Commodities Focus

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645 episodes · showing the newest 200

Europe storage gap, Middle East risks and Russian LNG exit may reshape winter flows

Nov 11, 2026 12 min

As the LNG market heads into winter, the balance between demand uncertainty and supply flexibility remains a key focus for market participants. While Asia appears relatively comfortable and the prompt market has softened, Europe's storage levels remain below year-ago levels, and the continent is preparing for the gradual phaseout of Russian LNG. In this episode, Cindy Yeo, price reporter for Asia-Pacific, joins Shermaine Ang, senior manager for Asia-Pacific, and Megan Brown, price reporter covering the Atlantic, to examine how these competing forces, alongside lingering geopolitical risks, could reshape global LNG trade flows and determine where the next marginal cargo is needed most.

Soybean meal markets eye shifting trade flows and sourcing challenges as EUDR nears rollout

Oct 30, 2026 18 min

The EU Deforestation Regulation is moving closer to implementation as Brazil and Argentina process large soybean crops and European buyers reassess their sourcing strategies. Despite abundant South American supply, strong demand, higher futures and tight availability in the near-term helping support soybean meal prices, the traceability requirements are adding another factor to buying decisions. In this episode, Jason Spaziante, manager, price reporting, agriculture and fertilizer, Gabriel Faleiros, principal research analyst with S&P Global CERA and price reporters with the agriculture and food markets, Nanditha Kinavoor Madathil and José Gomes, discuss how EUDR is influencing soybean and soybean meal markets, whether trade flows are beginning to shift and what to watch as the industry heads into 2027.

El Niño and agriculture: Global wheat markets confront weather, export risks

Oct 21, 2026 22 min

From Australian crop prospects and India's planting season to Argentina's export potential and Black Sea shipping disruptions, global wheat markets are entering a critical period. El Niño remains a major weather risk, while ongoing export constraints in the Black Sea continue to affect global supply chains and price relationships. In this episode, Rohan Somwanshi, managing editor, Global Agriculture News, speaks with Vikneswaran Jeya Kumaran, associate analyst, Cost and Margins; Sampad Nandy, editor, Global Agriculture News; and Vivian Iroanya, senior price reporter, Agriculture & Food, about the biggest risks and opportunities that lie for wheat producers, traders and importers in the months ahead.

African swine fever: Spain's pork sector faces trade and animal feed challenges

Oct 9, 2026 15 min

African swine fever is adding fresh uncertainty to Spain's pork market, reshaping trade flows and influencing feed buying decisions. As exporters navigate disease-related restrictions and changing global demand, feed buyers remain cautious and focused on short-term needs. In this episode, Agriculture Price Reporter Nanditha Kinavoor Madathil, Iara Lima, associate price reporter, agriculture, and Magdalena Michalik, principal analyst, European proteins, discuss the impact of ASF on pork and feed markets, the shifting trade landscape, and what to watch as the sector heads into 2027.

El Niño and agriculture: Shrimp markets face uncertainty over crop quality, feed prices

Sep 22, 2026 20 min

The ongoing El Niño is reshaping global seafood markets by warming Pacific waters and disrupting rainfall, currents, and nutrient flows. Shrimp producers face disease risks, salinity fluctuations, flooding, drought, and elevated feed costs, which pressure output and margins. In Peru, warmer seas can push anchovy stocks deeper or farther offshore, curbing catches and fishmeal production. Reduced fishmeal availability raises feed prices, affecting shrimp supply, trade flows, and profitability worldwide. In the second episode of a four-part podcast series on El Niño and its impact on key agricultural commodities, host Asim Anand is joined by Platts price reporters Elvis John and Mariana Farhat, alongside news editor Sayona Anna John. Together, they discuss how El Niño is affecting shrimp trade and pricing, and how markets are adjusting to the weather disruptions.

Why food inflation is no longer just about supply and demand

Sep 17, 2026 22 min

The next phase of food inflation may be determined as much by energy policy and geopolitics as by crop yields. In this episode of Platts Commodities Focus podcast, the S&P Global Energy news team explores the structural forces reshaping agricultural markets, from tightening global beef supplies and rising biofuel demand to trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and the growing threat of El Niño. Join Aditya Kondalamahanty, senior editor, agriculture and food, Sampad Nandy, editor, grains and oilseeds, Sayona anna John, editor, protein markets, and Samyak Pandey, senior editor, oilseeds and biofuels markets, as they discuss the intersection of energy policy, weather volatility, and geopolitical conflict with food supply chains, and the implications for consumers, traders and policymakers in the coming year.

El Nino and agriculture: How are Asian rice markets navigating the weather risks?

