Host Irina Vinogradova (Senior Manager, Analytics & Consulting) is joined by Argus experts Keyvan Hedvat (Europe & Africa Editor, Argus Bitumen Reports) and Oliver Thompson (Analyst, Europe Consulting Team) to break down where the pressure is building most, how the market is responding and what it means for the months ahead.

Key themes:

• Price shock: $382/t in February, above $607/t in March, with further upside risk
• Europe refinery strain, lower bitumen yields and tighter regional supply
• South Africa’s growing reliance on imports and increased vulnerability to disrupted Middle East flows
• 2026 outlook shaped by tighter balances, with Africa’s bitumen imports forecast at 2.7mn t

Please note, this podcast was recorded recently during ongoing market volatility. For the latest insights and data, explore Argus bitumen and asphalt coverage

Join Tom Reed, VP – China, Crude & Oil Products, alongside Dubai-based experts Nader Itayim, Middle East Editor, and Bachar Halabi, senior correspondent, for this exclusive discussion.

A closer look at how shifting trade routes and constrained transit are changing propane market dynamics in Europe and beyond.

The European propane market has begun to decouple from global price movements, lagging further behind Asia‑Pacific gains with each passing week. With around 30% of global seaborne supply removed from the market following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, tightening conditions might have been expected to affect all buyers. Yet, Europe has so far remained relatively insulated.

One of the key reasons for this asymmetry lies along the most important artery for eastbound flows of US product, the Panama Canal. Persistent congestion and limited transit availability continue to reshape trade routes and alter regional market balances.

Argus International LPG editor Peter Wilton is joined by associate editor Efcharis Sgourou to unpack the fundamentals driving this divergence in European propane markets and to assess what it could mean for the fuel’s outlook in the months ahead.

A disponibilidade de embarcações para escoamento de petróleo em alto-mar é um gargalo para a expansão da produção do pré-sal. Participantes de mercado temem que a frota de navios DP seja insuficiente para atender ao crescimento da produção nos próximos anos. Acompanhe a conversa entre Conrado Mazzoni, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios da Argus, e João Scheller, responsável pela precificação de petróleos na América Latina. 

Alguns dos temas discutidos neste episódio:

• Frota de navios DP no Brasil e no resto do mundo

• Expansão da infraestrutura logística e portuária

• Aumento da produção petrolífera e das exportações

The availability of vessels for offshore oil transportation is a bottleneck for the expansion of crude production in Brazil. Market participants fear that the fleet of Dynamic Positioning ships will be insufficient to meet output growth in the coming years. Listen to this conversation between Conrado Mazzoni, business development manager based in Sao Paulo, and João Scheller, who handles crude oil pricing in Latin America.

Some of the topics discussed in this episode:

• DP ship fleet in Brazil and worldwide

• Expansion of logistics and port infrastructure

• Increase in oil production and exports

In this episode of The Power Dispatch, Daniel Craig, Senior Reporter of Argus European Electricity, speaks with French market specialist Rhys Talbot and market reporter Jessamy Guest. Together they explore how existing and planned nuclear capacity is interacting with greater renewable penetration and examine the pace of development across Europe.

Listen to discover key insights on:

• New capacity plans across different regions

• Phase outs, life extensions, capture rates and small modular reactors.

• Lessons from France: what might a nuclear-renewables grid look like?

This podcast was created using data and insights from the Argus European Electricity service.

Request trial access or more information >>

Host Hannah Adler, Senior Reporter for Argus Biomass Markets, is joined by Marta Imarisio, Senior Market Reporter, and Jeff Kuntz, Editor, to discuss industry sentiment and dominant themes—both on stage and behind the scenes.

Drawing on discussions with producers, utilities, traders and technology providers, the team shares their perspectives on what these insights mean for the market outlook.

Listen to the episode to explore:

• How market sentiment has shifted, with greater optimism than many expected. 
• Why multi‑year highs in European pellet prices were a key focus.
• Differences in perspective among producers, buyers and technology firms
• The implications of looming subsidy expiries for biomass-fired plants
• How lower stocks after recent heating seasons are influencing market behaviour

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

Listen to discover key insights on:

• Where biochar sits in the current carbon removal hierarchy

• Emerging markets driving supply and what limits supply growth today

• Where is demand coming from and how can it be boosted

• Price formation and risk allocation

Learn more about the Argus Carbon service

El shale oil de Vaca Muerta forzó una transformación del sistema de refinación de Argentina, que originalmente había sido diseñado para crudos pesados. Este cambio tuvo un impacto correspondiente en la canasta de productos refinados disponibles tanto para el mercado argentino como para la región. Para saber más, escuche esta conversación entre el gerente de desarrollo de negocios de Argus, Nazareno Ferrero, en Buenos Aires, y Camila Fontana, subjefa de la oficina de Argus en São Paulo. 

Estos son algunos de los temas abordados en este episodio: 

• Refinerías inversionan para procesar crudos más livianos 

• Exportaciones de GLP desde Argentina 

• Creciente sobreoferta de naftas de bajo octanaje 

• Oportunidades en combustible de aviación 

Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode:

• Refiners invest to process lighter crudes 
• LPG exports from Argentina 
• Growing oversupply of low‑octane naphthas 
• Opportunities in jet fuel 

O petróleo de xisto de Vaca Muerta transformou o sistema de refino da Argentina, que havia sido projetado para processar óleos mais pesados. Essa mudança impactou o conjunto de produtos refinados disponíveis tanto para o mercado argentino quanto para a região. Para saber mais, ouça esta conversa entre o gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios da Argus em Buenos Aires, Nazareno Ferrero, e Camila Fontana, chefa adjunta da redação da Argus em São Paulo. 

Alguns dos temas discutidos neste episódio: 

• Refinarias investem para processar óleos mais leves 

• Exportações de GLP a partir da Argentina 

• Crescente sobreoferta de nafta de baixa octanagem 

• Oportunidades com combustível de aviação 

Tune in for expert insights on:

• Obstacles to expanding insurance-based Corsia supply: the impact of the EU draft proposal on insurers 

• Insurance capacity beyond BTR deadlines in 2026

• Key regions and methodologies for supplying Corsia

• How the war in Iran is impacting Corsia demand and supply

Learn more about the Argus Carbon service

The conflict in the Middle East, a key jet fuel supply region, has hit global aviation fuels markets hard. In this episode of SAF Insights, the team discuss how European jet fuel prices have surged and volatility has increased, while SAF markets have been contending with their own fundamentals and the HEFA-SAF premium to fossil jet has narrowed.

This podcast will address key questions

• How has jet fuel price volatility impacted liquidity and market confidence?
• What market forces explain the HEFA SAF/jet spread movements?
• Can Europe offset Middle Eastern jet supply shortfalls, and what are the fallback options?
• Can higher jet fuel prices drive the market toward higher SAF blending rates?
• Do SAF price patterns mirror those seen in other biofuels markets?

Join Tom Hampson, Global Editor – Phosphates, Adrian Seewald, Senior Market Reporter – Phosphates and Hui Xuan Lek, Market Reporter - Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• What are feed phosphates, what are their significance and what are the different grades?
• What role does China play in the feed phosphates market?
• What has been driving prices of feed phosphates?
• How have feed phosphate suppliers and buyers responded to the war in the Middle East and to the closure of the strait of Hormuz?
• How has the war impacted Chinese feed phosphate prices?
• What impact have we seen in Europe and Brazil?
• Could Chinese feed phosphates come under any trade regulations – and what’s the market sentiment among Chinese producers?
• Are feed phosphate prices now peaking, or could they rise further?
• Why did Argus launch the MDCP fob south China, MDCP bagged ex-works south China and DCP fob south China price assessments – and how do they enhance price transparency?

Related links

• Argus Phosphate price reporting service | More info | Request trial
• More information: Phosphate short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights

In discussion with Argus' Senior Aromatics Reporter Joonlei Lee, Santosh Navada examines the potential implications of South Korea’s rationalisation programme for global BTX trade flows.

