LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen subdued performance into November with availability now healthy across markets and underlying demand still underperforming.

Focus is now on managing inventory targets into year end with destocking already underway. The autumn in general has been slower than many had hoped.

Glycol Ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to Oxo-Alcohols editor Nicole Simpson, Acrylate Esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech and Butyl Acetate editor Marion Boakye about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

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