Jul 24, 2026 22 min

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast high chances of El Nino developing in 2026, potentially disrupting weather patterns worldwide. Renewed weather volatility driven by a strong El Nino is spotlighting supply security, price trends, and export flows across Asian rice markets. As demand for rice stays resilient, market participants are closely monitoring the risks from erratic monsoons, reduced water availability, and rising input costs in major producing countries. In the inaugural episode of a four-part podcast series on El Nino and its impact on key agricultural commodities, host Asim Anand is joined by Platts price reporters Ayushi Baloni and Muskan Aggarwal, alongside CERA Analyst Dipanshi Agarwal. Together, they discuss how El Nino is reshaping rice production, exports, and pricing across Asia.

Asian LNG under pressure: what comes next for prices amid the Middle East conflict?

Jul 20, 2026 15 min

Asian LNG markets are facing renewed pressure as the US–Iran conflict raises concerns over supply security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With the initial price shock now absorbed, the focus is shifting to the next phase of the crisis: how the supply-demand balance is evolving and which market signals will drive price direction. Join Jaime Wong, commodity associate, APAC LNG pricing, Cindy Yeo, price reporter, Suyash Pande, senior price reporter, and James Taverner, executive director, global gas and LNG research, as they examine the market's initial response, the outlook for Asian LNG demand and supply, and what the evolving risk landscape could mean for spot and forward prices.

From Hormuz to Gulf ports: tracing a logistics shock through the poultry trade

Jul 14, 2026 17 min

The Middle East imports the majority of the chicken it consumes, with Brazil the dominant origin and most cargo routed through the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf ports. When that route was effectively disrupted in early March 2026, the Platts CIF Middle East chicken breast assessment moved from $2,320 a tonne in early February to a peak of $3,150 by mid-April — a 36% increase over eight weeks, driven by freight and routing costs rather than any change in supply or demand. This episode traces how that shock travelled through the container freight market, through the poultry benchmark itself, and into a slower-moving story around Brazilian feed and fertilizer costs that could feed back into Middle East import prices in the seasons ahead. Karan Dadure, associate price reporter covering Middle East poultry markets at S&P Global Energy, joins Arif Islam, Platts price reporter covering shipping freight across the Europe, Middle East, Africa region, and Magdalena Michalik, principal analyst for European proteins at S&P Global Energy, to discuss how the disruption about the Strait of Hormuz repriced Middle East chicken imports, the freight cost dynamics that drove it, and the slower-moving feed and fertilizer story that could shape Brazilian poultry export prices into the 2026-27 season.

India's carbon market: from design to implementation

Jul 13, 2026 18 min

India's emerging compliance carbon market under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is moving into its early implementation phase, with an intensity-based design that sets operational-level obligations for emission-intensive sectors. The scheme is expected to influence industrial planning, capital allocation, and trade competitiveness. The stakeholders need clarity on how the market will work in practice, what signals it will send on carbon pricing, and how credible emissions accounting will support trust and investment. Vipul Garg, Platts senior price reporter, environmental markets at S&P Global Energy, joins Prabhoda Acharya, Chief Sustainability Officer at JSW Group, one of India's largest industrial conglomerates, with its major entities -- JSW Steel and JSW Cement -- expected to participate in India's emerging carbon market framework and Anirudh Iyer, Platts senior carbon price reporter to discuss the role of strong Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and liquidity for market functioning, near-term implementation challenges, genuine emissions reduction through Europe's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Article 6 mechanisms.

India's corporate renewable sourcing: Are IRECs losing ground to VPPAs amid growing demand?

Jun 17, 2026 16 min

India's corporate renewable energy market is entering a new phase. While International Renewable Energy Certificates still lead the way for buyers seeking flexibility, simplicity, and cost-effective compliance, larger corporates are increasingly exploring Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, financial contracts that allow procurement of renewable energy attributes without taking physical delivery of the power. In a structurally oversupplied Indian I-REC market, rising issuance, cyclical demand, and price sensitivity continue to shape procurement strategies. Vipul Garg, Platts senior price reporter, environmental markets at S&P Global Energy, joins Utsab Sil Roy, head of operations at Climate Cred, an environmental solutions company that helps businesses measure, report and offset their greenhouse gas emissions, and Ahmad Afiq, Platts senior I-RECs price reporter, to discuss pricing trends, growing corporate demand, India's energy procurement mix and government policies.

India's renewable hydrogen projects face cost, delay risks from global conflicts

May 27, 2026 29 min

India has established a strong foothold in the emerging clean fuels industry, leveraging its low-cost renewable energy resources to position itself as a competitively priced producer of renewable hydrogen and ammonia for both domestic industrial use and large-scale exports to buyers seeking to secure future supplies of low-carbon fuels. However, recent geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have disrupted supply chains and pushed up costs, posing risks to project timelines and cost estimates. Despite these near-term challenges, India's long-term outlook remains robust, supported by the global shift from conventional fuels, an emphasis on energy security, and net-zero targets across major economies that are expected to drive future trade in renewable fuels. Ruchira Singh, Editor—Energy Transition at S&P Global Energy joins Nishaanth Balashanmugam, CEO and Director of GH2 India--a trade body focused on accelerating renewable hydrogen in the country--and Vipul Garg, Senior Hydrogen Price Reporter at S&P Global Energy, to discuss the factors shaping the sector, including the evolving business environment, regulatory landscape, and emerging markets for renewable hydrogen.