• What key factors are driving South Korea’s decision to implement a rationalisation programme.
• How the rationalisation will affect South Korea’s petrochemical sector and the broader domestic economy.
• What long-term strategic objectives the programme is designed to achieve.
• How the Middle East conflict is influencing the timing, scope and urgency of the rationalisation programme.

Further details and additional insights are available from Argus Aromatics experts and Argus publications, including:

Argus Toluene, Xylenes and Derivatives (https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-toluene-xylenes-and-derivatives) | Argus Toluene and Xylenes Outlook (https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-toluene-and-xylenes-outlook) | Argus Toluene and Xylenes Analytics (https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-toluene-and-xylenes-analytics) | Argus Consulting

Join Argus experts Siew Hua Seah and Gabriel Tassi as they break down:

• Why the Net-Zero Framework is dominating the agenda
• How competing proposals from key nations could reshape targets

What the uncertainty means for fuels, compliance, and market participants

With the ceasefire extended yet the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remaining in place, uncertainty continues to shape oil flows, prices and market sentiment. In this latest video update, Argus analysts examine the current situation, assess risks to supply, and outline possible recovery scenarios amid ongoing Iran‑US hostilities.

Tom Reed, VP – China, Crude and Oil Products, is joined by Dubai‑based experts Nader Itayim, Middle East Editor, and Bachar Halabi, Senior Correspondent, to unpack the crisis disrupting global oil markets — and what it could mean in the weeks ahead.

El aumento vertiginoso de los precios de los combustibles debido a la guerra en Medio Oriente se convirtió en un factor clave en las discusiones sobre la transición energética. Con las economías globales sacudidas por interrupciones en el suministro, las autoridades reunidas en Colombia esperan demostrar que el mundo tiene alternativas viables a los combustibles fósiles. Para conocer más sobre este tema, escucha esta conversación entre el editor Lucas Parolin, y Camila Fontana, subjefa de la oficina de Argus en São Paulo.

Aquí algunos de los temas tratados en este episodio:

• Ampliación de los esfuerzos de los acuerdos climáticos anteriores 

• Prioridades en la reducción de dependencias y subsidios

• Vulnerabilidad económica frente a aumentos de precios e interrupciones de suministro

• Intereses de los países productores de petróleo

• Disposición de los países a cooperar

Soaring fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East became a key factor in energy transition discussions. With global economies rattled by supply disruptions, authorities gathering in Colombia hope to show that the world has viable alternatives to fossil fuels. To learn more about this topic, listen to this conversation between Argus editor Lucas Parolin and Camila Fontana, deputy bureau chief of the Argus office in Sao Paulo. 

Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode:

• Expansion of efforts from previous climate agreements 

• Priorities in reducing dependencies and subsidies

• Economic vulnerability to price increases and supply disruptions

• Interests of oil-producing countries

• Willingness of countries to cooperate

A disparada dos preços dos combustíveis devido à guerra no Oriente Médio se tornou um fator essencial nas discussões sobre transição energética. Com as economias globais abaladas por interrupções no fornecimento, autoridades reunidas na Colômbia esperam mostrar que o mundo tem alternativas viáveis aos combustíveis fósseis. Para saber mais sobre este tema, ouça esta conversa entre o editor da Argus, Lucas Parolin, e Camila Fontana, chefe adjunta da redação em São Paulo.

Aqui estão alguns dos tópicos discutidos neste episódio:

• Ampliação de esforços dos acordos climáticos anteriores

• Prioridades na redução de dependências e subsídios

• Vulnerabilidade econômica a altas de preços e interrupções de oferta

•  Interesses dos países produtores de petróleo

• Disposição dos países à cooperação

• Updated Ukraine wheat forecast: 23.5mn t for 2026-27

• Romania wheat production revised upward to 12.7mn t

• Key risks for rapeseed crops after difficult planting conditions

• Farmers plan to replant with corn, sunflower or soybeans

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers talks with Dave McCaskill, Argus VP of Methanol and Derivatives discuss:

• Impacts from the war in Iran
• Changing trade flows due to demand destruction
• How will global and regional prices respond

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.

Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers, Harry Minihan, Global Editor - Nitrogen and Tom Hampson, Global Editor – Phosphates as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• Why is the Middle East so important for global urea and phosphates supply?
• Which urea and phosphates production facilities have been affected?
• How has this conflict constrained supply of urea and phosphates?
• How have the markets responded with regard to sentiment, and in particular prices?
• How have the markets reacted to the ceasefire?
• How have Argus daily urea and phosphates price assessments reacted - what are the key price points and how far have they risen?
• How long could it be before the markets start to settle into some sort of normality?
• Could this conflict lead to permanent changes to supply and trade flows?
• What are the key takeaways and what should we watch out for next?

Covered in this episode:

• How tariff fears, financial inflows and mine outages pushed copper briefly above $14,000/t
• Why the Iran conflict introduces both macro headwinds and sulphur‑related supply risks
• How sulphur disruption affects SX‑EW production in the DRC and Zambia
• Why China’s smelters continue to operate despite record‑negative TCRCs
• The outlook for Chinese copper demand in 2026 amid weaker new‑energy sectors

Resurgent fuel volatility has reignited the case for the UK to reintegrate with the EU’s internal market for electricity and reverse a decoupling sparked by Brexit.

In this episode, Daniel Craig, Senior Reporter of Argus European Electricity, speaks with UK market specialist Tim Santonastaso, alongside power market reporters Bea Leverett and Jessamy Guest, to examine the lessons and pitfalls of market integration efforts elsewhere across Europe.

Listen to discover key insights on:

• Where market integration stands today
• The key barriers to further integration across Europe
• The factors shaping the divide between market ambitions and political delivery

This podcast was created using data and insights from the Argus European Electricity service.

Request trial access or more information >>

• Two week ceasefire and what is agreed
• Crude production and export capacity across ME
• Iran’s demand and their implications

In this episode, noble alloys reporter Roxana Lazar is joined by sulphur and sulphuric acid reporter Fenella Rhodes; senior copper reporter Raghav Jain; and battery materials reporter Chris Welch.

The panel explore how these supply-chain shocks are shaping production in the DRC and Zambia, and how far the consequences could spread across global metals markets.

Topics covered:

• The collapse in Middle East sulphur deliveries and its impact on leaching
• Tightened global sulphur supply including the stalled gulf cargoes
• The impact on cobalt exports, slowed by quota delays and shipping disruption
• Whether the conflict is a temporary bottleneck or a structural vulnerability for the Copperbelt

Argentina ha dejado atrás un modelo basado en el crudo convencional para convertirse en un productor claramente dominado por el petróleo de esquisto de Vaca Muerta. Acompaña a Camila Fontana, jefa adjunta de la oficina de Argus en São Paulo, y a Nazareno Ferrero, gerente de desarrollo de negocios de Argus en Buenos Aires, mientras conversan sobre la evolución reciente y las perspectivas de la industria energética en el país sudamericano.

Temas tratados:

• Evolución estructural de la industria de refinación y del petróleo en Argentina

• Enfoque doméstico de los refinadores y su impacto en la dinámica de exportación

• Cambio en la matriz exportadora de Escalante a Medanito

• Nuevo precio del Medanito para Puerto Rosales

Argentina has moved away from a model based on conventional crude to become a producer clearly dominated by Vaca Muerta shale oil. Join Camila Fontana, deputy bureau chief of the Argus office in São Paulo, and Nazareno Ferrero, business development manager at Argus in Buenos Aires, as they talk about the recent evolution and outlook for the energy industry in the South American country. 

Topics discussed:

•  Structural evolution of the refining and oil industry in Argentina

• Refiners’ domestic focus and impact on export dynamics

• Shift in the export matrix from Escalante to Medanito 

• New Medanito price for Puerto Rosales

Tópicos discutidos:

• Evolução estrutural da indústria de refino e petróleo na Argentina

• Foco doméstico dos refinadores e impacto na dinâmica de exportação

• Mudança na matriz de exportação de Escalante para Medanito

• Novo preço do Medanito para Puerto Rosales

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

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

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.

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?

• 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

 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

 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

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

Argus deputy crude editor, Lina Bulyk, and Mediterranean crude reporter Ellanee Kruck discuss how the war is reshaping European crude flows so far, and possible challenges in the weeks ahead.

