PODCAST: Rampant China chemicals overcapacity could rebalance by 2024/5

BARCELONA (ICIS)–Excess capacity plaguing China’s petrochemical markets could return to more balanced conditions by 2024/5 as the current wave of additions ends and demand gradually improves.

• China economic outlook bearish on construction, demographic drag
• New wave of capacity in China depresses margins, operating rates
• China petrochemicals markets could return to balance by 2024/5
• China switches from world’s biggest importer to exporter of purified terephthalic acid (PTA), polyester fibre, PET resin
• China ramps up higher value products such as polycarbonate (PC)
• Smaller, older capacity likely to close in Asia, Europe

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior consultant for Asia John Richardson, ICIS senior reporter Nurluqman Suratman, ICIS senior analyst Ann Sun and markets editor Jonathan Chou.

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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