Global wheat markets on edge as war, weather, and fertilizer shocks drive new rally

May 19, 2026 16 min

Global wheat prices have been rising since the Middle East war began in late February. Geopolitical tensions, higher fertilizer costs, and mounting weather risks in North America, and a potential El Niño in Australia are all in focus. At the same time, Black Sea new-crop wheat is competing with Australian origin in Asia, while strong crop prospects in the Middle East and North Africa are reshaping expectations for trade flows and demand. Join Maham Quadri, associate price reporter, North America, Vivien Tang, senior price reporter covering APAC, and Vivian Iroanya, senior price reporter for Europe, Middle East & Africa, as they talk to Pierre Cera-Huelva, global wheat analyst and head of EU crops research, to discuss how demand and trade flows will adjust in the months ahead.

Copper markets react to high sulfuric acid prices, Middle East conflict

May 15, 2026 18 min

Copper TC/RCs have plunged 89% since January, hitting record lows as concentrate supply tightens and demand stays firm. At the same time, the Middle East war has driven sulfuric acid prices – an important by-product for copper production - up 156% since mid-March, supporting copper smelters to maintain production, and exposing copper's growing vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. Join Ruilin Wang, associate director of nonferrous market, Yuya Pan, senior principal analyst of sulphur & phosphate raw materials at S&P Global CERA, Lu Han, senior editor of nonferrous, and Mok YuenCheng, senior manager at S&P Global Energy, in a discussion on the evolving copper and sulphur markets.

Mounting risks for global beef prices: what's driving market uncertainty?

Apr 16, 2026 12 min

Global beef prices are rising, with multiple record highs recorded for beef from Australia and Brazil, as well as in the US lean trimmings import market during the first quarter. Although strong US demand has supported the market, the global beef industry is facing challenges related to quotas and geopolitical risks. In this podcast, we will shed light on the increasing risks affecting the beef trade. Join S&P Global Energy's Edward Low and Chow Yuh Nien, price reporters for agriculture and food pricing, along with Jack Mullumby, senior principal analyst for APAC proteins, as they discuss the robust global beef prices and the emerging risks to international trade.

India's solar market faces export hurdles, pivots to domestic power

Apr 15, 2026 12 min

The Indian solar market has grown considerably over the past decade as the country continues to invest in its module and cell manufacturing capacities. However, the recent imposition of additional duties by the country's largest export market – the US – has restricted India's export opportunities. In response, the Indian solar industry is increasingly redirecting their efforts towards the domestic market, while simultaneously exploring new international prospects. Join Lena Dias Martins, associate price reporter at S&P Global Energy, price reporter Srija Basu Roy, associate price reporter Aditya Saroha and Jessica Jin principal analyst of clean technologies and supply chains at S&P Global Horizons in a discussion on the evolving Indian solar market.

In the fast-growing Brazilian I-RECs market, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead?

Apr 6, 2026 25 min

With one of the world's largest shares of renewables in its energy generation mix, Brazil offers opportunities for companies in the country seeking to reduce their emissions. In this episode, we discuss how the country has developed a large supply of International Renewable Energy Certificates, or I-RECs, and which challenges came with it. Join Felipe Peroni, associate price reporter at S&P Global Energy, Fernando Lopes, director of Totum Institute, and Vittoria Morini, Americas Renewables Manager at S&P Global Energy, in a discussion about the Brazilian energy transition.

Unpacking the global poultry price flip: Why are chicken legs now pricier than breast meat?

Mar 24, 2026 11 min

For the first time since Platts began tracking these markets, frozen boneless chicken legs shipped to North Asia are priced higher than skinless boneless breast meat destined for the Middle East. This shift highlights changing demand and supply dynamics in the global poultry market. The podcast explores the impact of bird flu, supply chain disruptions, and how producers like Brazil are adapting to consumer preferences. Join S&P Global Energy's Graham Style, price reporter for agriculture and food (EMEA), Rubashiny Veeramohan, associate price reporter for agriculture and food (APAC), and Jessie Khor, principal analyst for Proteins, as they discuss how global events and shifting demand are reshaping the poultry landscape.