Topics covered:

• How wide a supply gap the conflict could open in northwest Europe and the Mediterranean

• The alternative feedstock options refiners may turn to

• The broader implications for European market structure and regional refining margins

• How has the war and the closure of the strait of Hormuz affected fundamentals so far?
• Base case scenarios of the strait of Hormuz being closed for 2 months vs. it opening again this week
• Why stock draw down is not a long term option
• The importance of differentiating between propane and butane to understand supply challenges

These key insights come from Argus LPG Outlook, a service providing critical global analysis and forecasts for prices and market fundamentals.

Key topics covered in the podcast

• Growth in Russian HRC and slab shipments into Turkey and whether mills may look for alternative sourcing as EU origin checks increase

• Impact of the EU’s plan to introduce post-safeguard regime in 2026

• Expected UK decision to place Turkish HDG under quota control and the possible shift in Turkish shipment strategies

• Turkey’s new antidumping margins on CR HDG and PPGI from South Korea and China and which further measures could have the strongest effect

• Potential changes in trade flows if access through the Strait of Hormuz is restricted and whether Chinese volumes could be redirected to Turkey

• Exposure of Turkish mills to another increase in electricity and natural gas prices if regional tensions tighten energy markets

Argus petrochemical consultants Alan Williamson in London and Toon Shien Lee in Singapore provide their initial assessment on how the conflict is impacting the ethylene market balances, particularly on feedstocks and product trade flows, ahead of the Argus Chemicals Forum on 26 March in Houston and AFPM on 29 - 31 March in San Antonio, Texas.

Listen to the latest episode to hear:

• What is the immediate and likely short‑term impact on the forecast for ethylene balances and regional outlooks across Europe, Asia and the US
• The key dynamics shaping the coming months, including feedstock and product availability, pricing dynamics and underlying demand signals
• How varying regional exposure and adaptability may influence near‑term market conditions

This episode of Argus Way to Freight explores why Capesize freight rates surged in early 2026 and how Guinea’s bauxite-driven supply dynamics continue to dominate the Atlantic market. Portfolio manager Richard Stephenson breaks down the impact of Guinea’s political volatility, bunker price spikes linked to the Middle East crisis, and the fragile economics of FOB bauxite supply. The discussion also examines the first cargoes from the Simandou project and what rising Atlantic iron ore flows mean for tonne‑miles and the forward freight curve.

Main topics:

• Why Q1 2026 Capesize rates spiked:unexpected restart of SD Mining’s licence, large bauxite volumes from Guinea, and short-covering in a weak market.
• Netback pressure on Guinea’s exporters:bunker-driven freight inflation pushing delivered costs above $30/t and squeezing FOB margins to breakeven levels.
• Political and regulatory risks in Guinea:licence revocations, potential supply caps, and how markets misprice the probability of disruptions across the freight curve.
• Simandou’s early shipments:slow initial loadings, expected ramp-up, limited near-term freight impact due to internalised logistics, but rising long-haul iron ore flows supporting tonne‑miles.
• Market outlook for 2026:near-term downside risks from Guinea disruptions and elevated bunkers, with possible Q3-Q4 support from Vale volumes and probable normalisation in the Middle East.

With tanker movements collapsing, export hubs damaged and loadings slowing sharply, Asia has absorbed the brunt of the shock, as nearly two‑thirds of its naphtha imports transit the strait. Meanwhile, Europe and the US Gulf Coast remain comparatively stable thanks to more diverse supply chains and stronger domestic production. 

The podcast also explores how petrochemical producers across Asia are responding and how the tightness may cascade through ethylene, propylene and polymer markets. Medium‑term fundamentals are discussed: weak petrochemical margins, the impact of new cracking capacity in China and South Korea, and the growing role of gasoline blending in managing naphtha balances.  

Find out what these shifts mean for naphtha balances in the months ahead, how long Asia’s supply shock could last, and the key market signals to watch as the industry navigates one of its most volatile periods in years.  

Um novo marco legal incentivou a competitividade e atraiu o interesse de grandes consumidores para o mercado regulado de gás natural. No entanto, ineficiências, gargalos de infraestrutura e indexação a preços internacionais limitam o aproveitamento do gás produzido no Brasil. Marcos Mortari, responsável pelo relatório Argus Brazil Gas Markets, e Lucas Boacnin, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios da Argus, discutem neste episódio: 

• Cenário de oferta e demanda de gás natural no Brasil 

• Principais impedimentos ao desenvolvimento do mercado 

• Precificação atrelada a índices internacionais  

• Novo preço Argus para o mercado doméstico 

A new regulatory framework has boosted competitiveness and attracted major consumers to the regulated natural gas market in Brazil. However, inefficiencies, infrastructure bottlenecks, and indexation to international fuel prices limit the use of gas produced domestically. Join Marcos Mortari, editor of the Argus Brazil Gas Markets report, and Lucas Boacnin, Business Development Manager at Argus, as they discuss the latest developments in this market: 

• Supply and demand outlook for natural gas in Brazil 

• Key barriers to market development 

• Pricing linked to international benchmarks 

• Argus’s new domestic market price 

• LNG imports 

A retirada de sanções ao petróleo e derivados da Venezuela aumentou a disponibilidade de asfalto do país no mercado internacional. O interesse pelo asfalto venezuelano nos EUA impacta outros produtores como Colômbia e Canadá e tem repercussões no Brasil. Saiba mais nesta conversa entre Amance Boutin, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios na Argus, e Julio Viana, responsável por precificação de asfalto e óleos básicos na América Latina.  

Alguns dos tópicos deste episódio: 

• Aumento de oferta nos EUA 

• Competição entre produtores das Américas e do Mediterrâneo 

• Demanda no Brasil em ano eleitoral 

Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers and Upasruti Biswas, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• Why are sustainable and specialty fertilizers growing in importance for producers and how are these products categorized?
• How have volatile trade flows, market uncertainty and regulations like CBAM affected prices?
• How has the growth of this market segment and rising liquidity increased the need for price transparency?
• What can be learnt from the case of Chinese tMAP, through its growing importance for industrial applications such as the EV battery market?
• How is CBAM impacting prices, for example NOP – and is it driving buyers substituting to European water-soluble SOP?
• What are the complexities involved in pricing inhibited urea?
• What factors could drive price volatility in sustainable and specialty fertilizers in 2026?
• How do Argus’ new price assessments covering NOP, tMAP, MKP, CN, Water-soluble SOP, NPKs and inhibited urea improve price transparency?

Join Huijun Yao, Editor – Fertilizers 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:

• What’s driving China’s growth in ammonium chloride production?
• Which major Chinese projects will lead this production growth?
• Will China’s expanding ammonium chloride capacity support more exports?
• Why is Southeast Asia’s demand growing, and how is this influencing trade flows?
• What impact is the ammonium chloride vs ammonium sulphate price gap having on buyers?
• Will Chinese ammonium chloride exports continue to grow?
• The need for a price benchmark and why CFR Southeast Asia Assessment
• Why did Argus launch the Ammonium Chloride CFR Southeast Asia weekly price assessment, and how does it enhance price transparency?

• How is the Turkish market doing at the beginning the end of the year
• How the lowering prices affected the market dynamics
• How demand has been for the past 3 months
• What is the current situation in the market

Click here for more information on the polymers markets, including key regional prices, global news and analysis on the market, or to speak to an expert.

Covered in this episode:

• How ageing mines, limited upstream investment and reduced output have created a structural shortage in Chinese tungsten supply
• The impact of China’s export controls on global availability — and why its domestic market is now feeling the squeeze as intensely as overseas buyers
• Whether substitution with molybdenum, niobium, titanium or ceramics can meaningfully reduce demand for tungsten carbide and mill products
• The limits of recycling in Europe and North America — and the scope for China and Japan to expand recycling to ease supply constraints
• When global tungsten prices might peak, how long historically high levels may persist, and how new mine capacity from South Korea, Kazakhstan and Europe could reshape the market from 2027 onward

Key topics covered in the podcast:

• Structural challenges in India’s stainless steel
• Impact of 2026-27 union budget on stainless steel
• Raw‑material security & import dependence
• Trade pressures: EU FTA, CBAM & U.S. Tariffs

As exportações brasileiras de sebo bovino para os EUA despencaram com alterações em políticas de incentivos. No entanto, novos mandatos na Europa e no Brasil prometem realocar volumes e mexer com os preços desse insumo, que é usado na produção de combustíveis, ração animal e itens de higiene e limpeza. Saiba mais acompanhando essa conversa entre Lucas Boacnin, gerente de desenvolvimento de negócios em transição energética da Argus, e João Marinho, responsável por precificação de óleos e gorduras e um dos colaboradores do relatório Argus Brasil Combustíveis. 

