Chemical Conversations: BTX Market Pressures Amid Middle East Conflict

  Santosh Navada speaks with Ashish Kulkarni, Argus’ lead aromatics consultant, to examine how rising conflict in the Middle East is reshaping global BTX flows.   They discuss:   How the conflict has reshaped cost dynamics across the BTX value chain The impact of tightening naphtha supplies, driven by crude volatility and disrupted shipping lanes, on Asian economies Perspectives on mounting feedstock disruptions Coping strategies adopted by producers across different regions The effect of Middle East conflict on downstream industry dynamics   Further details and additional insight are available from Argus aromatics experts and Argus publications, including:   Argus Toluene, Xylenes and Derivatives | Argus Toluene and Xylenes Outlook | Argus Toluene and Xylenes Analytics | Argus Consulting

  In this episode, Argus analysts examine the implications of Iran‑related geopolitical tensions for ferrous metals markets. The discussion focuses on how regional developments could influence steel production, raw material flows and trade dynamics, with attention to semi-finished prices, which have risen sharply. The podcast places Iran within the wider Middle East and global steel ecosystem, helping market participants understand where exposure may emerge and which parts of the ferrous value chain are most sensitive to disruption.   Key points covered Iran’s role in regional and global ferrous metals and steel supply chains Potential impacts of strikes on Iran plants on production and exports Risks to raw material availability, logistics, trade flows and energy prices Implications for regional and international steel pricing What steel producers, traders and consumers should monitor going forward

O biometano entra em 2026 sob novas forças de demanda regulatória e com ofertas em expansão, enquanto o mercado ainda define referências de preço e modelos de contratação. É neste contexto que a cidade de Foz do Iguaçu recebe, de 14 a 16 de abril, o 8º Fórum Sul Brasileiro de Biogás e Biometano, com o tema “Biometano: bem feito, suficiente, bem distribuído”. Acompanhe a conversa entre Rebecca Gompertz, especialista em biometano da Argus, e Felipe Souza Marques, coordenador‑geral do Fórum e diretor‑presidente do CIBiogás.    Alguns dos tópicos discutidos:   Geração de negócios a partir de certificados e digestato Mandato, CGOB e LRCAP Ritmo de conexão da rede Integração com cooperativas do agronegócio Perspectiva para investimentos

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the impact the Middle East conflict on sulphur and ammonia markets, focusing on production, logistical constraints, price surges across both daily and weekly price assessments, trade flow developments, the potential for permanent changes to supply and trade dynamics, key takeaways and what to watch out for next. Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers, Ruth Sharpe, Global Editor - Ammonia and Maria Mosquera, Global Editor – Sulphur Products as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of what’s driving China’s ammonia production expansion and exports surge, where this new Chinese supply is coming from, key export destinations, as well as the impact of CBAM and the Middle East war on Chinese ammonia prices. We also introduce the new Argus Ammonia fob China weekly price assessment. Join Ruth Sharpe, Global Editor - Ammonia and Dinise Chng, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series. Key questions answered in this podcast: Could China become a net exporter of ammonia in 2026? Why did Chinese ammonia exports surge in Q4 2025 — and where did they go? Why is Chinese ammonia typically more expensive than ammonia sourced from Southeast Asia and the Middle East? What’s driving China’s growth in ammonia production, and where is this new supply coming from? What are the most likely destinations for Chinese ammonia exports? How have CBAM and the Middle East war impacted Chinese ammonia prices? Why did Argus launch the Ammonia fob China weekly price assessment, and how does it enhance price transparency?

At week 5 of the US-Iran war, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has removed more than 10 million b/d from global supply and pushed oil markets into extreme volatility. In this special edition update, our Middle East team breaks down the latest developments and what they mean for exports, prices and regional stability. Tom Reed (VP - China, Crude and Oil Products) joins our Dubai‑based experts Nader Itayim (Middle East Editor) and Bachar Halabi (Senior Correspondent) for a focused briefing on the crisis shaping global energy. Listen to discover:  What the latest military movements signal. Oil market impact: Where production has been lost — and why it matters. Damage assessment: How long it may take for fields and refineries to recover. Logistics disruption: The challenges of restarting flows through Hormuz. And much more The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil corridor. With flows severely constrained and repairs expected to take months - if not years - this episode delivers the essential insight market participants need now. Please note this, podcast was recorded on 30 March - Keep up-to-date with the latest market developments here  

John's LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cordner-538059219/ Jeff's LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-kralowetz-7823299/  In this Crude Report episode, Argus VP of Business Development Jeff Kralowetz talks with waterborne crude reporter, John Cordner, about how demand for Canadian "dilbit" crude has soared in Asia and at the US Gulf coast in the wake of shipping disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. They also look at the emergence of Western Canadian Select (WCS) at Houston as a strong regional reference price and benchmark   Key Topics covered: How pooling of WCS and Cold Lake trades at Houston has created an exceptionally liquid and transparent price index How Asian demand for distillate-rich crude is likely to increase the region's buying of Canadian dilbit, both from Vancouver and Houston How strong crack spreads at the US Gulf coast have strengthened WCS Houston vs the light benchmark WTI Houston Who is continuing to buy Canadian dilbit at the US Gulf coast They also share details on the upcoming Argus Canada Biofuels and Crude Forums on April 22 at the Calgary Petroleum Club where attendees will have a chance to meet Argus crude, freight, and consulting teams for live market discussion and networking.   Register here: https://view.argusmedia.com/canada-forum-2026

O início de ano foi marcado por tempo chuvoso e as projeções sinalizam recorde na produção de soja em Mato Grosso na temporada 2025-26. Nathalia Giannetti, colaboradora dos relatórios Argus AgriMarkets e Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes, participou de uma visita a lavouras do estado organizada por tradings, corretoras e produtoras de grãos. Ela falou dessa experiência e das condições da safra nessa conversa com a editora Renata Cardarelli.     Alguns dos tópicos discutidos:   Resultados das amostras coletadas nas plantações  Impacto das chuvas em cronograma e qualidade das plantas Planos para safra de milho  Projeções para outros estados

The beginning of the year was marked by rainy weather, and projections indicate record soybean production in Mato Grosso for the 2025–26 season. Nathalia Giannetti, contributor to the Argus AgriMarkets and Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers reports, took part in a visit to farms in the state organized by trading companies, brokers, and grain producers. She spoke about this experience and the crop conditions in a conversation with editor Renata Cardarelli.   Some of the topics discussed:   Results of collected samples Impact of rainfall on schedule and plant quality Plans for the corn crop Projections for other states