Decarbonizing India's industrial, power sectors: challenges and roadmaps

Mar 18, 2026 32 min

India's greenhouse gas emissions in the hard-to-abate and power sectors are expected to rise in the decades to come, necessitating an examination of strategies deployed for energy transition in these crucial segments. Though steps have been initiated to help reduce emissions, a bespoke, sector-specific decarbonization roadmap over a multi-year timeframe can help guide this journey. Join Amit Sharma, managing director & chief executive officer at Tata Consulting Engineers, Ashish Singla, director for South Asia power and renewables research at S&P Global Energy and Ruchira Singh, editor, energy transition at S&P Global Energy, in a discussion about the requirements for India's industrial decarbonization.

Asian MTBE arbitrage flows wrecked by Middle East conflict

Mar 17, 2026 15 min

Asian flows of MTBE to arbitrage markets in Europe and Latin America have come to an abrupt halt after the start of the US-Iran war. Through early 2026, Chinese MTBE producers were able to overcome muted blending demand around Singapore by pushing their production to hungry buyers in Europe as well as Latin America. With the European summer driving season on the horizon, Asian MTBE producers were eyeing growing demand over the next few months. The podcast dissects and discusses how the initial flows have stalled and what lies ahead for producers in China and Southeast Asia as well as buyers in Europe and Latin America. Join S&P Global Energy's Pankaj Rao, senior price reporter, chemicals, Baran Serdaroglu, price reporter, chemicals Europe, Leo Engels, price reporter Americas and Felipe Perez, lead Latin American fuels and refining, in a discussion about the impact of the ongoing conflict on product flows and on retail prices for gasoline.

US aluminum market digests tariff-induced volatility at Platts Symposium

Feb 13, 2026 12 min

In this episode of the Commodities Focus Podcast by S&P Global Energy, host Tina Allagh, lead specialist for nonferrous metals pricing, is joined by senior nonferrous price reporter Colleen Ferguson, metals news reporter Anthony Rizkala and principal aluminum analyst Karen Norton to review the key industry and pricing takeaways from the Miami symposium Feb. 1-3. How has the current macroeconomic backdrop, with 50% import duties in place since June, impacted sentiment within the domestic aluminum industry? What does the demand environment look like after the removal of electric vehicle incentives and the rise of data center construction? Within the physical aluminum market, what does spot activity look like as existing stocks continue to dwindle? From current market drivers to the year's forecasted supply and demand balance globally, this episode explores the numerous uncertainties weighing on US aluminum trade. Related link: Specification Guide: Global Nonferrous Metals: global_nonferrous.pdf

How are global shrimp exporters navigating the US import tariffs?

Dec 24, 2025 26 min

The US import tariffs for shrimp are redefining cost structures and market access for major suppliers. As the American buyers restructure and rebalance their origin portfolio, major suppliers, India and Ecuador, are dealing with the domino effect. The podcast discusses how the tariff frictions could reorder global trade flows and influence farmgate pricing and stocking decisions in India and Ecuador. Join S&P Global Energy's Asim Anand, manager, agriculture & food pricing, Max Bouratoglou, principal analyst, Proteins, Elvis John and Felipe Peroni, price reporters for agriculture & food, in a discussion about the intricacies of the global shrimp trade amid these tariffs.

India, Pakistan jostle over exclusive rights for basmati rice

Nov 13, 2025 24 min

The global demand for basmati rice has been rising, especially in the Middle East and the EU. As a result, the competition to sell this long-grain variety has intensified in recent years. The world's biggest Basmati suppliers -- India and Pakistan -- claim proprietary ownership over this long-grain Asian indica rice. In this podcast, we will shine some light on the fundamental issues in the basmati trade and the way forward for the two South Asian countries. Join S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asim Anand, manager, agriculture & food pricing, Dipanshi Agarwal, principal analyst, APAC crops, Ayushi Baloni and Namarita Kathait, associate price reporters for agriculture & food, in a discussion about the intricacies of the global basmati trade and why it has become a source of disagreement between India and Pakistan.

Asia's coal transition dilemma amid renewable energy push

Nov 5, 2025 22 min

The energy landscape in Asia has been evolving in recent years. With a global push towards renewable energy, the longstanding dependence of many Asian countries on coal comes into the limelight. The discussions surround critical questions about whether these nations will be able to transition from primarily fossil fuel-based to a more clean-powered energy, especially at a time when major coal consumers India and China are trying to increase their self-reliance on coal. Join Andre Lambine, associate director, lead APAC short-term power and renewables research, Tanya Jain, associate price reporter for thermal coal and Anirudh Iyer, senior price reporter for energy transition as they speak to Vaibhav Chakraborty, senior price reporter for thermal coal about the ups and downs of achieving energy stability in Asian countries.

