modern equipment is to account for more than 87% of Russia’s...

67. US Air Force awards Edgybees contract for Argus augmented reality software

    25 March 2020

    Key Points The USAF has awarded Edgybees a contract to provide its Argus augmented reality software Argus will be used with the MQ-9 Reaper and...

68. Elbit Systems’ revenue rises 23% in fourth quarter

    25 March 2020

    Revenue at Elbit Systems jumped 23% to USD1.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by recent acquisitions and growth in legacy businesses...

69. US Army selects Bell, Sikorsky for FARA-CP programme

    25 March 2020

    Key Points The US Army picked Bell and its 360 Invictus and Sikorsky and its S-97 Raider to move forward with its FARA-CP effort The service...

70. Corteva, AgPlenus sign pact to develop new herbicide modes of action

    25 March 2020

    Corteva Agriscience (Wilmington, Delaware) and AgPlenus (Rehovot, Israel) will jointly develop novel herbicides to address growing weed resistance...

71. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - March 25, 2020

    25 March 2020 Chris Fenske

    The US dollar was weaker on the day, as some of the recent flight to safety has subsided with the $2 trillion US stimulus package coming closer...

    

72. US propylene inventory rebounds

    25 March 2020

    US nonfuel-use propylene inventories totaled 5.496 million bbl during the week ending 20 March, up 145,000 bbl (2.7%) from the previous week...

73. Odfjell seals $250-million financing package for US terminals joint venture

    25 March 2020

    Credit facility will refinance debt and fund investment in upgrading JV's existing terminal at Houston to capture petchems growth.

74. N. America chemical rail continues to surge YOY

    25 March 2020

    Weekly chemical railcar traffic in North America increased 11.3% year-over-year (YOY) last week on gains in the US and Canada.

75. COVID-19: Eastman to reduce capex, tap credit revolver

    25 March 2020

    Eastman Chemical says it is reducing its 2020 capital expenditures to $325-375 million from $450-475 million, and accessing $400 million in available...

76. Industry urges state and local government to keep chemical manufacturing, supply chains operational during epidemic

    25 March 2020

    Late last week, the Department of Homeland Security included chemicals production in its list of critical infrastructure for combating spread...

77. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has triggered a heretofore unimaginable oil product demand decline

    25 March 2020 Rob Smith

    How has coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted oil demand? We explore.

    

78. Weekly Pricing Pulse: Commodities sell off as the shut-downs continue

    25 March 2020 William May

    Manufacturing shuts down in Europe and the US as COVID-19 takes a hold

    

79. Rayonier curtails production, cellulose facilities to remain operational

    25 March 2020

    Rayonier Advanced Materials (Jacksonville, Florida) announced today that it will curtail production at seven of its Canadian locations in response...

80. Report: Fire at petrochemicals unit at Abadan, Iran, brought under control

    25 March 2020

    Blaze described as minor; Abadan complex includes small naphtha cracker.

81. COVID-19: MOL starts production of sanitizers in Hungary

    25 March 2020

    Will also produce in Croatia and Slovakia.

82. Investor and Issuer Engagement in Uncertain Times - Part 2

    25 March 2020

    Part 2 of IHS Markit's Perception Analytics teams analysis of Investor and Issuer Engagement in Uncertain Times

    

83. COVID-19: CPC cuts refinery run rates as demand in Taiwan collapses

    25 March 2020

    Also shuts residue cracker, reduces propylene shipment to petchem producer.

84. Coronavirus Impact on Global Auto Demand

    25 March 2020 Colin Couchman

    he coronavirus crisis piles intense additional pressure on an already-stressed autos industry and the latest IHS Markit forecast release includes...

    

85. COVID-19: Sinopec ships over 10,000 metric tons of disinfectant to affected countries

    25 March 2020

    Unit holds over 30% of the global bleaching powder market.

86. Automotive Rapid Response Report - 25 March 2020

    25 March 2020

    Download our weekly Rapid Response Report to get real-time market feedback on specific market actions that will help you get a step ahead and...

    

87. Engaging Shareholders and Targeting New Investors Amidst COVID-19 Travel Disruption – Best Practices

    25 March 2020

    IHS Markit’s clients are coming off their Q4 and Full-Year results with a packed schedule of industry conferences, roadshows and investor meetings....

    

88. COVID-19: Turnarounds postponed at Grangemouth refinery and petchems complex

    25 March 2020

    Turnarounds were planned to start in April.

89. COVID-19: Solvay, Unilever, Siegfried make contributions to fight pandemic

    25 March 2020

    Sanitizers, disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide high of list of required products.

90. COVID-19: Lenzing issues profit warning

    25 March 2020

    Implements cost saving measures across its sites.

91. Nufarm's net loss widens

    25 March 2020

    Reports weak demand in several regions.

92. Pilbara Minerals secures lithium-supply deal with Chinese firm

    25 March 2020

    Yibin Tianyi to supply 75,000 metric tons/year of spodumene concentrate.

93. COVID-19 shaping the future of the US crude oil market

    25 March 2020 Fotios Katsoulas

    The sharp decline in the West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the primary US oil benchmark, by around USD 30 per barrel in just a month, leaves no...

    

94. Covid-19: Czech Republic and Slovakia mobilise SALIS to deliver emergency equipment

    25 March 2020

    The Czech Republic and Slovakia are both using the NATO Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) programme to airlift in emergency equipment...

95. Covid-19: NATO co-ordinates assistance to Spain, Ukraine

    25 March 2020

    Spain and Ukraine have sent requests to NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), the alliance has announced. "On...

