Episode 1416: Think Tank: Middle East chemicals search beyond 2030 for new growth opportunities

With the prospect of global overcapacity easing from around 2030, Middle East petrochemical players are debating how to monetise their plentiful natural gas supplies. 

• Middle East producers plan a major new capacity wave after 2030, 
• Long‑term strategy centres on monetising hydrocarbons beyond 2030
• China’s overcapacity cycle may ease by around 2030, 
• Debate about staying focused on simple, large‑volume commodity grades or moves into higher‑value or specialty polymers
• Climate‑driven demographic and economic pressures in the Global South could reshape demand
• Chinese competition in high‑value chemicals is intensifying
• Maintaining strong ties with China remains important today
• Massive crude oil‑to‑chemicals (COTC) ambitions are being moderated
• Partnerships and M&A are key tools for Middle East companies to secure technology, expand globally, and balance portfolios 

 In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior consultant John Richardson.
Download a special issue of ICIS Chemical Business with full coverage of the recent Gulf Petrochemical Association (GPCA) event.