Petrochemical players seek strategies to combat changing competitive landscape

摘要

The dynamics of the global petrochemicals industry has seldom been as evident as now. The entry of the US back into the game; the slowing down of growth in China; the inability of Asian petrochemical producers to access cheap hydrocarbons & energy, crippling competitiveness; the emergence of new feedstocks and technology; and the commoditisation of markets are some of the forces altering the competitive landscape in the industry. Geopolitical factors continue to play a role, as well, shaping availability and sentiments in upstream segments of the business, notably oil and gas. Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria continue to be hotspots, with concerns aggravated by China's belligerence in South East Asia, notably in the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.