Alguns dos tópicos debatidos neste episódio: 

• Dados sobre a oferta de sebo bovino no Brasil 

• Fatores redutores da demanda pelos EUA 

• Potencial de crescimento da demanda pela Europa 

• Demanda doméstica pela indústria de biodiesel 

Listen to the latest episode to:

• Understand how regional supply length and shifting trade flows are shaping near‑term market balance.
• Examine how narrowing naphtha-ethylene spreads and reduced South Korean cracker run rates are affecting short‑term regional supply dynamics.
• Hear how Europe’s cost structure, ETS exposure and rationalisation activity are influencing competitiveness.
• Explore how rising global capacity additions are affecting North America’s export position and derivative margins.

If you'd like to discuss any of these updates in more detail, book a meeting with our Argus Olefins experts at AFPM's IPC by clicking here. Please can you hyperlink this to mailto:chemicals@argusmedia.com

Additionally you can find out more about Argus’ Light Olefins services, including Argus Ethylene, Argus Olefins Outlook and Ethylene Analytics, which provide independent assessments of global balances, cost structures and capacity developments. Learn more here.

• Unpack the rationale behind the price launches
• Share more details on the prices, and how they are assessed
• Speak about the latest developments on SAF policy, and how regional SAF and HVO markets might pan out in future

You can find the detailed methodology for these prices and others in the Argus Biofuels report here.

Key points include, but are not limited to:

• Purchasing VLCC vessels and outlook on the VLCC tanker market
• Evolving role of refineries in the Middle East and how a shipowner views market trends
• Alternative fuels, shipping technologies and fleet renewal
• Charter agreements, long-term vs spot
• How shipping responds to geopolitics

A conferência Fertilizer Latino Americano (FLA) foi realizada em Miami no final de janeiro, trazendo discussões sobre abastecimento e mudanças nos fluxos comerciais globais. Renata Cardarelli, responsável pelo relatório Argus Brasil Grãos e Fertilizantes, conversa com a especialista Gisele Augusto sobre as movimentações desse mercado no Brasil e no Cone Sul desde o evento.   Alguns dos tópicos debatidos neste episódio: 

·               Ritmo de compra de nitrogenados para a safrinha de milho 

·               Descasamento entre ofertas de compra e venda 

·               Disponibilidade de produto importado no Brasil 

·               Preferências dos agricultores 

·               Produção de caprolactama pela China 

·               Negociações e tendências de preços de diferentes nutrientes 

·               Acesso a crédito pelos agricultores 

The Fertilizer Latino Americano (FLA) conference was held in Miami in late January, with discussions about supply and changes in global trade flows. Renata Cardarelli and Gisele Augusto, who both contribute to the Argus Brazil Grains and Fertilizers report, talk about market developments in Brazil and the Southern Cone since the event.  Some of the topics discussed in this episode: 

·               Pace of nitrogen purchases for the second corn crop 

·               Mismatch between offers and bids 

·               Availability of imported product in Brazil 

·               Farmers’ preferences 

·               China’s caprolactam production 

·               Negotiations and price trends of different nutrients 

·               Farmers’ access to credit 

Hear expert insights on:

• Why RO closure threatens both waste‑wood capacity and the UK’s emissions reduction strategy. 
• The causes of the current waste‑wood oversupply and whether relief measures are enough. 
• The immediate and long‑term policy actions needed to stabilise the market.

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

Tune in to hear insights on: 

• What the new SBP risk rating revisions mean for US forest owners and biomass producers— including how the EU’s land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector shapes US forestry perspectives.
• How sustainability standards interact across the Atlantic, and the biggest misconceptions Europeans hold about US forestry practices. 
• What producers need do to adapt, from sourcing strategies and supply‑chain due diligence to the rising role of AI, remote sensing, and contractual safeguards. 

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

In this episode, Senior Fuels and Octane consultant Roel Salazar and Dave McCaskill, VP of Methanol & Derivatives discuss:

• Methanol market headlines during the first 2 months of 2026.
• China MTO production and outlook
• Methanol derivative demand and challenges.
• Iranian methanol production
• Global MTBE market analysis

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial.

The global gasoline market saw unseasonable strength in the final quarter of 2025, and this episode breaks down what’s behind it. We also discuss how EV adoption, policy shifts, and blending mandates are reshaping demand across key regions, assess the impact of new mega‑refineries on traditional trade flows, and highlight the critical drivers to watch as we move into 2026.

Gasoline cracks surprised to the upside in late 2025, peaking in November across Europe and Asia as widespread refinery maintenance in Asia and the Middle East tightened supply. But moving further into 2026, gasoline cracks are expected to come under pressure from more consistent gasoline supply and lengthening balances, particularly in the Atlantic Basin.

Listen to our market experts, Emma Pike - Gasoline Analyst, George Maher-Bonnett – Deputy Editor and Asill Bardh – Senior Reporter, as they discuss the latest developments shaping the global gasoline market, reflect on how it evolved through 2025, and outline the critical drivers to watch as we move into 2026. 

The episode further explores how infrastructure spending trends are diverging across major regional markets. China faces slowing growth, while India, Southeast Asia and Australia continue to benefit from stronger project pipelines. These contrasting demand trajectories highlight how broader economic conditions, government investment and market maturity are influencing consumption patterns. Collectively, these factors illustrate a bitumen market in transition, shaped by new trade routes, shifting competitiveness and evolving regional demand.

Join Huijun Yao, Editor – Fertilizers 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:

• What’s driving China’s surge in green ammonia production in 2026?
• Which major Chinese projects will lead this production growth?
• What renewable energy sources will power these projects?
• Will China export green ammonia, and which sectors are the likely buyers?
• How might China’s production, port capacity and storage expand by 2027?
• How could Chinese green ammonia be priced relative to conventional ammonia?
• How could green ammonia premiums and CBAM influence global demand?

Related links

• Argus Ammonia price reporting service | More info | Request trial
• More information: Urea short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights
• Fertilizer Matters podcast series

Key topics include:

• Scaling from pilots to full scale DLE and electrolysis
• Drilling outcomes at LSC 1A and 1B, and potential partnerships with oil majors
• Vulcan’s exposure to German and EU policy
• Phase Two and Three growth plans across the Upper Rhine Valley
• Updated offtake timelines and qualification pathways

Peter Wilton, Argus’ editor of International LPG in London, joins US NGLs editor Amy Strahan in this podcast to discuss trends and the global outlook discussed in this week’s LPG presentations in Houston. 

Key Points 

• Prospect of a return to Suez Canal in 2026
• Effect on clean LR1 and LR2 rates
• Impact on European middle distillate markets of return to Suez

The conversation also explores the cost competitiveness of its Barroso mine, a definitive feasibility study forecast for summer, shifting offtake strategy and the impact of rising lithium prices.

Key topics include:

• Savannah’s plans for domestic lithium conversion
• How Barroso aims to compete on cost
• Progress toward the summer feasibility study
• Evolving offtake options in Europe
• What rising lithium prices mean for project timing

Hear Argus’ essential analysis of the ammonium sulphate (AS) market with a focus on China as the world’s largest exporter, covering why demand is growing in Southeast Asia and Europe, preferred grades, price and premium trends, product substitution to ammonium chloride and the impact of CBAM. We also introduce the new Argus caprolactum grade Ammonium Sulphate fob China daily price assessment.

