The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 132 | Q4 2025 Update with Kathy Hall

Join host Ben Sawicki for our quarterly update with Kathy Hall. Ben & Kathy review recent tariff news, OPEC headlines, and demand indicators for Q1, 2026 and beyond. Benzene, Styrene, Ethylene, Propylene and more are in-focus as Ben & Kathy review trends for the end of the year, and what to watch heading into 2026.

Stream all of this and more on Episode 132!

Kathy Hall: Executive Director Product Management, Global Petrochemicals

Petrochem Wire

Host: Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/​

Summary:

Host Ben Sawicki catches up with Kathy Hall for a grounded conversation on where the chemical industry stands heading into Q4.

They cover the essentials — price trends for ethylene, propylene, and benzene, the continued ripple effects of tariffs and trade pressures, and why many in the industry are calling this period “living in the trough.”

From Europe’s feedstock challenges and automation push, to OPEC’s latest demand forecasts and the steady role of U.S. natural gas, the episode lays out what’s holding steady, what’s changing fast, and what could define 2026.

Kathy also shares perspective on the slowdown in renewable and sustainable projects, as companies shift focus back to core profitability.

Whether you’re in distribution, supply chain, or production, this is a clear-eyed look at the realities of the market and the opportunities ahead.

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 131 | October 2025

Episode 131 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition includes a discussion from sales & customer service on planning ahead for year-end, and anticipating January demand.

Featuring:

VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca

Sales & Customer Service Manager Kaitlyn Hagan

Customer Service Manager Jill Goldstein

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Search for a TCC Product:

https://thechemco.com/chemical/

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

https://thechemco.com/subscribe/

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com

Featuring:

The Logistix Company

Joe Hassenfratz & Brian Burns

Summary:

In Episode 131 of The View from Jamestown Podcast, the team at The Chemical Company (TCC) and The Logistix Company (TLC) dive deep into year-end planning, freight trends, and inventory strategy across the chemicals and logistics industries.

Topics covered:

• How to prepare inventories before 2026’s demand surge

• The 100% China tariff and what it means for pricing

• Freight capacity and LTL shipping delays heading into the holidays

• Sustainability updates — solar power, ISO integration, and the path toward EcoVadis Gold

• TLC’s creative logistics solutions for bulk, liquid, and intermodal freight

Whether you’re a supply chain manager, manufacturer, or logistics professional, this episode helps you stay ahead of the curve as the year wraps up.

Subscribe for industry insights and follow along as we share TCC’s 40+ years of experience serving the chemical industry with “People, Not Portals.”

#ChemicalIndustry #Logistics #Freight #SupplyChain #TCC #TLC #Podcast #YearEndPlanning #sustainability

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 130 | September 2025

Episode 130 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition features a recap of the recent EPCA conference held in Berlin, Germany. We recap conversations with producing partners and customers operating both within Europe, and globally, as to the business outlook and environment for the end of the year, and for years to come.

Featuring:

President Robb Roach

VP Business Development Ray Altenburger

VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Search for a TCC Product:

https://thechemco.com/chemical/

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

https://thechemco.com/subscribe/

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com

Episode Summary:

In Episode 130 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition, the TCC team recaps the September 2025 EPCA Conference and shares insights on the current state of the chemical industry. Topics include:

- Travel challenges surrounding EPCA and overall international logistics.

- Business sentiment in Europe — cautious optimism amid plant closures, regulations, and economic pressures.

- Global trade and tariff impacts, especially with China and U.S. policy comparisons.

- Opportunities for U.S. energy, feedstocks, and competitiveness.

- Trends in imports, pricing floors, and inventory strategies heading into Q4.

- The importance of flexibility, entrepreneurial approaches, and maintaining strong partnerships.

- Hurricanes, supply chain resilience, and lessons for risk management.

The conversation highlights both caution and optimism for 2026, with TCC emphasizing its people-focused approach, strong partnerships, and readiness to support customers across North and South America.

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 129 | August 2025

Episode 129 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition features a discussion on “getting back to business”. Tariffs have mostly settled, and businesses are strategizing their supply chains for the end of the year, and looking to 2026. TCC remains focused on our People, not Portals, and getting creative with supply chains to support our customers and producing partners.

Featuring:

President Robb Roach

VP Business Development Ray Altenburger

Latin American Operations Manager Javier Fernandez

Customer Service Manager Jill Goldstein

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Search for a TCC Product:

https://thechemco.com/chemical/

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

https://thechemco.com/subscribe/

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 128| July 2025

Episode 128 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition is an update on summertime business, with a mix of vacation time and plant turnarounds as well as emergency orders and an uptick in business in some industries.

