Session Details
Global Chlor-Alkali & Vinyls Conference Day 1
Session 1: Global Outlook – Decoding Market Fundamentals
A breakdown of the economic and energy outlooks as a foundation for projected chlor-alkali and vinyls market dynamics.
As the energy and chemical world shifts to renewables, it’s set to reshape traditional oil and gas practices and the relationship of fossil fuels to chemicals. This presentation will explore implications of energy decarbonization with respect to chemicals, the acceleration of “Big Oil” investment in crude to chemicals, and the implications for industry structure and centers of production.
The ethylene outlook; an essential consideration for the chlor-vinyls industry.
Disruption and Uncertainty define the current state of the global automotive industry. We are in the center of a constant battle between internal-combustion and electrification, legacy OEMs and new players, geo-political pressures, supply chain constraints, and many other issues that make critical decision making a very difficult task. Joe McCabe, President & CEO of AutoForecast Solutions LLC (AFS), will provide a comprehensive view of the global automotive outlook and the key points shaping the industry today and into the future. Topics on regional production forecasts, legacy/new players, electrification, the China influence, and much more will be discussed.
Session 2: European and Asia Chlor-vinyl Market Outlooks
The European chlor-vinyls industry has been subject to immense pressures over the last two years. Demand collapsed, imports surged, and challenging export conditions catalyzed deep PVC operating rate cuts. Margin decline followed. What is the outlook? Is the European PVC market headed for more of the same, or is a recovery on the horizon? Can European PVC remain competitive? What are the implications going forward for supply, sourcing options and profitability? This presentation will explore these and other strategic considerations with critical insights and analysis, as the industry searches for a path towards a sustainable future.
Is Europe a high-cost region long term and, if so, are imports the answer?
Slowing growth in the largest chlor-alkali market is still significant growth
Session 3: North America & the World – The Big Picture
North American domestic PVC supply and demand were balanced at the beginning of 2024, but at a much lower level than during the 2021 peak. Producer inventories closed 2023 at relatively high levels, while export volumes reached a new monthly record. After the dramatic North American PVC demand drop in 2023, what can we expect for the PVC market in 2024 and beyond? What is the project update from the U.S. Infrastructure and Jobs Act? When will the stimulation from that legislation reach the domestic PVC market? What other factors are anticipated to fuel a market recovery … and when? This presentation will provide expert analysis on the current North American PVC market and the forecast for upcoming years.
Slowing growth in the largest chlor-alkali market is still significant growth.
Session 4: Vinyls – Asia’s Impact and Global Perspective
Caustic Soda and EDC trading has become more globalized with markets more transparent than ever before. Various circumstances have changed the landscape; environmental protection and sustainability, economic and political changes as well as market consolidation are playing a role.
Over the past 18 months, global PVC demand has been anemic, and the industry has faced price and margin erosion. However, as interest rates decline, we anticipate that PVC supply and demand dynamics will shift. Demand has been weak in China, but other pocket of bright spots such as India and Southeast Asia are mitigating the fallout from slowing mainland China.
Will caustic soda recover before chlorine after a demand-driven trough?
Carlo Barrasa
Vice President, Energy Insights Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioHazel Kreuz
Vice President, Global Inorganics Chemical Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioEddie Kok
Executive Director, Global Vinyls Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioNick Kovics
Vice President, Global Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioWilson Loh
Director, Asia Chlor Alkali Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioAna Lopez
Director, Americas Vinyls and Global Sodium Sulfate Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioPaulo Pereira
Executive Director, Latin America Caustic Soda and Bleaching Chemicals Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioHenry Warren
Director, EMEA Vinyls and Middle East Caustic Soda Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioAngel Fernandez
Director, Chlor-Alkali Research EMEA Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioDewey Johnson
Senior Vice President, Global Head of Chemical Market Analytics Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioJoe McCabe
President & CEO AutoForecast Solutions LLC (AFS)
Read BioDetlef Sagner
Chlor-Alkali Manager NWE Tricon Energy Ltd.
Read Bio