PetroChem Wire Reports
PetroChem Wire reports provide daily prices for NGLs, monomers, polymers and covers the entire petrochemical market, including NGLs, ethylene and propylene, olefin and polymers and prime grade and recycled plastics.
The plastic industry outlook indicates that the global polyolefins market is currently navigating a challenging landscape. Over the past three years, the polyolefins market has seen an unprecedented surge in new capacity additions. As we move toward a circular economy, plastics and polymers markets face additional challenges. The need for sustainable materials, recycling initiatives, and circular design principles is reshaping the industry.
With unique intelligence in the plastics and polymers markets and extensive global coverage, Chemical Market Analytics provides timely, relevant and credible insights into the plastic industry value chain. Whether you’re a producer, trader, procurement specialist or investor, our insights into plastics and polymers can help you make informed business decisions, provide the necessary tools to navigate these challenges effectively and uncover opportunities for growth and resilience.
The plastics and polymers market is a well-established and global industry, with supply, demand, and prices closely tied to both the upstream and downstream markets. Upstream sectors, such as crude oil and petrochemical products, furnish crucial raw materials like petroleum and natural gas. Downstream sectors, encompassing packaging, construction, and automotive industries, exert considerable influence on the sales volumes and prices of plastic products.
Additionally, factors such as policies, regulations, environmental concerns, geopolitics, free trade agreement and technological innovations significantly impact the plastic market’s supply, demand, and pricing dynamics.
Through continual, personal contact with key industry sources, Chemical Market Analytics’ research experts gather and analyze the salient data, translating it into valuable insights and forecasting. They assist clients in navigating complex environments, identifying the pivotal factors, and making informed decisions.
Integrated Data Analysis for Comprehensive Plastic Industry Value Chain Insights
We monitor global plastics and polymers market data and present a comprehensive picture by linking the data from various regions, providing our clients with the most comprehensive picture. We also present information from other regions to show potential changes that may impact your market in both the short and long term.
Plastics and polymers are classified in various ways based on the types of raw materials and applications, with each category exhibiting distinct market trends.
Global PP (polypropylene) producers are facing an unprecedented period of oversupply, leading to significant actions among manufacturers, including the shutdown of a 235,000 metric ton facility in Europe and the extended downtime of a 214,000 metric ton plant in the USA. The oversupply issue is further compounded by China, where capacity additions have satisfied domestic demands. Thus, China’s net import position is getting smaller as there are more export volumes now.
Global polyethylene markets are facing a multitude of challenges. Record capacity additions in China and North America have combined with weak demand and pressured prices, margins, and operating rates in markets all around the world. While some producers are considering shutdowns or production cutbacks, other producers with advantaged feedstock are continuing to add capacity. Sustainable alternatives to virgin fossil-based polyethylene are garnering a lot of attention but face economic and scale-related obstacles. Market participants throughout the supply chain are adjusting to these challenges and the industry will continue to adapt.
The global polycarbonate markets are experiencing a series of significant challenges. A surge in capacity additions in China has coincided with stagnant demand, leading to a downturn in prices, margins, and operating rates across the world. Some producers are responding by shutting down production lines or reducing output, while others continue to add capacity or plan for further expansions. The market is also seeing growing interest in sustainable alternatives to conventional polycarbonates, but these face hurdles related to cost and scalability. The market is likely to remain challenging in the coming years, requiring participants to stay vigilant and adaptable while actively seeking new avenues for growth.
PS & EPS markets surged during the pandemic but are now facing solid headwinds from multiple fronts. Demand has softened post-pandemic, and sustainability pressures have increased along with Asian imports.
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.
The global polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) markets have faced a rollercoaster ride of price changes in recent years, particularly in China, due to volatile 1,4-butanediol (BDO) costs. However, with BDO prices stabilizing, the PBT market is becoming more stable. On the demand side, PBT has benefited from the growth of automotive electronics, leading to increased applications in connectors and related components. Additionally, the reduction in PBT prices has encouraged the adoption of PBT-based alloys, such as PC/PBT, thanks to their improved cost-effectiveness. Despite these positive trends, the market continues to face significant challenges. Supply issues are a concern, and manufacturers are struggling with low or even negative profit margins. As the industry navigates these hurdles, participants must stay agile, seeking innovative ways to drive growth and maintain profitability.
The global polyoxymethylene (POM) markets have experienced healthy profitability in recent years, primarily due to stable capacity and relatively low supply pressure. Currently, POM prices have retreated from their peaks and are trending towards stability. However, a significant development to watch is the acceleration of POM capacity growth in China starting in 2024, which could create substantial supply challenges. This expected rise in capacity may increase competition and lead to price volatility, requiring market participants to remain alert and develop flexible strategies to navigate these potential shifts.
Chemical Market Analytics delves deep into the plastic industry value chain to provide our clients with comprehensive solutions, offering the necessary information and consulting services required at each stage.
PetroChem Wire reports provide daily prices for NGLs, monomers, polymers and covers the entire petrochemical market, including NGLs, ethylene and propylene, olefin and polymers and prime grade and recycled plastics.
Short-term outlook - provide accurate current and near-term market data and analysis for plastic chemicals as well as the raw materials, energy and feedstock.
Long-term outlook - provides long-term chemical market trends and supports strategic planning and business reviews by adding robust operations support with current actionable data and expert analysis.
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Plastic Industry Outlooks Tailored to Your Business Needs
Plastic is ubiquitous and intricately intertwined with various industries. In this highly competitive world, having access to cutting-edge research and plastics and polymers market data is essential to enhancing your negotiation power, optimizing investment strategies, and mitigating risks, setting you apart from competitors.
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Plastics & Polymers solutions cover both near-term and long-term outlook, equipping you with comprehensive market insights
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Vice President, Polyolefins Americas Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioVice President, Global Circular Plastic Sustainability Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioVice President, APAC Plastics & Polymers Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioVice President, Global Plastics & Polymers Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioExecutive Director, Circular Plastics & Chemicals Sustainability Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioExecutive Director, China Polyolefins Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioExecutive Director, EMEA Polymers Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
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