Olin Corp reported Q3 adjusted EBITDA of $191 million, beating estimates as chlor-alkali and vinyls gains offset epoxy weakness. Forecasts indicate Q4 EBITDA of $80-$100 million amidst rising feedstock costs and planned price increases.
North American chemical rail traffic rose 3.9% year-over-year, staying above long-term averages as Canadian gains offset US softening. New data from the Association of American Railroads highlights the trend for the week ended Oct. 24.
Finland and the US agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, including investment in processing and refining capacity to enhance supply chain resilience. The partnership targets key resources like cobalt, nickel, and lithium.
North American chemical rail traffic totaled 48,508 carloads in late October, remaining strong as Canadian gains offset US softening per AAR data. Year-to-date volumes increased 2% across the region.
LyondellBasell reported a sequential drop in Q3 adjusted net income as lower olefin and polyolefin pricing squeezed margins. Revenue rose year-over-year despite segment declines, supported by strong oxyfuels margins and improved gasoline blending economics.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces political pressure following criticism of Chancellor John Healey's budget, with key decisions looming on North Sea oil drilling, EU relations, and welfare reform.
Sasol has commenced beneficial operations at its restarted paraffin plant in Italy, lifting force majeure on key feedstocks such as DETAL LAB and LAS. This action restores supply reliability for downstream cleaning product manufacturers amidst tightening global n-paraffin availability.
Shell CEO confirms deep discussions on selling its US chemical portfolio, potentially valued at $8 billion, as bidders including ExxonMobil express interest. The move follows positive Q3 earnings despite narrowed global chemical margins.
Following a nationwide reassessment, China reported sharp increases in strategic mineral reserves, including a 200% rise in rhenium and new zircon deposits to reduce import reliance. The project evaluated 17 minerals across 1,800 mines involving nearly 2,000 personnel.
Borouge PLC plans to maintain alternative export routes to Ruwais port in the near term, coinciding with a 32% Q3 output increase. Plant utilization climbed to 90% in October as key petrochemical products remain in high demand.
PV Tech Research reports US import restrictions on inverters are tightening, risking market loss for Chinese manufacturers as competitors expand local capacity. Inverters are critical for grid integration in solar, wind, and storage systems.
BP's underlying replacement cost profit quadrupled to $8.46bn as Middle East conflicts boosted refining margins. The firm intends to use excess cash to settle Deepwater Horizon liabilities and divest North Sea assets.
Premier Li Qiang stated China's willingness to import more German goods, aiming to expand cooperation in chemicals and other sectors. The move seeks to strengthen trade ties amid rising protectionism between Beijing and Europe.
Lotte Fine Chemical reported an 18.5% Q3 revenue rise to 525.3 billion won, but profits dropped 14% due to lower global prices for caustic soda and epichlorohydrin. Cellulose ether sales for food and pharma applications also declined.
China's steel industry profits fell 27.4% in the first three quarters per the China Iron and Steel Association, with revenue down 2.3%. The sector faces a 29.6% loss rate due to ongoing supply-demand imbalances.
The White House National Energy Dominance Council has appointed McKenna Skeeters to advance U.S. oil and gas infrastructure. Her role involves coordinating policy and potentially directing Defense Production Act funding toward refinery expansions.
YPF applied for $8.73 billion in government incentives for its Bajo del Toro shale project in Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation. The development targets 80,000 barrels of oil daily and significant gas output by 2033-2040.
Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras reported its refineries operated at 98% capacity in October to reduce fuel imports, with utilization expected to remain near limits through December before dropping to 96% in early 2027 due to maintenance.
Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd. began construction of a 33,870 metric ton/year phosphoric acid plant at its Dahej site, involving a $59.2 million investment.
Adama reported widened losses due to lower sales and pricing pressures, exacerbated by extreme weather across Europe in Q3. The agrochemical company faces intensified operational challenges impacting its financial performance.
ChemBrief