North America downstream news

US ethane exports are poised for significant growth through 2026, driven by robust global demand for ethane as a petrochemical feedstock, substantial US export capacity expansions, and larger vessels to carry ethane exports, the EIA has reported.

FourPoint Resources has announced an agreement with Energy Transfer to expand the Price River Terminal in Wellington, Utah, US, doubling the terminal’s export capacity.

NAA Polymers has announced plans for a new 200 000 tpy facility in Big Spring, Texas, US, with start up expected by late 2026.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts in its October Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) that US crude oil production will average 13.5 million bpd in both 2025 and 2026, both slightly higher than the agency’s September forecast.

For the week ending 26 September 2025, US propane inventory was 103 million bbl, about 13 million bbl more than the previous five-year average for this time of year, the EIA has reported.

Crude oil prices were relatively stable in the 3Q25, ending the quarter just US$0.09/bbl less than they started, while refinery margins increased to their highest levels so far in 2025, the EIA has reported.

Dow and MEGlobal have finalised an agreement for Dow to supply an additional equivalent of 100 000 tpy of ethylene from its Gulf Coast operations, US.

Topsoe has been selected as technology provider by Sandpiper Chemicals LLC, for its new blue methanol plant in Texas City, Texas, US.

The value of all energy trade between the US and Mexico was estimated to be US$57 billion in 2024, down from nearly US$72 billion in 2023, according to data from the US Census Bureau, the US EIA has reported.

Berkshire Hathaway and Occidental have announced a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Occidental’s chemical business, OxyChem, in an all-cash transaction for US$9.7 billion.