96. Ansar Allah actions undermine high-risk impact of Covid-19 in Yemen

    25 March 2020

    Key Points The global Covid-19 pandemic poses a high risk to Yemen, even if cases still need to be confirmed. Although rhetorically politicising...

97. Mitsui Chemicals expands production capacity for nonwovens at Yokkaichi

    25 March 2020

    Raises capacity for meltblown nonwovens by 50% in response to demand for industrial use, including face masks.

98. Indian defence public sector units facing order shortages

    25 March 2020

    Several of India’s nine Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) have warned the federal government in New Delhi about a lack of confirmed equipment...

99. Indian MH-60R helos to be Saudi-standard, plus national mods

    25 March 2020

    The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters ordered by India will be built to the latest Saudi Arabian configuration, with some additional...

100. Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions to produce ammunition for US F-35 programme

     25 March 2020

     A joint venture (JV) between Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) and Australian munition and weapon systems specialist NIOA announced on 25 March...

101. Russian Navy to receive new and overhauled submarines

     25 March 2020

     The Russian Navy is set to receive new and overhauled strategic and conventional submarines, the military service’s commander-in-chief, Admir...

102. Saudi Arabia identifies tanker attacked in Gulf of Aden

     25 March 2020

     Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Nations has identified the tanker that was attacked with a remotely controlled boat carrying explosives...

103. State-level initiatives lead to drop in violent deaths in Brazil

     25 March 2020

     Key Points Violent deaths in Brazil have decreased since peak levels in 2017, largely as a consequence of initiatives at state-level and shifts...

104. British Army completes training of first Somali battalion

     25 March 2020

     The first Somali National Army (SNA) battalion to be trained by the British Army gradated on 18 March. “Over 400 SNA soldiers have been trained...

105. China lays keel for Pakistan Navy’s second Type 054A-class frigate

     25 March 2020

     China held a keel-laying ceremony on 23 March at the Hudong Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai for the second of four Type 054A-class frigates on...

106. Covid-19: AAR Corp seeks US government aid

     25 March 2020

     The head of aircraft sustainment firm AAR Corporation is urging the US Congress and the Trump administration to include companies like his in...

107. Covid-19: Romanian Air Force airlifts coronavirus supplies from Germany and Turkey

     25 March 2020

     The Romanian Air Force (Forțele Aeriene Romane – FAR) mobilised its fixed-wing air mobility assets to airlift urgent coronavirus supplies from Germa...

108. Covid-19: Triumph Group to shed 500 jobs

     25 March 2020

     Triumph Group is planning to lay off about 250 full-time salaried employees and eliminate 250 contractor positions in response to the aviation...

109. Covid-19: US Navy faces impacts of increasing virus spread

     25 March 2020

     More Covid-19 cases have been reported in American naval shipyards and this has now spread to personnel on an aircraft carrier under way at sea....

110. Outlook on CRS development in the Thai financial market

     24 March 2020

     Thailand joined the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2017 as a commitment to align its reporting...

     

111. Belarus hosts joint exercise with UK Royal Marines

     24 March 2020

     Belarus hosted Exercise ‘Winter Partisan’ on the Losvido training area in the northeast of the country close to Vitebsk on 1–14 March along with...

112. HAL increases borrowing as Indian Air Force’s unpaid dues grow

     24 March 2020

     Despite its highest ever turnover projected to exceed INR200 billion (USD2.66 billion) for fiscal year 2019–20 (FY 2019–20), India’s state-owned...

113. COVID-19: IHS Markit flash PMIs signal steep downturn

     24 March 2020

     IHS Markit's flash purchasing managers' indices (PMIs) for the US, the eurozone and Japan have all turned into sharply negative territory as...

114. Indonesia’s tactical lift aircraft sustains gunfire damage in mission over Papua

     24 March 2020

     An Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) C295 tactical military transport aircraft has sustained damage...

115. USN adopts modular approach for SUUV programme

     24 March 2020

     The US Department of Defense (DoD) has moved ahead with efforts to introduce a new unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) capability for the US Navy...

116. Senate confirms Katherine Lemos as CSB chair

     24 March 2020

     The US Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed Katherine Lemos as the new Chairperson and Board Member of the US Chemical Safety Board. She was...

117. US aromatics take another hit; olefins and polymers unfazed

     24 March 2020

     Gasoline blenders are bidding for toluene on a gasoline-plus-30-cents/gal basis, whereas reformate prices are 35-40 cents/gal over RBOB.

118. COVID-19: Henkel to donate hygiene products, produce disinfectants at selected sites

     24 March 2020

     Including hand sanitizers, soaps and detergents.

119. Chevron trims 2020 downstream capex by $800 million

     24 March 2020

     The company joins oil majors Shell and Total in slashing capital spending following the collapse in crude oil prices.

120. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary: 24 March 2020

     24 March 2020 Chris Fenske

     Global markets started off on a very positive note beginning in APAC, with equity markets higher across every region alongside credit, oil, precious...

     

121. Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals completes expansion of anhydrous aluminum chloride plant

     24 March 2020

     It has added 16,500 metric tons/year of capacity, at the cost of $4.6 million.

122. COVID-19: ECHA to apply derogations from normal authorization requirement for biocidal products

     24 March 2020

     Move is designed to increase the manufacture and supply of disinfectants in Europe.

123. Investor and Issuer Engagement in Uncertain Times - Part 1

     24 March 2020

     IHS Markit’s Perception Analytics team engages in in-depth discussions with investors and analysts daily. Given recent market volatility and...

     

124. North American IG Credit

     24 March 2020 Sam Pierson Nicholas Godec, CFA

     USD investment grade corporate bonds rallied on Monday following the Fed’s announcement of their emergency action to support financial markets...

