Nigel Davis from ICIS shares insights on chemical industry trends, while John Richardson analyzes global capacity and trade dynamics. Paul Hodges discusses how geopolitical factors will impact the market. They explore the troubling rise of global overcapacity and depressed demand. The conversation highlights the potential effects of Donald Trump's tariffs on trade and inflation. Plus, they delve into China's struggling economy and the challenges of misinformation. Amidst the chaos, they pinpoint growth opportunities linked to the low carbon agenda.

Nigel Davis, a member of the ICIS market development team, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive into the pressing issues facing the plastics industry following failed UN treaty negotiations. They discuss the critical need for effective plastic waste management and how consumer demand will shape future practices. With a shift towards localized solutions and better recycling technologies, the duo emphasizes reconnecting chemical companies with brands and consumers to move beyond the current recycling crisis.

In this discussion with Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, and Nigel Davis from the ICIS market development team, listeners dive into the future of the chemical industry amid political changes. They reveal that long-term trends like sustainability and global overcapacity will overshadow the US election results. The guests emphasize the need for chemical companies to adapt to evolving consumer demand for greener products and how trade policies could influence market dynamics, particularly concerning imports and investments in green technology.

Join John Richardson and Nigel Davis from the ICIS market development team, along with Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, as they dive into ADNOC's strategic acquisition of Covestro for €11.7 billion. They discuss the challenges facing Europe’s petrochemical sector, including poor demand in key markets and the surge in mergers and acquisitions. The talk highlights the industry’s shift toward sustainability and the implications of fluctuating oil prices on demand. It's a captivating look at the evolving landscape of chemical markets.

Nigel Davis and John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, along with Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive deep into the chemical industry's malaise. They discuss the oversupply from China and the Middle East, predicting a continued struggle in petrochemical markets. The trio examines China's shifting demand growth, projected at only 2-4% yearly, and the potential for global deflation. They emphasize the critical need for new business models and strategic shifts amidst declining sales and profitability.