Featuring:

President Robb Roach

VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca

Inside Sales Manager Nicole Iannuccillo

Customer Service Manager Jill Goldstein

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Search for a TCC Product:

https://thechemco.com/chemical/

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

https://thechemco.com/subscribe/

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com

Summary generated with AI: This episode of "The View from Jamestown" podcast features TCC's July 2025 business update with a full team including customer service manager Jill Goldstein, inside sales manager Nicole Iannuccillo, AJ Petrarca (recently back from an Achilles injury), and company president Robb Roach. The discussion centers heavily on the ongoing challenges of navigating tariffs and trade policy uncertainty, with team members noting that constantly shifting deadlines and conflicting information make business planning extremely difficult. They observe that customers are increasingly operating on a "just-in-time" basis rather than building inventory, leading to more emergency orders as companies avoid holding excess stock due to unpredictable policy changes.

The team reports that while business has been slower during the typical summer period, they're seeing signs of potential pickup in August, particularly for agricultural products like dicyandiamide, BPT, and urea that are needed for spring planting seasons. Ocean freight and port operations are running smoothly with minimal delays once shipments reach US ports, though this is partly attributed to overall reduced demand. They discuss how Chinese suppliers have responded to tariffs by lowering their prices significantly, essentially absorbing much of the tariff impact while maintaining market share.

The conversation also touches on the company's commitment to in-person collaboration, with Robb Roach emphasizing their decision against remote work and their focus on hiring and training young talent. The team promotes their upcoming appearance at the Chemicals America show in Savannah, highlighting their "people, not portals" philosophy that emphasizes personal relationships over automated systems. TLC's Joe Hassenfratz provides a logistics update, noting challenges in the LTL sector and recommending rail transport for longer hauls as a cost-effective solution, while emphasizing the importance of forecasting to help carriers plan capacity and pricing.

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 127 | Q3 2025 Update with Kathy Hall

Join host Ben Sawicki sitting down with quarterly guest Kathy Hall, and TCC’s VP of Business Development Ray Altenburger for an update on tariffs and trade, and forward-looking impacts on oil, gas, Benzene, Propylene and more.

Stream all of this and more on Episode 127!

Kathy Hall: Executive Director Product Management, Global Petrochemicals

Petrochem Wire

Host: Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/​

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 126 | June 2025

Tariffs have been a buzzword for a few months now, and global markets are continuing to understand the various downstream impacts. From overall demand and production, to alternative supply sources, to interest rates and consumer optimism, all seem to be driven by tariff headlines.

Featuring:

President Robb Roach

VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca

Latin American Ops Manager Javier Fernandez

Inside Sales Manager Nicole Iannuccillo

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

From TCC’s CSR & Regulatory Team:

Jill Goldstein & Kaitlyn Hagan

Donations & Info for the Blessing of the Fleet:

https://narragansettlionsclub.org/annual-events/blessing-of-the-fleet-celebration/

https://youtu.be/MICmacqWjh0

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

thechemco.com/subscribe

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 125 | May 2025

Late spring has started in New England, and what is normally a busy time of year for many raw materials and intermediates has been overshadowed by tariffs and shifts in global trade. Energy costs are lower, imports from Asia have fallen off, and businesses large and small are evaluating what it means for their planning in the months to come. Stream the May episode to get TCC’s take on the recent headlines, as well as an update on both logistics and customer service dynamics.

Featuring:

President Robb Roach

VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca

Latin American Ops Manager Javier Fernandez

Inside Sales Manager Nicole Iannuccillo

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

From The Logistix Company:

Joe Hassenfratz & Jamie Mielde

From TCC’s CSR & Regulatory Team:

Jill Goldstein & Kaitlyn Hagan

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

thechemco.com/subscribe

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 119 | Q1 2025 Update with Kathy Hall

Join host Ben Sawicki for a regular quarterly conversation with Kathy Hall, including an update on business to start the year, the averted port strike concerns, and what President Trump has signed into law in the first 24 hours of his presidency.

Stream all of this and more on Episode 119!

Kathy Hall: Executive Director Product Management, Global Petrochemicals

Petrochem Wire

Host: Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/​

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast

Hosted by The Chemical Company

Episode 123 | Tariff Update with Diaz Trade Law

Tariffs have been dominating the headlines, rightfully so, after Trump’s April 2 announcements. Check in with Ben and the Diaz Trade Law team on what’s the latest, and what it means for you and your business.

Highlights:

Baseline & Reciprocal Tariffs

Key Effective Dates

Exemptions for material already on the water

“Annex II” list of materials exempt from any new reciprocal tariffs

Recorded: April 3, 2025

Featuring:

Jennifer Diaz: President, Diaz Trade Law

David Craven: Of Counsel Attorney, Diaz Trade Law

Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Resources:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/

https://diaztradelaw.com/trump-administration-announces-reciprocal-tariffs/

Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:

thechemco.com/subscribe

For more information and our podcast disclaimer:

www.thechemco.com/podcast

Produced by:

Kettlebottom Creative

kettlebottomcreative.com/