PODCAST: Europe PE pressures reflect global overcapacity trends

BARCELONA (ICIS)–European polyethylene (PE) markets face growing pressure from cheaper imports, highlighting the impact of rising overcapacity driven by China and the US.

• Plants in Europe operating at technical minimum levels
• Minimal stocks held amid plentiful supply
• Demand poor across most end uses, packaging stronger
• Europe will see more PE imports as global overcapacity grows
• More polymer plant closures are likely in Europe and other high-cost regions
• US has more to lose from trade war as it is a major exporter of PE to China
• Trade flows could change dramatically if tariff walls go up
• Supply/demand imbalance may take up to nine years to correct

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS markets editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Monroe-Lake plus ICIS market development executives Nigel Davis and John Richardson.

Editor’s note: This podcast is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the presenter and interviewees, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.

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