Petrochemicals Outlook Cloudy for the Near Term

摘要

The us petrochemical industry faced a brutally tough year in 2001. The first half of 2002 should also be difficult, but if the edconomy recovers by the second half of the year, mst major petrochemicals could turn the corner and even see dramatic improvements because of depleted downstream inventory chains. Between 2003 adn 2005, the petrochemicals industry is expecte to ot only recover but to surge as demand outgrows capacities in many markets. However, infrastructure problems may continue to plague the industry. During the first half of 2001, much of the US petrochemicals industry appeared to be fighting for its very survival as natural gs reached an all-time high of