Introduction

As EU and US leaders seek to protect regional industries from global oversupply, more trade barriers may protect chemical producers in Europe and the US.  

-          Expect more trade wars, more regional isolation 

-          Chemical industries may be protected from global competition

-          Companies should bid for EU funding for investments

-          UBS analysts forecast 4-5% growth in European chemicals volumes this year

-          Claim end in sight for longest destocking period in 30 years

-          Europe purchasing manager indices (PMIs) still in decline

-          Industrial gas consumption rising in Germany 

-          Europe gas prices potentially falling below pre-war average