Join Harry Minihan, Global Editor – Nitrogen, Dinise Chng, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers, and Dana Hjeij, Associate Editor - Nitrogen as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

· How have increasing demand and growing domestic capacity helped establish China as the world’s largest exporter of ammonium sulphate · How have Chinese caprolactum producers addressed low margins? · Which Southeast Asian countries import standard Chinese AS, and how could this demand evolve? · Why are some South East Asian importers substituting AS for ammonium chloride? · How is the European market’s domestic production developing? · Which AS grades does Europe prefer and how much do they import from China? · What impact is CBAM implementation having on the market? · How are AS prices, demand and premiums evolving globally and in key markets like China and Europe? · Why did Argus launch the Ammonium Sulphate fob China (caprolactum grade) daily price assessment, and how does it enhance price transparency?

Related links

· Argus Nitrogen price reporting service | More info | Request trial · More information: Urea short and mid to long-term outlook services

· Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights · Fertilizer Matters podcast series

Join Harry Minihan, Global Editor – Nitrogen, Upasruti Biswas, Senior Reporter – Fertilizers, and Bruno Castro, Reporter – Grains and Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

· What is ammonium sulphate, why is it important and why has demand for it grown?

· Which Brazilian crops are best suited to AS/urea – and when is AS substituted for urea?

· What role does AS play in Brazil, and how significant is Brazil in the global AS market?

· Why did AS imports into Brazil overtake urea in 2025, and could this trend continue?

· How are AS prices and demand evolving globally and in key markets like Brazil and India?

· Why did Argus launch the compacted Ammonium Sulphate cfr Brazil daily price assessment, and how does it improve price transparency?

Key topics:

• UK policy shift from “open for business” to active deal making

• Energy cost competitiveness and site readiness

• Conditional collaboration with China

• Linking cathode manufacturing to EV and gigafactory investment

Join Huijun Yao, Editor – Asia Fertilizers and Johann Jing, Market Analyst, Phosphate, Potash and NPK as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• How has China’s phosphate export market evolved?
• How are DAP and MAP export quotas implemented?
• What is China’s expected approach to NP and NPS exports?
• Why have China’s phosphate exports declined over the past year, and how has this reshaped regional trade flows?
• When might China resume DAP and MAP exports, and how is the sulphur price rally influencing this?
• What is the outlook for China’s phosphate production capacity?

Related links

• Argus Phosphates price reporting service | More info | Request trial
• More information: Phosphate short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights
• Fertilizer Matters podcast series

• Why Battelle moved into carbon storage after decades as a nonprofit research leader.
• Which sectors—like ethanol, biofuels, and heavy industry—are leading the charge in adopting CCS and why.
• Battelle’s vision for scaling CCS by 2030, including technical challenges and innovations.

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. Request a free trial or more information.

Join Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers, Dafydd ab Iago, EU Correspondent and Aidan Hall, Market Reporter – Fertilizers as they discuss and analyse this key development in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

·        What is the Article 27 A proposal and why is it important in relation to a potential suspension of CBAM for fertilizers?

·        What ‘serious and ‘unforeseen’ circumstances could influence an EU Commission decision on suspension?

·        What political factors are shaping this issue, including the positions of France and Italy and the status of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement?

·        If the EU chose to suspend CBAM for fertilizers, what steps would the process involve, and how long would implementation take?

·        How is this uncertainty currently affecting fertilizer importers and European farmers?

·        What’s the latest on the EU’s proposed suspension of tariffs on urea and ammonia?

Related links

·        Request Access: Argus Fertilizer CBAM Cost Calculator*

·        Learn more on Argus fertilizer price reporting services

·        Watch our CBAM webinar series

·        Free newsletter sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights

·        Fertilizer Matters podcast series

*The calculator is provided as part of Argus fertilizer price reporting services. Request a trial to our services to access the calculator

Listen now to discover:

• Market performance in 2025 and what market participants should expect this year
• New plant start-ups in India and expected repercussions on regional trade flows
• Rising production in Saudi Arabia and the impact on the Middle Eastern market
• Expected supply disruptions and grades likely to be impacted
• Trends to look out for in 2026

• Outlook on the Northeast Asia aromatics market

• Perspective on China’s anti-involution initiative and South Korea petrochemical rationalization

• Reason behind the recent PX price surge in Asia observed in December

• Implications of the US tariffs on the aromatics market

• Key bullish and bearish factors that could influence aromatics market 

Further details and additional insights 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

Tune in for expert insights on:

• The scale and impact of orphan wells

• Key methodology and integrity standards

• Pricing trends and market dynamics

• Corporate demand and compliance market prospects

• What CfD reforms, sustainability consultations, and EU regulatory delays mean for the REGO market, and ultimately biomass generators.

• If policy changes, such as UK sustainability rules and the EUDR, will act as price drivers in 2026, or if they are still too far out to matter?

• What factors have contributed to the current bearish trend in certificate prices?

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting. 

Request a free trial or more information

In the podcast they highlight issues downstream of production and the need for localized solutions to avoid “haves and have-nots” among airports. They also address growing demand for SAF certificates and Scope 3 flexibility, stressing robust traceability, and finally book-and-claim as vital for scaling SAF demand, complementing physical deployment with credibility.

Watch this video podcast to discover:

- The biggest risk-management lessons of 2025

- Which market players are most exposed and vulnerable to risk in the current environment

- A dive into whether building risk models is getting more complex

- Actions market participants should take to prepare for potential market volatility in 2026

- Emerging risk to look out for in 2026 and stress scenarios being run

Angelika Melikian, Senior Editorial Analyst

Alexey Yeromin, Senior Analyst

• Structural shifts in European crude slates as countries move away from Russian crude and increase imports of US medium sours and light sweets.
• Asia’s diversification strategy, including Pakistan’s first US crude cargo and South Korea’s record imports of US crude.
• India’s growing demand and its balancing act between Russian and US crude supplies. Key factors driving buyer decisions such as sanctions risk and supply reliability to freight costs and refinery needs.
• What to expect for US crude flows in 2026 and how a potential easing of sanctions could impact global trade patterns.

As 2026 approaches, recycled polymer markets face pivotal changes driven by virgin price movements, sustainability mandates, and evolving legislation.

Listen now to find out:

• How virgin PET and polyolefin price trends are shaping recycled markets

• How recycled premiums and discounts to virgin are changing and what this means for cost-saving vs sustainability applications

• How seasonality in PET and PP bale prices influences forecasting

• The impact of Europe’s plastic waste export ban under the Waste Shipment Regulation on flexible polyolefins and global trade flows

• What evolving legislation and chemical recycling developments could mean for the outlook

Click here to join for our upcoming Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) webinar for a deep dive into the expected impact on Europe and Asia chemical market dynamics.

Plus, register your interest for the launch of the Argus Recycled Polymers Outlook, delivering monthly 24-month forecasts for recycled PET and polyolefins across key regions, alongside chemical recycling capacity and legislative updates.

In this second podcast, Roy Yang, Department Manager, Sustainable Material Solutions at CHIMEI, shares the company’s approach to sustainability and bio-attributed products.

Listen to the latest episode to find out:

• How CHIMEI’s Ecologue portfolio supports circular and bio-based solutions
• Why second-generation feedstocks like used cooking oil are gaining traction
• What sectors and regions show the strongest appetite for bio-attributed plastics

Click here to find out more about Argus' Biochemicals, a new service offering references for bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-butadiene, and bio-benzene.

Main topics: 

• OPEC+ production increases and their effect on the Middle East sour crude oversupply
• Shifting demand patterns due to sanctions on Russian oil and increased competition from Brazil, Canada, and Guyana
• Pricing strategies and market share defense by Middle East producers in response to global competition

Join Harry Minihan, Global Editor – Nitrogen and Mike Nash, Senior Editor – Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Key questions answered in this podcast:

• Why did India’s urea tenders increase in comparison to last year?        
• How did India get itself into this position and when could the next tender come?
• Where is India with its domestic push for increased self-reliance?
• Will China be exporting more urea in early 2026?
• Has there been a ramp up of urea imports into Europe ahead of CBAM?
• What’s the overall urea market direction as we head into 2026?

· Is scrap demand in South Asia shifting toward DRI and other feedstocks?