A tale of two tariff pauses

Oct 8, 2025 24 min

The first pause of triple-digit tariffs between the US and China prompted a container shipping surge. The second pause? Not so much. The US and China in May took a 90-day breather from triple-digit tariffs that largely halted container ship traffic between the world's two largest economies. Shippers and buyers raced to get Chinese goods on the water to the US during that window in a supply-driven surge to pump up inventories ahead of the holiday shopping season. Mid-August brought another 90-day pause as trade negotiations between the two nations continued, but this time shippers and buyers largely yawned. Kristen Hays, manager of the Americas freight pricing team, and Aroob Sheikh and Catherine George, reporters for North and South American container freight markets, discuss the ups and downs of the two biggest players in global trade. Links: Platts Container Rate 13 North Asia-WC North America PCR1300 Platts Container Rate 5 North Asia-EC North America PCR0500 Platts Container Rate 29 North Asia-WC South America PCR2900 Platts Container Rate 31 North Asia-EC South America PCR3100

Navigating the shifting tides of Asia's gasoline market

Sep 3, 2025 12 min

The landscape of gasoline pricing and supply in Southeast Asia is evolving. The rising demand for low-sulfur blend stocks as Australia prepares for its transition, the effects of reduced non-oxygenated gasoline exports from India and Malaysia's upcoming subsidy increase for 95 RON gasoline--all these factors could influence regional demand, despite potential price inelasticity. In this podcast, Jenson Ong, market engagement lead, global refined oil products, Joshua Ong, senior price reporter, APAC Light Ends and Rachelle Teo, associate price reporter, APAC Clean Products PFC, discuss the intricate interplay between domestic consumption, import dependencies, and the geopolitical factors influencing the gasoline market. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that will shed light on the critical issues affecting one of the most vital commodities in Asia.

Trade changes, policy barriers reshape Asia's traditional UCO market dynamics

Jul 24, 2025 22 min

Asia's used cooking oil (UCO) market is navigating an upheaval this year as the US, which once used to be the largest buyer, has removed incentives for imported biofuels. However, UCO's efficacy and commercial viability as a biofuel feedstock is keeping demand steady and prices at record highs. In this podcast, Iris Leung, associate price reporter, Vasu Tripathy, analyst, oils and fats markets join Aditya Kondalamahanty, senior editor agriculture news to discuss how changing policy is reshaping trade flows and the new market opportunities that are opening for Asian UCO.

Is Japan's rice supply crisis an opportunity for US and Thai farmers?

May 19, 2025 18 min

For months, Japan has been suffering from an extremely low availability of its staple food—rice. Despite Tokyo's efforts to mitigate the supply crisis, local rice prices have touched all-time high levels. Other countries are likely to step in to fill the gap but Japan's preference for quality remains in focus. In this podcast, Asim Anand, managing editor, price reporting, agriculture & food, is joined by Dipanshi Agarwal, agricultural economist, Arif Islam, price reporter and Tanya Rana, senior price reporter to discuss why Japan is facing tightness in rice supplies and what opportunities lie for the US and Thai farmers in terms of trade.

Foot and Mouth Disease shapes the future of European pork trade

May 14, 2025 17 min

A new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease discovered in Germany earlier this year has reshaped trade flows of European pork and led to significant pricing volatility in the region. Varying government responses to the disease have raised questions about how the European market will fare going forward and whether other global exporters will be able to fill the void left by the reduced EU hog supply. Geopolitical uncertainty has further complicated the situation, with US tariffs coming into force and the ongoing antidumping investigation on EU pork by the Chinese government. Heather Pantling leads an indepth discussion with market experts Sarah Reid, Desiré Sigaudo, and Samyak Pandey as they explore the impacts of Foot and Mouth Disease not only on the economy but also on global trading patterns. Links: Platts Protein Assessments EU Pork Marker eur/mt UPML00 EU Pork Marker $/mt EUPMK00 Pork Belly CFR North Asia GPSEB00

Seafood Surge: The Fastest Growing Sector in Global Animal Protein Markets in 2025

May 7, 2025 15 min

As the demand for sustainable protein sources escalates, seafood production is poised to become the fastest-growing sector in the global animal protein markets in 2025. At the forefront of this growth is shrimp, which stands out as a leading sustainable and healthy protein option, capturing the attention of consumers and reshaping the landscape of the animal protein market. Jason Spaziante, EMEA manager of price reporting for agriculture and food, talks to aquaculture analyst Max Bouratoglou and price reporters Karan Dadure and Felipe Peroni about the evolution and challenges for this growing sector of protein.

The rise of battery recycling and black mass markets amid global EV adoption

Apr 29, 2025 24 min

Global electric vehicle adoption is increasing the demand for recycled battery raw materials. While the recent slowdown in EV sales growth and an oversupply of battery metals have weighed on battery recycling in some regions, the recognition of black mass as a sustainable source of critical raw materials has cemented its strategic importance in the eyes of global policymakers. In this episode of the Commodities Focus podcast, our experts explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities in battery recycling and black mass markets.

