Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, dives into the implications of the revived trade war under Donald Trump on the chemical industry. He discusses the urgent need for businesses to seek stability through local supply chains amid chaos. The conversation explores the costly and complex nature of reshoring, while highlighting how emerging technologies like 3D printing and AI can facilitate local production. Hodges emphasizes the risks for export-dependent US chemicals and the balance needed in global trading relationships.

Paul Hodges, consultant and publisher of The pH Report, discusses the overcapacity in the chemical industry, low prices indicating weakened demand, the possibility of a soft landing in the US economy, the risks of overcapacity and debt crises in Asia, and China's potential money distribution impacting the global economy. Hodges also explores the impact of subprime mortgages on demand, concerns about the stock market rally and political risk, fluctuations in interest rates, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the value of strong point of view in research reports.

Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting and author of The pH Report, discusses the current inflation outlook and how the geopolitical landscape is driving energy and food prices. He also shares his outlook on China and emerging markets.

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.

John Richardson, a member of ICIS's market development team, and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, dive into the upcoming boom in Saudi Aramco's liquids-to-chemicals projects. They highlight how this initiative aims to transform massive amounts of crude oil into chemicals by 2030. With escalating capacities, they discuss the looming global oversupply, and how the demand for petrochemicals might not keep pace. The duo explores the implications for market balance and the necessity for closures to stabilize the industry.

In a compelling discussion, Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting and author of the pH Report, dives into the transformative effects of rising debt and an aging baby boomer population on global markets. He explores how these demographic shifts will reshape economic dynamics and create new opportunities, particularly in service-oriented consumption. Hodges also touches on the implications of political changes and the need for resilient investment strategies, urging listeners to adapt to navigate this evolving economic landscape.

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.

Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, discusses Britain's dilemma over China with host Duncan Bartlett. The podcast covers the evolving dynamics between the UK and China, the UK government's engagement with China and concerns over Hong Kong, the Labour Party's stance on China, the potential consequences of China's real estate bubble on international relations, and the UK's relationship with Taiwan and China.