· Why have Turkish mills booked strong tonnage for January loading?

· What’s next for North African scrap demand heading into early 2025?

· Could CBAM reshape global scrap flows in the longer term?

In this episode, Argus' Waldemar Jaszczyk spoke with CCA chief of staff and chief external affairs officer Jillene Belopolsky about what the event delivered and what still needs to happen.

In November 2025 market participants gathered at the annual Argus Road Fuels Europe Conference in Munich (Germany). Listen to this podcast to discover some of the top takeaways:

• Impact of geopolitics on supply into Europe over last couple of years.

• Product supply kept tight by unplanned refinery outages, planned maintenance works and permanent closures.

• Cracks across all refined products much more volatile over the last few months and multi-year highs for road fuels in second half of 2025

• 18-month highs in November in regards to Nigeriam imports of European gasoline after previous declines, despite west Africa's increased gasoline self-sufficiency.

• The EUs reconsideration of it's 2035 combustion engine vehicle phase out, making space for low carbon or more "carbon neutral" fuels to play a part alongside electrification.

In this episode, Senior Fuels and Octane consultant Roel Salazar and Dave McCaskill, VP of Methanol & Derivatives, talk about:

· Methanol market headlines at the end of 2025

· The Argus Fall 2025 Methanol and Derivatives update

· Methanol price outlook

· MTBE price volatility and trade flows

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting.

Get more information and request a free trial

Listen to our market experts – Jonathan Weston (Europe and Asia Lead, and Editor of Argus Bitumen) and Keyvan Hedvat (Europe and Africa Bitumen Editor), give detailed insights into their news snapshots including;

- Mediterranean bitumen supply much tighter than usual going into winter low demand season

- Med cargo diffs to fuel oil now broadly - and very unusually - in parity with fob Rott diffs

- Ongoing positive demand into north African and Black Sea markets

- Regional refinery bitumen production restricted - including SRI Augusta and US sanctions affected Bulgarian and Serbian refineries

- Arbitrage to the US from Med stays firmly shut after brief opening in Aug/Sept

- West Africa, now in dry/bitumen demand season, set to draw more European bitumen.

In this episode, Jared Ainsworth, US Products Gasoline Editor at Argus, Paul Dahlgren, Business Development Manager at Argus, and Maria Eugenia Garcia, Managing Editor of Refined Fuels at DTN, break down what these changes mean for traders, refiners, and marketers. From segregated vs. fungible batches to shifting export flows and margin compression, hear how the market is evolving and what’s next for Argus assessments. 

Tune in for expert insights on:

• Overview of Colonial Pipeline’s new shipping rules and their impact on trade
• Why segregated vs. fungible batches matter for pricing and risk
• Global implications of declining domestic demand and rising exports
• Argus’ methodology update for conventional gasoline assessments
• Insights into price trends, margin compression, and refinery profitability

In this first episode, Kelly Knopp, CEO and Co-founder of Citroniq, shares how the company is transforming ethanol into bio-polypropylene through its innovative E₂O process.

Listen to learn:

• Citroniq’s approach to bio-based polypropylene

• How scale and technology choices influence commercial viability

• Why bio-polypropylene stands out among plastics for sustainability impact

Click here to find out more about Argus' Biochemicals, a new service offering references for bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-butadiene, and bio-benzene.

Which bunker market regulations will come into effect or become more impactful in 2026? 

What challenges will the bunker market face to comply with new changes?  Isabella Reimi, Oil product reporter, Hussein Al-Khalisy, Biofuels associate editor and Bob Wigin, Oil products senior reporter share answers to these questions and more in this episode.

Tune in for expert insights on:

• Supply challenges from strict eligibility criteria

• Measures to unlock eligible credits, including insurance and regional progress

• Demand uncertainty and regional differences in compliance readiness

• Pricing trends across spot, forward, and futures contracts

• Key developments shaping market maturity and liquidity

Learn more about the Argus Carbon service: Argus Carbon

Key Points: 

- Opec production target increases

- India's shift away from Russian crude

- Market outlook for the next quarter  

Join Ruth Sharpe, Editor – Ammonia and Mike Nash, Senior Editor - Fertilizers as they discuss these topics in the latest episode of Argus' Fertilizer Matters podcast series.

Related links

• More information: Argus Ammonia price reporting service
• Request a sample report/trial: Argus Ammonia
• More information: Ammonia short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Webinar: Clean and conventional ammonia outlook
• Free sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights
• Fertilizer Matters podcast series

Gain insight into the evolving dynamics of the Mexican steel market, including the impact of US tariffs, shifting trade flows, and domestic sourcing trends. Learn how Argus is bringing transparency to a market diverging from its northern neighbor, and how local pricing in pesos and dollars reflects real business practices.

Key topics covered in the podcast:

• Why Mexico’s steel market is diverging from the US'

• The role of tariffs and protectionist policies in shaping demand

• Argus’ new hot-rolled coil assessments in northeast Mexico

• How scrap pricing connects to finished steel production

• Mexico’s position in the global steel landscape

Conoce la evolución del mercado mexicano del acero, incluyendo el impacto de los aranceles estadounidenses, los cambios en los flujos comerciales y las tendencias de abastecimiento nacional. Descubre cómo Argus aporta transparencia a un mercado que se está desvinculando de su vecino del norte, y cómo los precios en pesos y dólares reflejan las prácticas reales del negocio. Temas clave abordados en el podcast: • Por qué el mercado mexicano del acero se está desvinculando del de EE. UU. • El papel de los aranceles y las políticas proteccionistas en la demanda • Nuevas evaluaciones de acero laminado en caliente en el noreste de México • Cómo los precios de la chatarra se relacionan con la producción de acero terminado • La posición de México en el panorama global del acero

Para más episodios y cobertura del mercado de metales, visita https://www.argusmedia.com/es/solutions/products/argus-global-steel

• What are market participants expecting for iron ore demand in the fourth quarter and early 2026, particularly from China and other major steel-producing regions?

• How are steelmakers adjusting procurement strategies in response to diverging trends between iron ore and coking coal?

• What is the role of the 61pc Fe index, and how does it compare to the established 62pc benchmark?

Escuche a Sergio Meana, gerente de desarrollo de negocios de América Latina, y a Marialuisa Rincón, subeditora de metales de Estados Unidos, conversar sobre el mercado mexicano y los fundamentos que respaldan el lanzamiento.

Servicios Relacionadas: Argus Scrap Markets

• How carbon costs are calculated for EU crackers, and why they vary depending on emissions performance and benchmarking

• The evolution of ETS pricing and its impact on competitiveness

• How CBAM is designed to level the playing field and why its limited scope may accelerate downstream import substitution

• Why indirect costs from ETS, such as higher energy prices, remain a concern for EU producers

To find out more about Argus' Light Olefins services, please click here.

The battery materials industry is in a state of transition and of turmoil. Continued growth of EV sales and the emergence of ESS are pushing battery technology into the mainstream, while it becomes a geopolitical tool at the heart of the current trade conflicts.

Join Thomas Kavanagh, Editor, and Dylan Khoo, Senior Analyst, as they discuss recent trends in battery materials and what’s next for the sector.

Key topics covered:

• Expectations for lithium prices
• Export controls from the DRC and China
• The growth of the ESS market
• Europe’s EV sales recovery

Dila Odluyurt, senior reporter, covering the Turkish PE, PP and PVC markets speaks about:

• How is the Turkish market doing towards the end of the year
• How the lowering prices affected the market dynamics
• How demand has been for the past 3 months
• What is the current situation in the market

Click here for more information on the polymers markets, including key regional prices, global news and analysis on the market, or to speak to an expert.

Canadian miner Sigma Lithium has grown its Brazilian project into one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium operations in record time. CEO Ana Cabral joins Argus reporters Chris Welch and Pedro Consoli to discuss shipment strategies during volatile prices, how the firm keeps all-in costs below $600/t.

