Global chlor-alkali and vinyls markets have been stuck in a demand driven trough since 2023. Depressed trough operating rates and compressed margins have led some to suggest that rationalization in high-cost regions is the answer for a quicker recovery. Exacerbating the challenge is new capacity, justified during the peak margin period following the pandemic, coming online. As central banks begin easing interest rates and inflation retreats, construction activity is showing some signs of recovery, likely driving increased chlorine demand. At the same time, declining energy and manufacturing input costs, coupled with China’s focus on emerging industries, are setting the stage for a near-term recovery in caustic soda demand.
The key question remains: which side of the ECU will lead the recovery in the short and medium term? While the outlook for the chlor-alkali and vinyls sectors is positive, “navigational hazards” remain ahead. Attend GCAV 2025 to delve into the path to recovery in the chlor-alkali and vinyls markets, exploring different strategies to chart the optimal course for navigating this evolving landscape.
We hope to see you at GCAV 2025!
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Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides stakeholders in the global chemical industry with next-generation analytics, deep insights, future outlooks and price discovery to improve operational efficiency. The company offers short- and long-term market coverage for more than 200 core building-block chemicals via Market Advisory Services (MAS), World Analysis (WA), Circular Plastics Service, Chemical Advisory Service and educational and networking conferences such as World Chemical Forum.