Regional Isolation and the Shift towards Protectionism

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