Session Details
Session 1: Global Outlook – Economy, Energy & Feedstocks
The global energy market plays a critical role in shaping the Chlor-alkali and Vinyls industry but the market has been stressed by geo-political events and the push for a low carbon future. Will these stressors continue to play a role? What implications lie ahead for the Chlor-alkali and Vinyls market in relation to energy?After a globally synchronized election cycle, various populations have chosen leadership committed to addressing their respective domestic matters rather than progressing green energy policies. Against this backdrop, geopolitical conflicts have lingered, and China’s growth prospects remain subdued. These developments have forced energy market observers to reassess how – and how long – the evolution from fossil fuels to renewables will play out. Further adding to this uncertainty is the interest rate environment and the stalling of EV adoption. Given these dynamics, there is growing confidence that traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels will continue to be a critical piece of the global energy mix as evidenced by the doubling down by western oil companies on hydrocarbon resource exploitation. In essence, the world will still need oil and gas, but the real questions are how much and if the energy transition will resume its previous pace. Join us as we discuss the evolution of the energy markets and resulting market responses.
The ethylene industry is the key driver for industry profitability. Given the large capital barriers to entry, ethylene has navigated the ups and downs of market developments with some degree of regularity, under investment always following over investment. However, Chinese producers are not playing by the same investment rules as others, and they continue to invest in the downturn. Unlike the ability for the market to absorb the strategic low cost plays from the Middle East or US, the Chinese developments are just too large. The outlook for ethylene in this changed world will be the focus of this presentation.
Several European chlorine plants were built based on solar salt feedstock and mercury cells. Brine purification produced mercury contaminated sludge. Environmental concerns prohibited surface sludge deposits. Solar saltworks were unable to improve quality, causing switch-over to vacuum salt. Modern solar salt technologies produce salt as good as vacuum salt:
Chemical purity:
Washed solar salt 99.7%
Modern solar salt 99.956%
Vacuum salt 99.956%
Recently increased energy cost triggered increased vacuum salt price, while solar salt production cost remained steady. The presentation will focus on aspects of potential switch-back, such salt price, logistics, brine plant modifications and energy conservation.
The European Union has put a price on carbon emissions for two decades now, including on the emissions of products from and in the global chlor-alkali supply chain. Rising carbon costs and the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) expected to come into force in 2026 could have a strong influence on production costs, supply chain dynamics and overall competitiveness of European chlor-alkali producers.
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Session 2: European and Middle East Chlor-vinyl Market Outlooks
The European vinyls industry is at a pivotal moment. Although cash costs have eased slightly, they remain high, and sluggish demand recovery continues to strain margins and operating rates. As lower-cost regions like the Middle East gear up for growth, how can Europe stay competitive in the global market? This presentation will explore these challenges and other pressing issues, offering the latest insights to help the industry chart a path toward sustainable recovery.
Since the European energy crisis began in 2021, the European chlor-alkali industry has been struggling with high production costs, low margins, and subdued demand. Will elevated domestic energy prices continue to hinder the competitiveness of chlor-alkali products? How quickly will demand recover, and which sectors will drive that recovery? What geopolitical headwinds will impact European caustic soda trade flows and how? This presentation will answer these questions, examine the prospects for the European chlor-alkali industry and the developments that will shape its future, as well as whether it can remain competitive in global markets.
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Session 3: Chlor-vinyl North America Outlooks
This presentation examines the evolving economic and industrial dynamics across Asia and their implications for the chlor-alkali sector, a market marked by uneven regional growth. An imbalance between chlorine and caustic soda demand creates both challenges and opportunities. The analysis highlights key trends, including rapid growth in renewable energy and industrial sectors, slower expansion in traditional industries, capacity increases to address emerging market needs, and a complex yet promising trajectory for the long-term recovery of the chlor-alkali industry.
The North American chlor-alkali industry is shaped by domestic and global market trends, with political and regulatory uncertainties adding challenges. Excess capacity growth, volatile energy markets, and global supply restructuring impact the region’s role as a key importer and exporter of caustic soda. While favorable U.S. production economics support expansion, tariffs, geopolitical conflicts, and shifting technologies complicate the export model. This presentation provides insights to navigate the evolving North American and global landscapes to make informed business decisions.
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Session 4: Chlor-vinyl Asia Outlooks
The global PVC market has been in the doldrums since 2022, with prices and margins remaining low. Our assessment suggests that the bottom 20% of the highest-cost production capacity may currently be operating below breakeven economics. What are the market drivers causing this margin erosion? Why are there still expansions planned despite the weak margin conditions? How will cost-advantaged regions such as North America respond to the market trough? Most importantly, when does CMA expect market recovery to begin?
After the chlor-vinyl sector exits the current market trough, new investment will be required. This presentation will review the assessment process to determine where, when and how much.
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Carlo Barrasa
Vice President, Energy Insights Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioAngel Fernandez
Director, Chlor-Alkali Research EMEA 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 BioBrian Newsome
Vice President, Global Chlor-alkali Advisory Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics
Read BioHumberto J. Rocha
Carbon and Biodiversity Editor OPIS a Dow Jones Company
Read BioVladimir Sedivy
President Salt Partners Ltd.
Read BioRaheel Shafi
Vice President, Europe, Middle East and APAC Consulting Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics
Read BioMatthew Thoelke
Vice President, EMEA Olefins Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioHenry Warren
Director, EMEA Vinyls and Middle East Caustic Soda Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read Bio