     

125. COVID-19 outbreak leads to largest collapse in eurozone business activity ever recorded

     24 March 2020 Chris Williamson

     Business activity across the eurozone collapsed in March to an extent far exceeding that seen even at the height of the global financial crisis....

     

126. Flash Japan PMI shows economic downturn deepening in March as coronavirus hits

     24 March 2020 Bernard Aw

     The flash PMI surveys showed the extent of economic damage caused by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus on Japan’s private sector economy....

     

127. Flash US PMI signals steepest output slump for a decade amid coronavirus outbreak

     24 March 2020 Chris Williamson

     US companies reported the steepest downturn since 2009 in March as measures to limit the COVID-19 outbreak hit businesses across the country....

     

128. IHS Markit predict global dividend lockdown

     24 March 2020

     IHS Markit predict global dividend lockdown

     

129. Ineos to build hand sanitizer plant in the UK to make 1 million bottles/month

     24 March 2020

     Company is leading producer of IPA and ethanol, used in sanitizer production.

130. Webcast: Insight into the USDA’s Upcoming 2020 Prospective Planting Report

     24 March 2020 Bill McCary

     The USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Board publish its key Prospective Planting Report on 31st March, which gives the market some direction at...

     

131. Indorama targets recycling of 50 billion PET bottles annually by 2025

     24 March 2020

     Has achieved milestone of recycling 50 billion PET bottles since 2011.

132. Russian environmental authorities approve NKNK's methanol project

     24 March 2020

     Will make production of isoprene more efficient.

133. Sipchem's profits down on lower prices, reduced production

     24 March 2020

     Due to shutdowns, impairment charge.

134. European automotive industry helps in COVID-19 response

     24 March 2020 Tim Urquhart, B.A.

     European automotive industry helps in COVID-19 response

     

135. COVID-19: Lubrizol reports limited impact on manufacturing operations

     24 March 2020

     Company's life science unit experiencing "unprecedented increases" in demand for polymer products related to worldwide shortage of hand sanitizer....

136. COVID-19: Indian firms halt operations

     24 March 2020

     Sunshield Chemicals; Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers; DCM Shriram; and Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd.

137. COVID-19: Effects on the Fertilizer Industry

     24 March 2020 Sarah Marlow

     The world markets are currently reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe.

     

138. COVID-19: Bridgestone, Apollo Vredestein suspend tire production in Europe

     24 March 2020

     As Europe's car industry grinds to a halt.

139. BASF develops new FCC catalyst targeting improved butylene yields at refineries

     24 March 2020

     Process delivers higher butylene over propylene selectivity.

140. COVID-19: Lanxess postpones AGM

     24 March 2020

     Due to rapid spread of the disease in Germany.

141. Conducting (Virtual) Annual Meetings in Light of COVID-19

     24 March 2020

     With rising concerns around the spread of corona-virus globally, many public companies have already postponed their annual meetings over the...

     

142. Sumitomo Chemical to open sustainable R&D group in petchem & plastic sector

     24 March 2020

     Group to reduce environmental impact by making the use of core technologies, including catalyst design and chemical processing design.

143. COVID 19: Australian lithium firms suspend operations in Argentina

     24 March 2020

     Orocobre, Galaxy Resources have stopped operations to comply with nationwide lockdown.

144. High-Frequency Commodities at Sea data shows strong Indian crude oil imports since mid-February, but the lockdown will drive huge destruction

     24 March 2020 Fotios Katsoulas

     Indian crude oil imports reached 4.5 million b/d in February, with March currently standing at 4.55 million b/d, primarily driven by lower oil...

     

145. Flash UK PMI signals record slump in business activity as coronavirus hits

     24 March 2020 Chris Williamson

     The flash PMI surveys for March highlight how the COVID-19 outbreak has already dealt the UK economy its hardest blow since data were first available...

     

146. Flash PMI points to steep downturn in Australian economy as COVID-19 hits

     24 March 2020 Bernard Aw

     The downturn in Australia’s private sector economy deepened markedly in March, according to the

     

147. Covid-19: DGA tests face masks

     24 March 2020

     The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French armament procurement agency, announced on its website on 23 March that its Maîtrise NRBC...

148. US Army removes Raytheon from PrSM competition, leaving only Lockheed Martin

     24 March 2020

     The US Army decided not to provide Raytheon additional funding for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) prototyping competition, leaving Lockheed...

149. US reportedly to deploy Patriot to protect Ayn al-Asad in Iraq

     24 March 2020

     The US military intends to establish a new base for a Patriot air-defence system near Ayn al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, Al-Ahad News cited...

150. BAE Systems receives USD339 million order for new US Army howitzers

     24 March 2020

     The US Army has awarded BAE Systems with a USD339 million contract to produce an additional 48 self-propelled howitzer and ammunition carrier...

151. Covid-19: Chinese-donated military hospitals deployed in Argentina and Ecuador

     24 March 2020

     The Argentine and Ecuadorian armies have both deployed mobile military hospitals donated by China to support their governments’ response to the...

152. Covid-19: RAF Red Arrows cancel overseas training, air displays to be reviewed

     24 March 2020

     The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows aerobatic display team has cancelled its annual oversea training deployment due to the coronavirus, and...

153. COVID-19: EU Commission advises member states on how to keep freight moving across borders

     24 March 2020

     Commission has asked member states to designate "green lane" border crossings to ensure that supply chains stay operational.

154. Huntsman to produce hand sanitizer at site in Switzerland

     23 March 2020

     Huntsman says it will today begin producing hydro alcoholic solution to make hand sanitizer at its site in Monthey, Switzerland, in response...

