Shipping Rates Drop, Low Q4 Inventories Expected
Ocean shipping rates from China to the U.S. have fallen sharply—down as much as 68% since June—as importers take a more cautious approach in response to ongoing tariff uncertainty and softer consumer demand. This trend is part of a wider global slowdown in container shipping, with rates declining for 11 consecutive weeks amid reduced logistics […]
Fed Cuts Rates: What does it mean?
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00%–4.25%, marking a notable shift in policy aimed at supporting the economy. This move comes as job growth slows, and the Fed looks to provide some relief while keeping an eye on inflation, which is still slightly above target. Officials highlighted […]
European Market Overhauls, Optimism Mixed
With the TCC team back from the recent EPCA Annual Meeting in Berlin, Germany, the mood was remarkably bleak, with many industry players and analysts calling for ongoing weak demand, site closures, and minimal hope for recovery in 2026. Many at the conference voiced concern over the burdens of EU regulations in recent years, rising […]
Global Petrochemical Overhauls
Markets across the globe are taking a serious look at production and capacities, and recently have seen a wave of consolidation in the face of trade issues and tariffs. Most recently, South Korea announced a reduction of Naptha cracking capacity of nearly 25%. Many other markets are taking a close look at both supply and […]
Markets Monitor Fed Decision, Rate Cuts
Markets are largely pricing in a fed rate cut at the upcoming September meeting. According to CME, markets are pricing in an 87% probability of a quarter point cut, though the future beyond that is murky. Labor markets have largely driven Fed decisions and negotiations, and recent data released in August seems to support a […]