Chinese jet fuel remains bright spark in latest export quota tranche

Apr 9, 2025 8 min

China's latest round of oil product export quotas had tightened compared to the same tranche a year ago. However, healthy margins and strong aviation recovery have pretty much cemented jet fuel's position as the king of the barrel for Chinese exporters, though turbulence remains. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asia oil news editor, Neo Rong Wei discusses China's latest export quotas and export plans, as well as its impact on regional markets with Market Specialist Daisy Xu and associate price reporter Lee Shu Ling, who covers Asia jet fuel/kerosene markets.

Low-carbon methanol awaits regulatory backing for transportation use

Apr 8, 2025 23 min

The global methanol market is seeing emerging demand for low-carbon transportation fuels, with particular focus on marine fuels, driven by a need to decarbonize global shipping without disrupting supply chains. While conventional methanol has a history of being used as a transportation fuel, there are many new technologies designed to produce methanol with lower carbon intensity than conventional, oil-based marine fuels. However, cost of production and supply availability remain barriers to adoption. Global research lead for methanol and derivatives Olivier Maronneaud and chemicals price reporter Andre Mikhail discuss methanol's potential as a low-carbon fuel, the current production landscape, and the need for effective regulation to bridge the cost gap between sustainable fuels and fossil. Links: International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association conference International Maritime Organization 83rd meeting eMethanol FOB Rotterdam $/mt FRGMD00 Marine Fuel 0.5% FOB Spore Cargo $/mt AMFSA00

Alumina, aluminum markets react to tariffs, new capacity plans

Apr 1, 2025 17 min

Will US tariffs reshape aluminum trade flows? How will new alumina capacity out of Indonesia impact prices? In this podcast, Asia nonferrous metals team lead Jenson Ong is joined by Louissa Liau, associate price reporter for Asia nonferrous metals, and Lucy Tang, market news specialist for Asia metals to discuss the latest developments across the aluminum value chain. Related price assessments (subscriber content): MMWAU00 MMWAD04 MMXCY00 MMANA00 AAFGA00 JLCAA00 JLCAD00

Mexico's chicken meat importers mull options in case of trade war

Mar 27, 2025 21 min

Exporters of chicken meat from the US have been mulling what might happen to their trade in the event of a trade war. Mexico is their largest customer, and Brazil is their largest competitor. However, those US exporters supply fresh, brown chicken meat to Mexico, and they're quietly confident of their ability to hold onto that market. William Bland, EMEA manager of price reporting for agriculture and food, talks to US poultry analyst Kelly Seier and price reporters Luke Lundgren and Beatriz Baltieri about how the market is planning for 2025. Links: Platts Proteins Price Assessments US Chicken Marker USCM - ATALI00 Chicken Leg FCA Brazil – ATALJ00

Global copper markets navigate trade flow shifts and smelting challenges

Mar 26, 2025 15 min

Copper smelter margins have been facing noticeable pressure in recent months as copper concentrate TC/RCs plunged on tight supply, will this mean more production cuts upcoming? Primary copper prices, premiums, and even byproduct sulfuric acid charges, meanwhile, have been rising. Can these offer enough relief to smelters amid record-low TC/RCs? In this podcast, Asia nonferrous metals senior manager price reporting, Mok Yuen Cheng is joined by Asia nonferrous metals senior price reporter Han Lu, minerals and fertilizer associate price reporter Ong Jia Lun, and metals market news specialist Lucy Tang, to discuss the latest happenings in copper and take a closer look at the key drivers in the market.

Brazil's evolving role in the global ferrous scrap market

Feb 19, 2025 15 min

Brazil's ferrous scrap exports have undergone a significant transformation, driven by a weakening domestic steel industry and increasing demand from India. Brazil exported a record 800,000 mt in 2023, following a decline in domestic scrap consumption. Looking ahead, the Brazilian recycling sector is diversifying and adapting to international standards while navigating the ongoing challenges of stagnant economic growth and global steel oversupply. Americas senior metals pricing manager Adriana Carvalho is joined by Mayara Baggio and Camila Martinez, price reporters for Latin America metals, and Abdi Salad, price reporter for EMEA low-carbon and base metals, to discuss the evolving role of Brazil in the ferrous scrap trade. Links: Subscribe to Platts Connect HMS 1/2 Containerized FOB Brazil $/mt ABUPA00 Shredded Scrap Containerized FOB Brazil $/mt ABUPB00 Platts TSI Shredded Scrap CFR Nhava Sheva India $/mt AAXRQ04

Understanding the cattle cycle, why US beef prices are at record highs and the role of Australia and Brazil

Feb 14, 2025 14 min

Beef prices in the US started 2025 at a record high. The world's largest consumer is also seeing a 63-year low in the size of its cattle herd and is expected to continue calling on supplies from Brazil and Australia, the world's two biggest exporters. That's because US farmers have been sending a high proportion of female animals to slaughter before they calved, shrinking their beef operations in response to low prices and higher costs. Luckily, Brazil and Australia are at different stages of the cattle cycle. In this podcast, William Bland, EMEA manager of price reporting for Agriculture & Food, and Ryan Urie, the global head of meat and livestock research, speak to Kevin Coburn and Renan Araujo about how the market is planning for 2025. Links: Platts Proteins Price Assessments Brazil Beef Marker (BBM) - ATALC00 90CL Beef CIF US - ATALB00 90CL FCA Australia – ATALD00