155. Green Plains to donate industrial ethanol to make hand sanitizer

     23 March 2020

     Omaha, Nebraska-based ethanol producer Green Plains will donate industrial ethanol to Nebraska to produce hand sanitizer as demand for the product...

156. Dow commits $3 million to COVID-19 relief

     23 March 2020

     Dow announced on Monday that it will donate $3 million to relief efforts for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with funds going to both global...

157. Mitsubishi announces ethylene-based MMA project for Gulf Coast

     23 March 2020

     The specific location of the 350,000-metric tons/year plant, which is expected to start up in 2025, will be announced during the next few months....

158. COVID-19: Livent to suspend Argentine operations and global capital expansion projects

     23 March 2020

     Livent today said it is in the process of halting operations in the Argentine provinces of Salta and Catamarca in response to a government quarantine...

159. Ingevity outlines coronavirus mitigation efforts

     23 March 2020

     Ingevity has resumed operations at its China sites and US and UK manufacturing locations continue to run normally as it implements business continuity...

160. COVID-19: Seqens declares force majeure on IPA

     23 March 2020

     French government has urged the company to focus on supplying producers of hand sanitizer.

161. SOCMA urges all levels of government to keep specialty chemical plants open

     23 March 2020

     Specialty chemicals are fundamental to the continued operation of every manufacturing sector and have a key role to play in protecting the public...

162. Anheuser-Busch, Tito's Vodka announce plans to produce hand sanitizer

     23 March 2020

     Distilleries and breweries, including beer giant Anheuser-Busch, are gearing up to hand sanitizers to help meet supply shortfalls due to coronavirus...

163. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - March 23, 2020

     23 March 2020 Chris Fenske

     This week started with the Federal Reserve announcing extensive new measures to support the US economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic....

     

164. Milliken increasing production of antimicrobial fabric

     23 March 2020

     Milliken & Company (Spartanburg, North Carolina) says it is increasing production of its BioSmart antimicrobial fabric in response to the coronavirus...

165. COVID-19: Orion draws on revolver, suspends dividends

     23 March 2020

     The company says drawing on the revolver, effective 24 March, will increase its end-quarter cash position to about $100 million.

166. COVID-19: Dow to produce hand sanitizers for pharmacies and hospitals in Germany

     23 March 2020

     Initiative made possibly by Olin's contribution of glycerine.

167. COVID-19: ECHA to support EU member states in addressing disinfectant shortages

     23 March 2020

     Agency will also extend some of its REACH deadlines to help chemical companies.

168. Chemical industry deemed essential by DHS

     23 March 2020

     ACC announced on Saturday that the Department of Homeland Security has identified the US chemical industry and its workers as "Essential Critical...

169. Article: Food and Agriculture Policy Briefing

     23 March 2020 Peter Rixon

     “No food shortage” says US farm body, laws eased to let shops join forces, Portugal reduces child obesity

     

170. COVID-19 Impact on C4s and Rubbers

     23 March 2020

     Significant demand decreases from the tire and automotive industries will pressure butadiene demand and price.

     

171. COVID-19: Graphite India to gradually shut operations

     23 March 2020

     The closure will be implemented until 13 April.

172. COVID-19: Asian Paints closes plants

     23 March 2020

     Operations are disrupted due to tighter restrictions in several Indian states.

173. Tianqi Lithium delays commissioning of Australian lithium plant

     23 March 2020

     Company is having difficulty paying back loans taken out for the $4-billion purchase of a 23.77% stake in SQM.

174. COVID-19: Covestro postpones AGM

     23 March 2020

     Bonn has prohibited all events for an unlimited period.

175. US imposes sanctions on UAE, Chinese and South African companies for trading with Iran

     23 March 2020

     Will continue to target and isolate companies conducting trade with Iran.

176. COVID-19 – News from the Crop Protection & Seed Industry

     23 March 2020 IHS Markit Expert

     The crop protection and seed industry has been relatively unaffected by COVID-19. However, as the virus continues to spread and impact global...

     

177. Sipchem to combine unplanned maintenance with scheduled one at Al Waha PDH complex

     23 March 2020

     Will allow the plant to achieve future targets.

178. Showa Denko to begin tender offer for Hitachi Chemical on 24 March

     23 March 2020

     Slightly delayed by longer than expected antitrust clearances.

179. Blog: World Soybean Production Projected to Rebound

     23 March 2020

     World users of soybeans should benefit from a rebound in potential soybean production in 2020.

     

180. Shell, Total slash capex on COVID-19, drop in price of oil

     23 March 2020

     Halt share buyback programs.

181. Italian industry head calls to delay full EU CO2 implementation

     23 March 2020 Tim Urquhart, B.A.

     Italian industry head calls to delay full EU CO2 implementation

     

182. Payments for Research: AMF Task Force fires an early shot in the MiFID II Review Process

     23 March 2020 Francis Land

     The AMF Task Force has reported into effects of MiFID II on the research industry and identified major concerns, especially on coverage of small...

     

183. Oil & Gas dividend revisions

     23 March 2020

     Dividend Revisions under the current oil situation

     

184. COVID 19: Lynas provisionally halts operations in Malaysia

     23 March 2020

     Lynas is the largest producer of rare earths outside China.

185. Historic coronavirus fear index

     23 March 2020 Chris Hammond, CFA

     We review daily factor and model performance during the recent market volatility.

     

186. Ube Industries to acquire US-based compound manufacturer

     23 March 2020

     The acquisition of PCTNA will enable Ube to establish a first-own North American base for manufacturing its own compounds.

187. COVID-19: P-xylene price plumbs new low in Asia as crude crumbles

     23 March 2020

     Isomer-grade mixed xylene price also falls below $400/metric ton.

