Benzene is the key building block for many aromatics value chains. Still, the global market is perennially beset by supply challenges that cause regional cost disparities, inconsistencies in trade flows and fluctuations in downstream consumption. The market is regularly influenced by changes in refining and steam cracking, whilst production of other aromatics remains critical to forward supply. Chemical Market Analytics will provide the long-term outlook for the global benzene markets, including regional supply and trade flows. We will also examine the impact created by gasoline regulation, energy transition the circular economy, and growth potential in a fast-changing world.

China’s drive to become self-sufficient has added a record amount of new capacity to the market. However, styrene demand is suffering from regulatory bans, pressure from other materials and a slowdown in construction. The styrene market needs to right-size itself, but that’s not easy when some producers are operating for propylene oxide. Styrene producers are adopting new strategies to help survive the market downturn, such as selling EB, controlling production and extending turnarounds. Sustainability changes the entire styrenics chain, so producers must metamorphosize and adapt to the changing environment.

The paraxylene and PTA markets have been deeply affected by the strength seen in gasoline over the last two years, with octane pressure impacting production margins but providing a better outlet for reformation for refinery-integrated producers. The overcapacity in paraxylene has not been felt as volume has been cut back. PTA investments continue in China at a rapid pace, providing solid demand, and mainland China’s emergence from COVID has given a tremendous boost to the polyester, PTA and paraxylene industries. However, how will market dynamics change when the gasoline market weakens again? Will the capacity come crashing back to the market?

The presentation delves into the dynamic market landscape for ethylene oxide, glycols, and derivatives, scrutinizing the asymmetrical impacts disrupting the market equilibrium. We begin by outlining the fundamental role of ethylene oxide and glycols in various industrial sectors, emphasizing their significance in the production of plastics, solvents, and antifreeze. The paper then explores the market trends, focusing on supply-demand disparities and pricing volatility. The key driver of the actual asymmetry, oversupply, is thoroughly examined to understand their short-term and long-term implications on market stability. Additionally, we analyze the ripple effects of these asymmetries on related industries and global trade, driven by short-term disruptions like supply chain bottlenecks or regulatory changes. Others are indicative of long-term shifts, potentially reshaping the industry landscape.

Despite a subdued economy, mainland China led tremendous growth of polyester fibers in 2023 amid a spurt of new fibers capacity. This speech will explore how polyester fibers growth will evolve in 2024 when apparel brands and retailers want to increase focus on sustainability while virgin fibers remain far more competitive than recycled fibers.

With the uncertain health of this market and continuous expansions in Mainland China, the nylon industry is reaching a point where players must consider whether to bail or stay in the game. This presentation comprehensively analyzes which nylon players/markets could stand a chance to get across the finish line from a cost, demand, and supply perspective.

The global isocyanates markets have been a dynamic growth engine for domestic producers and even outperformed global GDP. The petrochemical landscape and its growth patterns have changed with energy costs rising and private consumption hit hard after the Covid run. MDI and TDI markets must evolve to meet new demands in an ever-changing petrochemical landscape via decarbonization and energy transition from refinery to crackers to isocyanates. This speech will explore the challenges for MDI and TDI and present market outlooks to answer how it will support the important feedstock needs of the polyurethane industry going forward.

Two years of massive expansion into the propylene oxide chain paired with a soft global economy have led to an imbalance between PO and, thus, the polyurethane supply and demand situation. Exit strategies for some, regional disadvantages, traditional exporters becoming importers, and technological and environmental push will be topics to be addressed going forward. The polyurethane industry, however, will remain the frontrunner as soon as the global economy picks up, particularly in addressing issues around reducing carbon footprint, concentrating on a circular economy catalyzing the demand for insulation. This speech will address these and other PO market considerations to help you prepare your formula for strategic success.