India Energy Week to seek answers on demand trajectory, oil diplomacy and upstream push

Feb 5, 2025 25 min

India's rapidly growing energy demand, the shifting focus of oil producers towards the country, and the transition to cleaner energy sources are key themes at India Energy Week. Delegates will seek insights on how Indian energy companies and policymakers can balance the reliance on traditional fuels with a new energy roadmap. In a comprehensive discussion, Dave Ernsberger, Co-President at S&P Global Commodity Insights, Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director at Oil India Ltd, and Sambit Mohanty, Asia Energy Editor, will explore key market issues of interest to delegates. They will address India's evolving relationship with non-OPEC producers and outline the strategies India plans to implement in its upstream sector to attract global investors.

Emergency or policy? Unpacking Trump's take on US energy and metals

Jan 28, 2025 27 min

Within hours of being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, and declared a national emergency with the aim of ensuring reliable energy supplies and position the US as a leading minerals producer. Trump also threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico -- major exporters of crude to the US. How have commodities markets responded to Trump's actions? What powers do these emergency declarations give Trump to boost production? And how will this reliance on emergencies and executive orders play out down the road as new administrations shift energy policy? Jeff Mower, director of Americas oil news, discusses the emergency declaration and the executive orders with senior editors Eamonn Brennan, Taylor Kuykendall, Maya Weber and Kate Winston. Links: Trump's executive orders on trade, immigration signal dealmaking intent (video) Trump's return to office could raise solar panel production costs (video) FACTBOX: Trump launches round of executive orders to boost energy output (subscriber content)

Nickel markets look ahead at battery, steel sector stimulus, Indonesian growth

Dec 30, 2024 16 min

Amid sustained supply growth out of Indonesia while higher-cost production shuts down, will the focal point of nickel markets continues to be shifted to the country? Markets looks ahead at China's stimulus for support to nickel demand from the steel and battery sectors, but will it be sufficient to underpin prices? In this podcast, Asia nonferrous metals team lead Jenson Ong is joined by Wang Litian, associate price reporter for Asia nonferrous metals, and Lucy Tang, market news specialist for Asia metals to discuss the latest developments in the nickel space.

Navigating a new era of shipping environmental regulations

Dec 17, 2024 29 min

As the maritime industry faces a crucial turning point, the adoption of stringent environmental regulations is reshaping fuel consumption and market dynamics. In this episode of Commodities Focus, our Platts experts discuss the implications of the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) on shipping operations and the transition to alternative fuels. With the upcoming FuelEU regulations and the establishment of a new Emissions Control Area in the Mediterranean, we delve into how these changes are influencing supply chain strategies and the demand for traditional versus alternative fuels. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by these regulatory shifts, and gain insights into the future of freight markets amidst an evolving landscape. Links: GSI 10 Dirty Tanker Global Index Suezmax (Non-Scrubber Fitted Non-Eco) - GSTDA00 GSI 10S Dirty Tanker Global Index Suezmax (Scrubber-Fitted Eco) - GSTDB00 Dirty Tanker Basis Global Index VLCC (Non-Scrubber Fitted Non-Eco) - VGIBS00 Dirty Tanker Basis Global Index VLCC (Scrubber-Fitted Eco) - VGIBR00 Interactive: Platts global bunker fuel cost calculator Platts to include EU ETS carbon costs in tanker freight assessments, launching carbon-exclusive rates for two benchmark routes Jan. 2, 2025 - Read more

How India's ethanol boom is transforming the country's corn trade flow

Dec 11, 2024 11 min

India is at the crossroads of transitioning from Asia's primary corn exporter to a net importer amidst growing ethanol production within the country. Is this trend of corn imports going to continue, and why is the Indian ethanol market a crucial factor? What challenges stand in the way of this transition? In this podcast, grains and oilseeds price reporter Edward Low is joined by Namarita Kathait, associate editor for Asia agriculture and senior editor for biofuels, Rishab Joshi, and global biofuel news editor Samyak Pandey to discuss the latest developments in India's corn and ethanol markets.

