Episode 1023: Europe acetone, phenol and derivative chain depressed in Q2 , outlook muted

Demand in Q2 is disappointing in the Europe acetone, phenol and derivative chain, despite energy cost relief, amid macro-economic challenges and Asian import competition, supply is ample and prices are under pressure.  There is no sign of any near term demand recovery in sight, not least over the summer. Europe ICIS editors Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins) Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate, MMA), and Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate, PC) analyse trends in the acetone, phenol and derivatives markets.Europe acetone and phenol demand remains weak, despite energy reliefEuropean PC is a buyer’s-market, amid low demand, import pressuresMMA demand remains weak and supply long, imports weighEurope BPA and epoxy resins under pressure in slow and competitive environmentWhether China/Asia can redress market imbalances, economic factors key