OPIS Talks

OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES:

Humberto J. Rocha interviews Vikki Patton and Dan Rockefeller from Ramboll.

Ramboll recently released its European Biodiversity Metric, a habitats-based biodiversity metric specifically designed for the continent. The conversation explores how Ramboll developed this latest metric, the role of policy and voluntary action, and how companies are already using these metrics and tools to guide development decisions, design biodiversity enhancements, and even put nature on the balance sheet. With real-world case studies and a look ahead to 2030, this episode offers a practical deep dive into how measurement can drive meaningful action for nature.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

OPIS TALKS CHEMICALS:

Joe McCabe, President & CEO of Autoforecast Solutions LLC, talks to Mariana Santos Moreira, Thought Leadership Director for Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, about the mixed signals emerging in global EV adoption. They explore whether recent policy shifts point to a genuine slowdown or a temporary pause, the growing role of plug-in hybrids in future forecasts, and how China has become the world’s EV powerhouse. The conversation also looks at the feasibility of fully electrifying the global passenger car fleet within the foreseeable future.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

OPIS TALKS CHEMICALS:

In this episode of OPIS Talks, Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, talks to Mariana Santos Moreira, Thought Leadership Director for Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS about Canada’s emerging role in the next phase of the global energy and chemicals industry. They discuss the investment pull of large-scale CCUS, how companies can navigate volatile feedstock markets, and how Alberta’s Industrial Heartland plans to connect Alberta’s resources to global markets in a world of shifting supply chains.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

OPIS TALKS COAL, METALS & MINING:

James Stevenson and Ranjana von Wendland explore a rapidly shifting global landscape for the coal and coke markets. With the Indian government replacing quantitative restrictions on coke imports with anti-dumping duties, and political developments in Venezuela creating ripple effects across Latin America, the Colombian industry is facing a period of significant change and uncertainty.

The discussion covers the repercussions of the Venezuelan political situation on Colombia’s coal sector and the wider Latin American market, the impact of India’s introduction of anti-dumping duties in place of quotas on the global coke market, Colombia’s export diversification strategies, rising cost pressures and shrinking margins for Colombian producers, and the upcoming Colombian elections and their potential implications for the industry.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES:

As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) enters its definitive phase in 2026, market participants face a new era of carbon accountability. In this episode of OPIS Talks, host Humberto Juarez Rocha is joined by McCloskey steel and sustainability journalist Benjamin Steven to unpack what CBAM really means for steel producers, importers, and traders. From emissions reporting and default values to verification challenges and global competitiveness, the conversation explores how CBAM will reshape supply chains, trade flows, and decarbonization strategies in the years ahead.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

OPIS TALKS DOWNSTREAM:

Is the era of the "street sign discount" over? As fuel volumes dip and consumer budgets tighten, the strategy for winning market share has moved from the totem to the smartphone.

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Weinandy (Principal Research Economist at Upside) explores why personalized offers now significantly outperform traditional price cuts in driving consumer behavior. He navigates the high-stakes "minefield" of dynamic pricing, revealing the stark reality of how customers actually perceive customized costs—and why 50% of them may be pushing back.

As value-seeking becomes the new norm, digital loyalty has emerged as the definitive battlefield for the 2026 economy. Join us as we explain why a retailer's biggest threat isn’t the station down the street—it’s the mobile device already sitting in their customer’s pocket.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

OPIS TALKS DOWNSTREAM FUELING:

Anyone who has worked beside Scott Berhang, had him speak at an event, listened to his fuel buying training, or has had a good old-fashioned conversation with him understands his deep knowledge of the fuel industry. From his OPIS roots to his current role as CEO at SIGMA, Scott dishes about customer relationships, benchmarks, price transparency and education - a topic near and dear to his heart.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll hear a lively discussion on topics including his transition from a price reporting agency to a well-established industry association, the importance of succession and business continuity and the crazy penny shortage that is happening.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES:

Learn about Brazil’s newly established carbon market and how the country plans to integrate carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Aloisio Melo, Brazil’s National Secretary for Climate Change, chats with OPIS Senior Editor Humberto J. Rocha about Brazil’s path toward decarbonization, its unique renewable energy profile, and the nation’s role as host of COP30 in Belém — the first UN climate summit held in the Amazon.

You’ll want to tune in if you’re following the evolution of international carbon markets, preparing for COP30, or seeking insights into how Brazil’s approach could shape the next phase of global climate cooperation.

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

OPIS TALKS METALS:

South Africa’s chrome and manganese ore sectors are at a historic inflection point.

With President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing plans for export tariffs on both minerals, questions are mounting across the mining and global ferro alloys industry, which is dependent on South Africa for its ores.

Will the proposed duty help rebuild domestic smelting capacity or risk undermining one of South Africa’s most valuable export streams?

In this exclusive OPIS Talks podcast with McCloskey, Bongani Motsa, Chief Economist at the Minerals Council South Africa, joins our Research and Analysis Director Tiisetso Nkosi and Associate Director, Research & Analysis, Rohan Baid to unpack the economics, trade implications, and policy risks of this proposed intervention. From China’s dependence on South African ore to the realities of high energy costs and illegal mining, we explore what’s really at stake for South African miners and global ferro alloy smelters.

OPIS TALKS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMODITIES:

In this episode, Humberto Juarez Rocha, OPIS senior editor for carbon and biodiversity, sits down with Mark Lewis—one of the first full-time carbon analysts in London and a longtime observer of carbon markets—to unpack the evolving dynamics of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

They explore:

• Why EU Allowance prices may be on the cusp of a bullish breakout
• How the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the phase-out of free allowances could reshape industrial behavior
• The growing role of speculative capital
• Prospects for international offset integration post-2030
• Global carbon market developments—from China to California to the UK ETS

Have questions or feedback? Please drop us a line at [email protected].

Please help us spread the word by sharing OPIS Talks. Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.