188. COVID-19: Elementis scraps dividend, renegotiates loan covenants to save cash

     23 March 2020

     Shares tanked this year due to worries over markets and debt.

189. Clariant denies reports that masterbatches deal with PolyOne is in doubt

     23 March 2020

     Plans to conclude the transaction in second or third quarter.

190. IHS Markit: Quarantines, oil shock to wipe out 2020 PE demand growth

     20 March 2020

     Polyethylene demand will grow more slowly in Asia, and it will shrink in North America and Europe.

191. COVID-19: Westlake borrows $1 billion citing uncertainty

     20 March 2020

     Westlake says it is making the move "out of an abundance of caution" and does not expect to use the proceeds for liquidity.

192. MFG Chemical names oil and gas VP

     20 March 2020

     MFG Chemical says it has named Tim Haggerty to the role of vice president/oil and gas. Haggerty joined MFG in 2017 after a three-decade career...

193. Hillenbrand sells metalworking fluids maker Cimcool to DuBois Chemical

     20 March 2020

     Diversified industrials firm Hillenbrand (Batesville, Indiana) says it has sold Cimcool, a maker of metalworking fluids and lubricants, to industrial...

194. COVID-19: IHS Markit forecasts 13% US GDP decline in the second quarter

     20 March 2020

     In its latest update to a rapidly-evolving economic forecast in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, IHS Markit said...

195. Ethanol industry asks Washington for help to avoid a 'potential collapse'

     20 March 2020

     The head of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is calling on Congress and the Trump administration to "act immediately to avoid a potential...

196. Capital Markets Weekly: Market volatility to remain severe amidst flight to cash

     20 March 2020 Brian Lawson

     Despite large-scale fiscal and monetary intervention including major QE programs, investors are continuing the flight to cash.

     

197. RPM forecasts earnings at high end of guidance

     20 March 2020

     RPM says it is expecting fiscal third-quarter earnings to be at the higher end of guidance issued in early January. The guidance called for adjusted...

198. IHS Markit: Tumbling crude price could erase US ethane advantage

     20 March 2020

     Naphtha is forecast to have a large advantaged over LPG in Asia.

199. COVID-19: Arkema sets up emergency manufacture of alcohol-based solution for hospitals

     20 March 2020

     Repurposing production line near Lyon.

200. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - March 20, 2020

     20 March 2020 Chris Fenske

     A relatively calm start to the day, as volatility had been relatively subdued until midday New York time. However, that changed during the second...

     

201. COVID-19: Cefic writes to EU Commission president suggesting logistics, transport solutions

     20 March 2020

     National borders have been closed within the EU; key chemicals are needed across the region to contain the spread of the virus, treat patients....

202. COVID-19 pandemic: Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association in US seeks government aid

     20 March 2020

     The association has also called for subsidies to relocate operations to the US

     

203. Coronavirus Impact on European and North American Auto production

     20 March 2020 Henner Lehne

     Coronavirus Impact on European and North American Auto production

     

204. What is the outlook for the Chinese oil sector with COVID-19 on the wane domestically?

     20 March 2020 Rob Smith

     The COVID-19 outbreak and its aftermath, what does it mean for China’s oil demand and performance of its oil industry

     

205. US ethylene, propylene contango not always in sync with NGL curve shapes

     20 March 2020

     Texas, Louisiana spot ethylene prices at all-time lows; highest 2020 ethylene margins anticipated in second-quarter market.

206. Altana's sales and earnings down in 2019 on sluggish demand in key sectors and slowdown in China

     20 March 2020

     Coronavirus pandemic will have significant impact on sales and earnings this year.

207. BP-Socar to make final investment decision by end of this year on aromatics, PTA project in Turkey

     20 March 2020

     BP plans to build a pilot plant in the US to prove Infinia PET recycling technology.

208. COVID-19: Risk of severe complications among the United States health workforce

     20 March 2020 Tim Dall

     Health workers on front lines treating people with COVID-19 are at high risk -- what changes are needed?

     

209. COVID-19: Ocean Bio-Chem ups disinfectants capacity; Bayer donates medicines; Firmenich adapts production to make disinfectants

     20 March 2020

     Part of urgent efforts to combat disease.

210. COVID-19 Impact Update: US GDP to plunge to -13% in Q2, unemployment approaching 9.0% by December

     20 March 2020 Joel Prakken, Ph.D.

     Pandemic will cost the economy $1.5 trillion (2012 dollars) in foregone GDP

     

211. A Conscientious Cash Alternative - iBoxx MSCI ESG Liquid Investment Grade Ultrashort Indices

     20 March 2020 Nicholas Godec, CFA

     The iBoxx MSCI ESG Liquid Investment Grade Ultrashort Indices provide investors with a tradable measure of ultrashort duration corporate bonds...

     

212. Video: Hydrogen gas is gaining momentum

     20 March 2020 Shankari Srinivasan Catherine Robinson

     Hydrogen gas is gaining momentum. Discover why.

     

213. COVID-19 outbreak exacerbates European automotive industry woes

     20 March 2020 Sian Jones

     The escalation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak across Europe in February and March, and the temporary closure of factories...

     

214. Week Ahead Economic Review: Week of 23 March 2020

     20 March 2020 Sian Jones Ken Wattret Joseph Hayes Chris Williamson Bernard Aw

     With the global economy facing recession and markets showing increased signs of stress, flash PMI surveys will be eagerly watched for the extent...

     

215. COVID-19: Kao restarts operations in China

     20 March 2020

     Company has increased the production of sanitary products such as disinfectants, due to higher demand.

