The United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28 February. Subsequent attacks on Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure elicited a retaliatory response from Iran, which struck back at military locations and US bases in the Middle East. Attacks from both sides of the conflict continued throughout the weekend.

For the global chemicals industry, this conflict introduces multiple layers of risk. The impact will vary across value chains depending on their exposure to Middle Eastern trade flows, production assets, and feedstock sourcing. However, given the region’s critical role in global oil, gas, and feedstock supply, ripple effects are likely to extend across all major chemical markets—directly through energy pricing and indirectly through freight, insurance, and supply chain disruptions.

What does this mean for polyolefins, aromatics, methanol, and other key sectors? How exposed are global trade flows? And where are the greatest vulnerabilities emerging?

Download the full Insight to understand the potential implications for global chemical markets and how to position your business amid rising geopolitical risk.