• Why Sigma paused shipments during price lows

• How it maintains second-lowest costs globally

• Downstream ambitions and waste upcycling

• Policy, green premiums, and permitting risks

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers and Dave McCaskill, VP of Methanol & Derivatives, discuss:

• Update on IMO vote – implications for low-carbon methanol and marine fuel decarbonization efforts

• Developments in the Asian methanol market

• Atlantic Basin market response

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

Join James Gooder and George Maher-Bonnett as they discuss key market changes, refinery developments, regional hub pricing, the uptake of Argus Ebob and Argus' transparency initiative.

·      How has the West African oil market changed after deregulation?

·      What is the impact of Dangote and other upcoming refining projects?

·      Is West Africa becoming a pricing hub for refined products?

·      How is Argus answering the need for all-day price transparency?

Meet the Argus team at Booth S9 at the OTL 2025 Expo.

• How the Kirkuk grade traded before its halt in March 2023 and why it’s been absent
• Now the grade is back online, how much is available and how will it trade with the marketing rights belonging to Iraq’s Somo, including the return of the spot market and how that works  
• Will Kirkuk create a place for itself in the Mediterranean crude slate again?

Kuganiga Kuganeswaran, Deputy Editor, Crude Oil

Lina Bulyk, Associate Editor, Crude Oil

• Evolution of asphalt demand in Brazil, including drivers of the record demand seen in 2024

• What factors made the US a major supply source for Brazil

• How political, budgetary and seasonal factors influence the market

• Projections for the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026

• Introduction of a price assessment for waterborne cargo delivered to Brazil

Topics Covered:

• South Korea’s aggressive condensate buying spree

Driven by fears of naphtha shortages, South Korean refiners are snapping up regional condensate and ultra-light crude grades, pushing out traditional buyers like Indonesia’s TPPI.

• Russian export disruptions following the Ust-Luga terminal attack

The late-August drone strike on Novatek’s facility has halted condensate splitter operations, slashing naphtha exports to Asia and tightening regional supply.

• Middle East refinery turnarounds tightening naphtha supply

Planned maintenance at Kuwait’s Mina Abdullah and Saudi Arabia’s Satorp refineries in Q4 is expected to reduce naphtha output, compounding the supply crunch.

• Surging spot premiums across condensate and naphtha markets

Premiums for grades like Ichthys, Cossack, and Kutubu Light have hit multi-year highs, while naphtha cracks and spot premiums have climbed amid tighter availability and shifting trade flows.

Topics discussed:

• Although most Canadian crude exports head to the US, last year’s Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) has provided the conduit to export an average of 440,000 b/d to the US west coast and Asia this year.

• Canadian and condensate production is projected to reach a record 5.05mn b/d in the fourth quarter, increasing the need for export capacity.

• December TMX export volumes may match March’s record levels of 530,000 b/d, with indications suggesting the heavy Canadian waterborne fob Vancouver premium to inland prices in Alberta will be high enough to make pipeline flows more lucrative.

Key topics discussed:

- Why Turkish polymer demand remains weak despite price fluctuations

- How Middle East tensions and new capacity influenced stockpiling

- On-the-ground insights from Gaziantep end users and contract pricing trends

- Expectations for further PP price declines and cautious buying behaviour

This episode covers:

• What caused the recent fluctuations in Chinese rebar export prices?

• How did trade measures affect export sentiment and pricing?

• What are the market expectations for Chinese rebar and billet exports in the coming months?

• How did domestic demand trends in August impact export volumes and producer strategies?

• What is the outlook for China’s steel capacity exit and the role of electric arc furnaces?

Harshad leads the vision and product strategy for Aligne, the FIS Energy Trading Risk and Logistics platform. Aligne is a cloud-native, multi-commodity ETRM that streamlines trading, risk, logistics, and reporting across power, gas, LNG, refined products, and emissions. With ~20 years in energy market data and analytics, Harshad focuses on simplifying energy market complexity, integrating emissions management, and enabling clients to scale confidently.

Tune in for expert insights on:

• Current challenges in carbon markets, including transparency and pricing issues

• VCM facing issues with lack of standardisation, project integrity, and demanding due diligence

• How ETRM systems address market and operational challenges

• The future growth potential for carbon markets

• Assumptions on Venezuela as addressed in the Americas issue of Argus Asphalt Quarterly Analytics report 

• Demand outlook in Latin America and the potential impact the 2026 Brazilian election could have on asphalt consumption 

• Impact of Chevron's reinstated waiver, including what that means for asphalt exports to the US

• A roundup of the US Gulf Coast and the general US market - key supply and capacity updates

• Impact of the tariffs, US trade policies and scrutiny of government budgets

• A brief look into Canadian asphalt production

• And much more

In this episode, Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers speaks with Alex Dӧll, the newly appointed CEO of the Methanol Institute, to discuss:

• Alex Dӧll’s background and strategic vision for the Methanol Institute and its global initiatives

• Key takeaways from the Argus Methanol Forum

• Updates and trends in the gray methanol market

• Methanol's advancement in marine fuels, plastics, and SAF striving toward sustainability and decarbonization

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting. Get more information and request a free trial. 

In this episode, James Elliott, VP of Business Development, is joined by Sam Hashmi, Global Editor Polymers, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving US–Europe polyolefins trade relationship and the impact of tariffs on the European market.

Key topics discussed:

• What the latest import duty proposals could mean for market confidence and pricing.

• Why European producers are watching US polyethylene imports, and what’s next for polypropylene.

• Outlook for demand as the industry heads into K-Show and beyond.

Three main topics:

• Introduction and significance of Johan Castberg crude: A rare standalone field in the Barents Sea, marking a notable expansion in Norway’s oil production.
• Crude quality and market reception: Castberg is slightly heavier but low in sulphur, with high yields of valuable distillates, making it attractive to European refiners.
• Trading logistics and pricing: The grade trades at a premium and is limited to local markets due to shuttle tanker constraints and higher transport costs.

This week, we turn to Southeast Asia’s polymer markets, with Yee Ying Ang, Senior Reporter for Polymers, and Timo Tumuscheit, VP Business Development for Chemicals in Asia, joining James Elliott to unpack the region’s pricing dynamics and Argus’ methodology.

Key topics discussed:

• How seasonal shifts and trade policy are influencing polymer demand across Southeast Asia’s key markets.

• How Argus assesses polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) prices in Southeast Asia, including how spot market activity and market sentiment are captured.

• The role of transparency and multi-source verification in building market confidence.

• Market challenges and margin pressures European PVC producers are facing.

• Recent PVC plant closures across Europe.

• Key demand drivers for PVC in the European market.

• Rise in Asian imports following trade shifts.

Join Ellie Saklatvala, global metals editorial lead, as she delves into the antimony market with fellow antimony experts, Cristina Belda, associate editor, and Zach Schumacher, US metals editor, to gain insight into how the critical mineral has been impacted by recent export controls coming from China.

In our second episode, we turn our attention to the Polyethylene Transaction Index (PTI), with Terry Glass, Vice President for Polymers, joining James Elliott, VP Business Development, to explain how the index works and why it matters.

Key topics discussed

• What the PTI is, how it’s calculated, and why it was developed in response to rising US polyethylene exports.

• How the index supports resin producers, converters, brand owners and investors with early-month pricing clarity and resin-type granularity.

• Why PTI offers a neutral, transparent view of domestic prices.

Click here to receive the PTI on the first working day of every month.

Want to speak to our experts at K? Click here to book a meeting.

In our first episode, we explore recycled polymers and plastics, with Will Collins, Global Editor for Recycled Polymers, and Chloe Kinner, Editor for Recycled Polymers, joining James Elliott, VP Business Development, to discuss the latest developments in the market.

Key topics discussed: 

• Market developments over the summer and forward-looking insights for autumn.

• Sustainability commitments shaping demand in recycled polyolefins and PET.

• Impact of recent plant closures on the recycling industry.

Want to speak to our experts at K? Click here to book a meeting.

Listen to this podcast as our experts provide an update on developments and how Argus has created the first assessment to properly reflect the transformation:

• Summary of the major trading regions and the pricing benchmarks in each

• Delve into the evolving dynamics and fundamentals of the Mideast Gulf

• Why the Mideast Gulf region needs an independent price assessment 

• Introduction to Argus fob Mideast Gulf Gasoline (MEBOB)

• And much more

Key topics of the podcast include:

• The commissioning of a new torrefaction factory in Finland, built with Taaleri
• How NextFuel’s technology turns alternative feedstocks into coal-replacing fuel
• Key industries that could adopt torrefied briquettes
• Future projects and regional expansion plans for NextFuel

Argus offers biomass prices, news, analysis, and consulting.

