PODCAST: Pandemic has broken link to GDP for chemicals demand, new models required

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Post-pandemic patterns of chemicals demand will break the traditional link to GDP, meaning new models are needed to measure and analyse market trends.

• Post-pandemic demand patterns will vary between mature, emerging economies
• Questions over future demand growth for durable goods, packaging
• Demand has completely broken link to GDP
• Sustainability, geopolitics, demographics will impact demand
• Europe chemicals growth could be driven by sustainability
• China self-sufficiency could alter global chemicals supply picture radically
• US consumers are cautious, in save not spend mode
• Industry must boost customer contact to realise opportunities
• Demographics may be a drag on the US economy

Interview with John Richardson, Nigel Davis and Paul Hodges.

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.

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Read the latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

Read Paul Hodges and John Richardson’s ICIS blogs.

Interview by Will Beacham