216. Covid-19: Aerospace companies to lead national ventilator effort

     20 March 2020

     Leading aerospace companies have responded to the UK government’s call to develop and build ventilators to help cope with the worsening coronavirus...

217. Covid-19: Chile cancels FIDAE air and space fair

     20 March 2020

     The Chilean Air Force (La Fuerza Aérea de Chile: FAC) on 16 March cancelled the FIDAE Air and Space Fair, originally scheduled to take place...

218. Covid-19: Farnborough and RIAT events called-off for coronavirus

     20 March 2020

     Both the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) and the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) scheduled for later this year were cancelled within...

219. Indian Navy outlines plans to berth new aircraft carrier at private shipyard

     20 March 2020

     Faced with ongoing budget shortfalls that have delayed the completion of one of its major bases, the Indian Navy (IN) is now seeking to lease...

220. Argentine companies present rotary-wing UAV

     20 March 2020

     Argentine companies Cicaré, INVAP, and Marinelli have presented for the first time a prototype of the Asteri RUAS 160, a rotary-wing unmanned aeri...

221. Covid-19: Defender-Europe 20 scaled down, future exercise cuts on the horizon

     20 March 2020

     Pentagon leaders had grand ambitions for this year’s Defender-Europe 20 exercise in what it billed as the largest deployment of US-based force...

222. Explosives attack on Covid-19 response meeting highlights threat of sustained insurgency campaign in southern Thailand

     20 March 2020

     Key Points No responsibility has so far been claimed for the 17 March explosives attack on a government building in Yala Province, southern Thailand...

223. India fast-tracking purchase of 10 additional Ka-31 AEW&C helicopters

     20 March 2020

     India is fast-tracking negotiations to acquire 10 Russian-made Kamov Ka-31 ‘Helix’ airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) helicopters in...

224. Royal Danish Army buys Weibel muzzle velocity radar for mortars

     20 March 2020

     The Royal Danish Army is now installing Weibel Scientific’s MVR-700 – a muzzle velocity radar (MVR) – on its recently acquired Elbit Systems/ESL...

225. USAF tests engine for Gray Wolf low-cost cruise missile

     20 March 2020

     The US Air Force (USAF) has tested a new low-cost turbojet engine to power air-launched cruise missiles being developed under the Gray Wolf programme....

226. Ultra Defense acquires ammunition maker MAST Technology

     20 March 2020

     US-based Ultra Defense Corporation (UDC) has acquired American ammunition manufacturer MAST Technology. UDC, whose activities range from delivering...

227. Covid-19: Medical teams report to ready hospital ships for deployment

     19 March 2020

     The professional medical teams needed aboard US Navy (USN) hospital ships USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) and USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) assembled on 19 March...

228. Australia releases defence export catalogue

     19 March 2020

     The Australian government released on 19 March the fourth edition of its catalogue to promote defence exports. The 2020 edition of Australian...

229. Australia’s Orbital UAV teams up with Singapore firm on multifuel engines

     19 March 2020

     Australian firm Orbital UAV has signed an agreement with what it said is “one of Singapore’s largest defence companies” to collaborate on the...

230. Covid-19: Hanwha group reports limited disruption over virus

     19 March 2020

     South Korea’s biggest defence group Hanwha has said that the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has caused limited disruption to its defence industrial...

231. Covid-19: US government urged to clarify that contractors can telework

     19 March 2020

     A US industry group is urging the Trump administration to clarify that government contractors are authorised to work from home during the coronavirus...

232. New Future Long Range Assault Aircraft phase features greater government cost share

     19 March 2020

     Key Points The FLRAA programme is entering a study phase in which the US Army will provide two-thirds of the funding Previous efforts under JMR-TD...

233. New ‘Air Force One’ aircraft begins modification

     19 March 2020

     Key Points The US Air Force has started modifying the first of two 747-8 aircraft that will be used for presidential service Modification of...

234. Pompeo says Russia killed Turks as Idlib ceasefire holds

     19 March 2020

     Key Points The US secretary of state has blamed Russia for killing Turkish soldiers in Syria The Idlib ceasefire agreement is being largely observed...

235. USAF to contract F/T-7X aircraft for fighter pilot training

     19 March 2020

     The US Air Force (USAF) plans to contract a small number of trainer aircraft to teach skills specific to air combat under its Reforge proof of...

236. COVID-19 pandemic: Health system surge capacity

     19 March 2020 Milena Izmirlieva

     Countries have inadequate health system surge capacity to deal with COVID-19 pandemic

     

237. 3M reports progress on PFAS commitments

     19 March 2020

     3M (St. Paul, Minnesota) says it has launched a research clearinghouse webpage and released previously unavailable reference standards for per-and...

238. COVID-19: Operations temporarily suspended at Port Houston's Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals

     19 March 2020

     Port Houston's Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals suspended operations late Wednesday after someone who worked at both tested positive...

239. US specialties volumes post February decline

     19 March 2020

     Market volumes for US specialty chemicals posted a 0.5% sequential decline in February, offsetting an 0.5% gain in January, according to ACC....

240. Celenese asks for anti-dumping duties on UHMWPE from KPIC

     19 March 2020

     The petition excludes medical-grade UHMWPE.

241. IHS Markit Daily Global Market Summary - March 19, 2020

     19 March 2020 Chris Fenske

     Daily Market Update for March 19, 2020

     

242. The Fertilizer Institute calls agricultural inputs to be recognized as essential services

     19 March 2020

     The Fertilizer Institute (TFI; Washington) called on the federal government to recognize fertilizer and all agriculture inputs as "essential...

