PODCAST: Demand flops in chemical markets around the world, gloomy outlook

Will Beacham

30-May-2023

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Chemical markets around the world are suffering from collapsed demand conditions and oversupply with no prospect of a turnaround in the coming months.

  • Demand failure globally in Q2, traditionally the strongest of the year
  • Hopes of rebound in 2024, but no evidence for this
  • Consumers focus on basics as wages not keeping pace with high inflation, interest rates
  • Economic drag caused by rising elderly demographic
  • Huge growth in chemicals capacity, especially in China
  • Prospect of deflation if Ukraine war ends
  • China switches from world’s biggest net importer to exporter of many chemicals

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor, Nigel Davis, ICIS Senior Consultant Asia, John Richardson, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

Click here to listen to the podcast

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

ICIS is organising regular updates to help the industry understand current market trends. Register here.

Read the latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

Read Paul Hodges’ and John Richardson’s ICIS blogs.

READ MORE

Global News + ICIS Chemical Business (ICB)

See the full picture, with unlimited access to ICIS chemicals news across all markets and regions, plus ICB, the industry-leading magazine for the chemicals industry.

Contact us

Now, more than ever, dynamic insights are key to navigating complex, volatile commodity markets. Access to expert insights on the latest industry developments and tracking market changes are vital in making sustainable business decisions.

Want to learn about how we can work together to bring you actionable insight and support your business decisions?

Need Help?

Need Help?