Navigating the 2025 Landscape: Key Trends in Global Chemicals and Energy Markets

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Shipping News
Asia-US Container Rates Plunge; Liquid Chem Tanker Rates Stable to Softer

Container rates from Asia to the US have significantly decreased this week due to increased capacity. According to supply chain advisors Drewry, global average container rates fell by 10% this week, having declined nearly 30% since January 9. Rates from Shanghai to New York decreased by 13%, while those from Shanghai to Los Angeles dropped by 11%.

Drewry anticipates a slight decrease in spot rates next week as capacity rises, driven by new container ship deliveries and a slowdown in recycling old vessels, resulting in an increase of 2.4 million TEUs since the beginning of 2024.

Liquid Tanker Rates Steady to Softer
Rates for liquid chemical tankers from the US Gulf were stable to softer this week. A slight decrease was noted on the US Gulf-Asia trade lane for smaller parcels and on the route to Brazil. However, larger parcels on the US Gulf-Asia route remained unchanged amid a slowdown in activity.

Market Insights
Oversupplied Global Nylon Market Needs Restructuring
The global nylon market is facing excess capacity and requires restructuring to balance supply and demand, as noted by Erin Kane, CEO of US-based nylon producer AdvanSix. Companies have already initiated plant shutdowns, including Ube’s caprolactam and nylon polymer production in Japan set to cease in 2027.

Kane highlighted that the recovery in the nylon market is slower than expected, with persistent oversupply affecting prices and demand.

R-PET Market Developments
In the European R-PET market, rising bale prices are being closely monitored ahead of March, with strong demand for colorless flake and low PET prices potentially impacting negotiations.

Eurozone Private Sector Output Steady
February saw steady output in the Eurozone’s private sector, with manufacturing productivity experiencing a slight contraction. Input cost inflation remains a concern, prompting a challenging environment for the European Central Bank.

Nutrien’s Outlook for Fertilizer Demand
Nutrien forecasts a strong demand for fertilizers due to anticipated increases in corn plantings and reduced fall inputs. The company expects North American corn planting to range between 91-93 million acres and strong soybean sowings as well.

Braskem Resumes Operations
Braskem plans to resume normal operations at its Triunfo site after power supply issues affected production rates. This complex is critical for Brazil’s polymer supply chain, accounting for a significant share of the country’s capacity for polyethylene and polypropylene.

CF Industries’ Nitrogen Supply Outlook
CF Industries expects a constructive balance in the global nitrogen supply and demand, with below-average inventories. The company anticipates strong nitrogen demand in North America, driven by favorable corn and soybean planting forecasts.

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