Get more information and request a free trial.

• How did Turkish HRC, CRC and HDG exports develop in the first half?

• What are the expectations for 4Q shipments and pricing?

• How could Turkey offset a potential drop in EU exports with CBAM on the horizon?

Learn more about Argus Global Steel here: https://www-preview.web.argusmedia.tech/en/solutions/products/argus-global-steel?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=glo-gmtc-met-2025-06-25-metal-movers-podcast-series&utm_content=productinformation-podcast-ad

Welcome to this Methanol Market Puts-and-Takes podcast episode, part of the Chemical Conversations series. 

In this episode, Argus Global Methanol Consultant Dave McCaskill and Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers deliver insights into the:

• Key trends shaping the methanol market this summer

• Impact of regional dynamics on pricing direction

• Perspectives on the upcoming IMO decision in October

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting.

Get more information and request a free trial. 

For more information on attending the Methanol Forum in Houston on Sept 8–10 and connecting with the Argus methanol team, please contact Cassidy Staggers at cassidy.staggers@argusmedia.com.

• Examining the reasons for the continued strength of ethylene prices in the US and its impact on exports. Will US ethane exports continue to rise?

• Will the capacity rationalisations tighten the market balance and, in that case, will margins improve?

• How are regional cracker expansions and trade dynamics influencing ethane demand, and what does this mean for the global industry?

From a start marred by multiple delays to run rates now reaching over half it's nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day - the Dangote refinery continues to defy expectations.

The refinery has been focussing on increasing it's dominance within Nigeria and the wider region. Find out how this is being achieved plus what this means for European gasoline - has Europe lost the Nigerian market?

Key topics covered in the podcast:

• Market sentiments following World Potash Conference in Golmud, China
• China's recent price trend developments in the domestic MOP market
• China's exports of fertilizers in small bags to halt from late July
• Potash project developments in Laos

Related links

• More information: Argus Potash price reporting service
• Request a sample report/trial: Argus Potash
• More information: Potash short and mid to long-term outlook services
• Free sign up: Argus Fertilizer Market Highlights
• Fertilizer Matters podcast series

In this episode, Argus Global Methanol Consultant Dave McCaskill and Senior Analyst Cassidy Staggers deliver insight into:

•  Recent contract and spot price dynamics

•  Methanex’s acquisition of OCI is complete – what happens next?

•  How the latest economic tariffs impact the methanol market

Argus offers methanol prices, news, analysis, forecasts, and consulting.  

Get more information and request a free trial. 

• How the latest news around the globe have been affecting the polymer markets

• How the market has been in the Turkish market since May

• How the market dynamics for demand and supply have been for the past two months

#Polyethylene #Polypropylene #PVC #Polymers #MarketInsights #Podcast #Data #Trends #TurkeyChemicals #ChemicalMarkets  

• A look back at the previous core flows, cargoes and vessels that were involved in US imports of biofuels and renewable feedstocks

• With the US blenders tax credit being replaced with the 45Z tax credit scheme, get insights into what the scheme is and what impact it has on freight markets

• Following the tax policy change that followed President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, find out what to expect in the specialised tanker market

• Other key U.S. policy changes to be aware of

Tune in for expert insights on:

• Risk types for carbon emission markets

• Carbon insurance and how it can help mitigate carbon market risks

• How novel insurance products can help solve “pain points” for the carbon market as it scales

• Ways insurance can boost liquidity in the international and voluntary carbon markets 

As copper flooded into the US, stockpiles at COMEX ballooned while buyers in China, the rest of Asia and Europe were left scrambling. Regional premiums spiked, and refined copper became scarce outside the US. Suddenly, copper began behaving more like its volatile base metal peers—unpredictable and reactive to geopolitical shifts.

In this episode, Ronan Murphy, editor of Argus Non-Ferrous Markets, speaks with copper experts from the US, China, and Europe to unpack the global ripple effects. What will the US do with all this copper? How are other regions adapting? And what does the rest of the year hold for the global copper market?

In This Episode:

• Why copper is flooding into the US—and what happens next
• How China is adapting to a new copper reality
• How European buyers are dealing with tight supply
• What the future holds for copper prices and trade flows

• Impacts on pricing, supply and demand balances, and current trade flows.

• Outlook on what the hydrocarbon resins and pine chemicals markets should expect. 

This podcast is delivered by Argus’ chemical experts using data and insights from the Argus Pine Chemicals and Argus C5 and Hydrocarbon Resins services.  

Request a free trial or more information for Argus Pine Chemicals service. 

Request a free trial or more information for Argus C5 and Hydrocarbon Resins service.

Listen to Argus experts for the latest developments in US tariffs, postings and Latin America base oil dynamics.

Gabriella Twining (Global Editor - Base Oils ), John Dietrich (Deputy Global Editor - Base Oils) and Julio Viana (Reporter) give some detailed insights:

• With the pause in tariff announcements and a clearer picture of what they look like, get a view of the key implications on the base oils and finished lubricants markets
• Recent developments that have impacted spot prices
• Key trends and developments of note in the Brazil market
• Biggest challenges the market is currently facing in Latin America
• Interesting takeaways from our inaugural Latin America focussed base oils conference that took place in Miami in May
• And much more.

Ouça a conversa entre Camila Fontana, chefe adjunta da redação da Argus no Brasil, e Maria Carolina Albuquerque, especialista do relatório Argus Brasil Combustíveis, para saber mais sobre as tendências para o complexo sucroalcooleiro.

This week in review’s episode features:

• Black Lion jumps into Citgo auction with $8bn bid
• US refinery capacity down in 2024
• Phillips 66 to produce CARB for Calif. in Washington

Tune in every Monday for your weekly recap of the stories shaping the road fuels market

Your Go-To Source for Reliable Road Fuel Prices

As a trusted source in the industry, Argus delivers accurate, timely pricing for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, RINs, ethanol, and more. Our data equips buyers, sellers, and refiners with the precision necessary to operate confidently in the dynamic market.

Discover our services and see how we can help your business thrive in the ever-changing market landscape: Explore our services

Related products:

LNG Daily: https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-lng-daily

European Natural Gas: https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-european-natural-gas

European Products: https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/argus-european-products 

This week in review’s episode features:

• Texas City refinery
• Amber Energy weighs jumping back into Citgo auction
• Iowa approves grants to expand E15 at the pump

Tune in every Monday for your weekly recap of the stories shaping the road fuels market.

Your Go-To Source for Reliable Road Fuel Prices

As a trusted source in the industry, Argus delivers accurate, timely pricing for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, RINs, ethanol, and more. Our data equips buyers, sellers, and refiners with the precision necessary to operate confidently in the dynamic market.

Discover our services and see how we can help your business thrive in the ever-changing market landscape: Explore our services

Speakers: • Ellie Saklatvala, Editorial Lead for non-ferrous metals at Argus • Cristina Belda, Associate Editor for metals at Argus • Maeve Flaherty, Reporter for metals at Argus

Listen to Yohanna Pinheiro, LPG Freight Reporter at Argus, and Freight Editor John Ollett as they unpack how shifting trade dynamics, cautious Chinese buyers, and longer voyages via the Cape of Good Hope are reshaping the global LPG freight.

Tune in every Monday for your weekly recap of the stories shaping the road fuels market.

Complimentary Market insight paper – Download here:

• China’s PPA Market – growing non-fertilizer demand, forecast & new price assessments

Key topics covered in the podcast:

• What is Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA)?
• Analysing PPA production processes - 'thermal' vs 'wet'
• The different uses of PPA, across industrial, food, and electronic grades
• What are the key influences on PPA prices, from a production standpoint?
• What’s driving PPA's growth in China, and how influential is the Electric Vehicle market?
• Analysing PPA exports from China
• Argus’ new China PPA price assessments