After export ban removal, Indian rice enters global markets amid shipping uncertainties

Nov 13, 2024 21 min

The world's top rice exporter India recently lifted most of the restrictions on its rice exports, which the country placed in July 2023 to control soaring domestic food prices. Price-sensitive rice importers, such as the West African countries, are likely to look towards India as a competitive supplier. However, shipping concerns that impacted the country's rice exporters recently may continue to add to the trade uncertainties in the coming days as well. In this podcast, Asim Anand, managing editor, agriculture and food and pricing is joined by Tanya Rana, associate editor, agriculture and food pricing, Pranay Shukla, director, head of dry bulk freight & commodities research, and Tanya Kalra, associate editor, Asia container markets, to discuss the factors impacting global rice markets as well as the freight and container outlooks in 2025, and their possible impact on Indian rice trade.

The global ripple effects of the 2024 US elections on energy

Oct 16, 2024 15 min

The outcome of the US presidential election in November will have ripple effects for the international energy picture. In the weeks before the election, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are trying to draw contrasts with each other, including on energy and foreign policy. Kate Winston, oil news editor for S&P Global Commodity Insights, discusses oil sanctions, LNG exports and solar tariffs with reporters Chris Vanmoessner, Corey Paul and Kirsten Errick. They discuss the foreign policy and economic policies of the candidates and how they may impact supplies and prices for oil, gas and solar components across the globe. Links: How the 2024 elections could reshape US domestic energy policy

How the 2024 elections could reshape US domestic energy policy

Oct 14, 2024 25 min

Political experts say Nov. 5 will likely become known as one of the most pivotal elections in US history. Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency, and whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress, the energy sector faces major potential shifts. There will be implications for supply chains, energy infrastructure, and the overall direction of US energy markets. Jasmin Melvin, senior editor and team lead for The Energy Daily, leads a discussion on what's at stake in the oil, gas, power and metals arenas with Commodity Insights reporters and analysts Zack Hale, Taylor Kuykendall, Starr Spencer and Anna Mosby. They examine the polarizing energy positions from the presidential candidates and how a potentially divided Congress could reshape energy policy. Links: Platts Connect - S&P Global Commodity Insights news coverage, pricing and analysis CapIQ - Commodity Insights Americas news

Direct-reduced iron: India carving its path to meet 'green' steel ambitions

Sep 25, 2024 13 min

India has maintained its position as the world's largest producer of direct-reduced iron (DRI) for several years. As the global race to accelerate energy transition efforts intensifies, DRI has gained prominence due to its potential for reducing carbon emissions in energy-intensive sectors like steel. Recognized as a key pathway to 'green steel,' DRI offers various low-carbon steelmaking alternatives. Walking the DRI path is expected to help India's steel industry to lower its emissions. Capturing this evolving and dynamic market in India, S&P Global Commodity Insights' Platts has launched a daily pellet-based Indian domestic direct reduced iron spot price assessment on an ex-works Raipur, Chhattisgarh basis. Related: Indian domestic direct reduced iron price assessment

Of improving weather and slow demand – are wheat prices headed for a further fall?

Jul 3, 2024 18 min

In the global wheat markets, recent concerns over a major production cut in Russia, a key exporter, have sparked attention on the supply and demand dynamics. Neighbouring European producers are also facing similar concerns. Meanwhile, in Canada and Australia, weather developments in recent months have played a significant role in shaping production prospects. While, on the demand side, key importing regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia are experiencing challenges as well. In this podcast, Lalita AVD, editor, agriculture news, talks to Vivien Tang, senior editor, APAC agriculture and food Pricing, Vivian Iroanya, editor, EMEA agriculture and food pricing, and Ashya Kaderabek-vela, associate editor, Americas agriculture pricing about the potential implications of the production cut in Russia and analyze how other key wheat exporters, such as Canada and Australia, could step up to fill in the supply gap. Russian Wheat 12.5% FOB Black Sea Deep Water (WRBSD00) CWRS Wheat 13.5% FOB Vancouver (30-45 days forward) (AWHCD00) APW Wheat FOB Australia (WAUSA00)

Hot gas summer for a hot power market

Jun 28, 2024 13 min

With high temperatures moving through the US, multiple regions are preparing for gas and power price volatility. Gas supply constraints or cooling demand could result in power demand spikes. Data centers have been increasing power and gas requirements in some areas, power generators have been competing for gas supplies with LNG terminals along the Gulf Coast, and high gas storage levels in Southern California could lower gas and power prices from past summers. Americas gas editorial lead J Robinson and senior power editor Jared Anderson discuss these factors in the natural gas and power market outlook for summer 2024. Links: Register for the Financing US Power Conference

Container market surge puts different pressure on Americas markets

Jun 14, 2024 17 min

Global container markets have endured a year of volatility not experienced since the global pandemic in 2020-2021, anchored by the complexity for supply chains as carriers loop around the Cape of Good Hope. Now that demand is ushering back into markets in a period of restocking, rates have surged upwards for North and South American import markets from Asia, with some suggesting that the ceiling has not yet been reached heading into Q3. In the midst of all of this is an uncertain geopolitical environment, where impending tariffs imposed by the US government on Chinese goods have influenced volume shifting in this upward drive.