243. COVID-2019: Goodyear halts chemical and tire production in Americas

     19 March 2020

     The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced on Wednesday that it will temporarily suspend production in the Americas in response to the sudden...

244. Evonik Industries acquires Spanish biotech company innovativeHealth

     19 March 2020

     Acquisition strengthens Evonik's cosmetic active ingredients business.

245. Weekly Pricing Pulse: Commodities drop sharply as the global economy shuts down

     19 March 2020 William May

     Energy prices tank as Western Europe begins social isolation in earnest

     

246. China launches small-scale LNG exports to Cambodia: Is there room for growth?

     19 March 2020 IHS Markit Energy Expert

     Early this year, a shipment of five ISO containers of LNG arrived in Cambodia. This event marks two first: Cambodia’s first gas imports and China’s...

     

247. North American auto production hit by COVID-19 virus outbreak

     19 March 2020 Stephanie Brinley, MBA

     North American auto production hit by COVID-19 virus outbreak

     

248. Indorama estimates higher construction costs for M&G Corpus Christi plant

     19 March 2020

     Due to higher labor costs prevailing in the Gulf Coast region.

249. COVID-19: Europe's automotive production grinds to a halt

     19 March 2020

     Shutting off important market for the chemical industry.

250. COVID-19: Pentagon ramps up response, timing questions remain

     19 March 2020

     Despite delays, the Pentagon has finally begun holding daily press briefings to update the public on its plans to deploy medical ships, distribute...

251. Covid-19: MBDA temporarily shuts down French and Italian facilities, other sites being reviewed

     19 March 2020

     MBDA has temporarily closed its facilities in both France and Italy while those countries introduce special measures to contain the coronavirus...

252. Covid-19: French armed forces to support civilian medical services

     19 March 2020

     French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly announced on 18 March that the army, armed forces medical services, and air force would help fight...

253. Covid-19: BAE Systems ‘reviewing situation’ to minimise impact of pandemic

     19 March 2020

     BAE Systems is “constantly reviewing” the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic to minimise any impact to its operations, a company spokesperson...

254. Covid-19: US Air Force postpones April ABMS demo

     19 March 2020

     Key Points The US Air Force is delaying its upcoming ABMS demonstration from April to June The service will spend this extra time trying to advance...

255. Indian Army awaiting responses to RFI for 198 8×8 armoured fighting vehicles

     19 March 2020

     The Indian Army (IA) is preparing to evaluate responses from indigenous and foreign vendors to its request for information (RFI) on the intended...

256. Omani border unit converted into mechanised infantry

     19 March 2020

     The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) held a ceremony on 18 March to mark the conversion of the Frontier Force of the 11th Infantry Brigade into a mechanised...

257. COVID-19: Asia mixed xylenes spot price reaches new low on weak crude, closure of arbitrage window

     19 March 2020

     MX prices in Asia closed at $433/metric ton on Wednesday; US prices fell below $400/metric ton overnight, effectively shutting the arbitrage....

258. Petronas-Aramco refinery shut down after deadly fire, explosion

     19 March 2020

     PRefChem facility in Johor, Malaysia, provides feedstock to an adjacent petrochemical complex.

259. Update: US Army selects Sikorsky-Boeing, Bell for FLRAA risk reduction

     19 March 2020

     Key Points The US Army has awarded Sikorsky-Boeing and Bell contracts for further development of their FLRAA aircraft AVX Aircraft will also...

260. China’s Long March 7A launch vehicle fails to place satellite into orbit

     19 March 2020

     China’s space programme suffered a setback with the failure of a Long March 7A (CZ-7A) launch vehicle that lifted off from the Wenchang space...

261. Covid-19: Chinese military scientists authorised to start clinical trials of potential vaccine against Covid-19 coronavirus

     19 March 2020

     China has given regulatory approval to researchers to begin conducting clinical trials on humans of an experimental subunit vaccine developed...

262. Covid-19: Defence firms temporarily close sites in France, Italy, Spain

     19 March 2020

     Airbus, Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, Navantia, and other defence companies have implemented temporary production pauses in an effort to reduce...

263. Covid-19: Poland’s WOT territorial defence forces deployed for first time

     19 March 2020

     The newly formed Polish territorial defence forces, the Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej (WOT), which is not operational yet, is supporting the Polish...

264. GAIC promoting JL-9 as carrier training aircraft for the PLAN

     19 March 2020

     There are indications that procurement activities for a carrier-borne jet trainer for China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) may be init...

265. Japan commissions first Maya-class guided-missile destroyer

     19 March 2020

     The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the first of two Maya (Improved Atago)-class, Aegis-equipped destroyers in a ceremony...

266. LTAMDS wraps initial round of programme tests, prepares for live target drills

     19 March 2020

     Raytheon has competed initial tests of the US Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) and is preparing to test the new radar...

267. Pearson Engineering reveals route-clearance multi-tool system

     19 March 2020

     The United Kingdom’s Pearson Engineering has developed a route proving and clearance (RP&C) multi-tool system that it is offering for export. T...

268. Second Indonesian PKR frigate completes testing for combat systems upgrade

     19 March 2020

     Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) and its Indonesian partner PT PAL have completed the integration and test of a package of combat system...

269. UK SSBN refuel runs behind schedule

     19 March 2020

     A GBP200 million (USD237.5 million) programme to refuel the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) nuclear-powered ballistic missile (SSBN) submarine HMS Vanguard...

270. Covid-19: Aircraft carrier Ford reaches milestone with anchor ops

     18 March 2020

     Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) completed a significant milestone on 15 March, despite US Navy (USN) compliance with the restrictions...

271. Covid-19: Mitsubishi’s F-35 facility resumes full operations

     18 March 2020

     Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has resumed full operations at its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) final...

