With China’s demand growth at 1-2% and with complete self-sufficiency possible, PP exports must look to break their China dependence.
Asian Chemical Connections
Demographics, sustainability and 1bn tonne less global polymers demand
Flat 2023-2050 demand growth in China and the developed world would leave the global market for nine synthetic resins 1bn tonnes smaller than the ICIS base case.
China, demographics, debt and polymers demand
China’s polymers consumption in 2022 107m tonnes from a population of 1.4bn. The developing world ex-China’s consumption was at 84m tonnes from a population of 5.3bn. And the developed world consumed 82m from 1.1bn people.
Why China could become self-sufficient in HDPE
CHINA’S NET IMPORTS of HDPE could be either 126m tonnes in 2023-2040, 38m tonnes or as low as 7m tonnes
China’s LLDPE and LDPE markets see overstocking on unfounded recovery hopes
China’s LLDPE imports in February this year reached their highest level for that month on record – 499,168 tonnes.
This seems likely to have been overstocking on anticipation of the post zero-COVID bounce back that hasn’t happened, as imports in March April fell month-on-month by 6% and 7% respectively. January-April 2023 exports also reached 64,678 tonnes – 96% higher than last year.
China’s PP demand in 2023 heading for a 1% decline on risk of just 2.5% GDP growth
A FALL IN China’s PP imports in April and low operating rates at some China plants suggest 2023 demand growth at minus 1%
The old China and HDPE, the new China and the future of demand
In my downside scenario for China’s HDPE demand in 2023-2040 is correct, the country’s total consumption during this period would be 134m tonnes lower than the ICIS Base Case.
Why PP producers need to shift from maximising volumes to adding value through sustainability
Why dig more oil and gas out of the ground to make petrochemicals when the carbon cost is potentially ruinous for our climate? This might be a question increasingly asked by legislators, shareholders and the general public – rightly or wrongly.
China’s multi-speed economy and the implications for PP demand
AS overall demand growth declines,. PP consumption connected to real estate and infrastructure spending are especially at risk.
Beware of the “head fake” of an improving China and better Q2-Q4 chemicals financial results
YEAR-ON-YEAR chemical company financial results could we improve in Q2-Q4 2023; But this should not be seen as a return to the Old Normal.
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