PODCAST: China chemicals demand outlook poor on scheduled shutdowns, pandemic policies

LONDON (ICIS)–Global holidays loom large, with Thanksgiving taking place this week, Christmas a month away and the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations on the horizon, taking place at the end of January 2023.

While in some ways the world is in a markedly different place, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing energy and cost of living crisis,  the same challenges persist as the pandemic and pressure to save the environment remain prevalent issues.

• Shutdown of the Yansab plant in Saudi Arabia in 2023 indicates poor demand pick-up anticipated in China
• China’s zero-COVID policies continue to weigh on both manufacturing and services sectors ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations
• Key takeaways from the COP27 summit – how will they impact the chemicals industry?
• Industry needs legislative guidance on sustainability metrics but market forces are determining an increased rate of change

On the Think Tank podcast this week Senior Reporter for Europe Morgan Condon, talks to ICIS Insight Editor Nigel Davis, ICIS Senior Consultant Asia John Richardson and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting about the current trends impacting the chemicals sector.