272. JFD acquires Fathom Systems

     18 March 2020

     JFD, a UK-based manufacturer of underwater equipment, has acquired Fathom Systems, a Scottish maker of diver communications gear, diver monitoring...

273. SAIC finishes buying Unisys Federal

     18 March 2020

     US-based technology integrator Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has completed its acquisition of Unisys Federal from US-based...

274. ST Engineering launches USD3.5 billion note scheme

     18 March 2020

     Two subsidiaries of Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) have established a SGD5 billion (USD3.5 billion) medium-term note programme...

275. Update: Indonesia points to F-35 ambitions

     18 March 2020

     Indonesia’s Deputy Defence Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has indicated that Jakarta may look to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike...

276. Clariant, Floreon to jointly develop higher-performing biopolymers

     18 March 2020

     Clariant and Floreon-Transforming Packaging Limited announced today that they have partnered to extend the performance properties and market...

277. COVID-19: Shell puts Pennsylvania cracker project on hold

     18 March 2020

     The company intends to restart construction once it has measures in place to protect the more than 8,000 workers currently employed at the site....

278. COVID-19: IHS Markit forecasts global recession

     18 March 2020

     IHS Markit is now forecasting a global economic recession, as the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to take hold. Global...

279. COVID-19: NACD urges lawmakers to keep chemical distribution operations open

     18 March 2020

     The trade group also reminded lawmakers that Presidential Policy Directive 21: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience designates the...

280. Phosgene chemicals firm VanDeMark names CFO

     18 March 2020

     VanDeMark Chemical (Lockport, New York), a maker of phosgene chemicals says it has named Mike Gaffney to the role of CFO. Gaffney was most recently...

281. Edgewater Capital sells composites maker FMI to aerospace firm

     18 March 2020

     Private equity form Edgewater Capital Partners (Cleveland, Ohio) says it has hold Fiber Materials Inc. (Biddleford, Maine), a maker of high-temperature...

282. N. America weekly chemical rail gains hold up

     18 March 2020

     On a four-week basis, volume increased 5% from 2019 and declined 0.8% from 2018.

283. US propane, butane hit 21-year lows

     18 March 2020

     Mont Belvieu TET propane dipped to 24.5 cts/gal in early trading, the lowest intraday level since 17 March 1999.

284. Ecolab confirms first-quarter earnings outlook, COVID-19 impact

     18 March 2020

     Ecolab today confirmed that it expects first-quarter adjusted earnings to total $1.05-$1.13/share, up 2-10% year-on-year (YOY) from $1.03/share...

285. COVID-19: US benzene slumps 22%, styrene losses muted

     18 March 2020

     US benzene traded at $1.70/gal on Tuesday, down 50 cents since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic on 11 March.

286. A global oil price war and COVID-19: How will NGL markets adapt and react to these unprecedented disruptions?

     18 March 2020 Yanyu He, Ph.D Darryl Rogers

     Oil prices have plummeted, tearing down the historical price relationships in the energy and chemical markets, including NGLs.

     

287. IHS Markit Daily Market Update – March 18, 2020

     18 March 2020 Chris Fenske

     There is a concerted sell-off across both global equity and government bond markets today, with the bond sell-off being particularly fast and...

     

288. COVID-19: Demand for hand sanitizer tightens IPA market, drives up prices

     18 March 2020

     IPA prices are at historic highs in Europe and producers are sold out for March.

289. COVID-19: Pembina postpones PDH/PP project in Alberta as part of capex reduction

     18 March 2020

     Will resume work when energy prices and economic environment support such move.

290. The global economy: Headed for recession

     18 March 2020 Sara L. Johnson, CBE Nariman Behravesh, Ph.D.

     Disruptions to supply chains, demand, international trade flows, and travel, along with lockdowns and collapsing stock prices, resulting from...

     

291. COVID-19: P-xylene inches closer to record low in Asia on crude crash, soft demand

     18 March 2020

     Spot prices closed at $576.50/metric ton on Tuesday; the all-time low is $572.50.

292. Anglo American completes acquisition of Sirius Minerals

     18 March 2020

     Secures development of Woodsmith polyhalite project.

293. COVID-19: Siam Cement postpones annual general meeting scheduled for 1 April

     18 March 2020

     Outbreak of disease in Thailand has escalated.

294. COVID-19: Clariant postpones annual general meeting planned for 30 March 2020

     18 March 2020

     Decision follows Swiss Federal Council ruling.

295. COVID-19: EU offers €80 million to CureVac for development and production of vaccine

     18 March 2020

     Company denies takeover approach from US.

296. The impact of the oil price collapse on APAC upstream FID’s

     18 March 2020 Robert Chambers

     An overview of how the oil price collapse has impacted APAC’s upstream financial investment decisions.

     

297. US regulator proposes updating safety standards for vehicles without manual controls

     18 March 2020 IHS Markit Automotive Expert

     US regulator proposes updating safety standards for vehicles without manual controls

     

298. Blog: Gene-editing crops for enhanced nutrition and productivity

     18 March 2020 Dr. Alan Bullion

     Gene-editing (also known as genome-editing or genome-engineering) is a set of novel techniques that are used for manipulating the genome of an...

     

299. Covid-19: Pentagon deploying medical ships, Trump to sign defence production act

     18 March 2020

     US troops are set to deploy around the country to help with the nation’s Covid-19 medical response, while President Donald Trump is also set...

300. Sumitomo Chemical forms alliance with Kyoto University on solid-type batteries

     18 March 2020

     Solid-type batteries contain a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolyte that is used in conventional Li-ion rechargeable batteries...

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