Chemicals demand is improving, but recovery a long way off

Although a post-lockdown rebound is boosting demand for chemicals, we are a long way from a real recovery to pre-coronavirus levels.

Weak but improving demand for chemicals
Need to separate rebound from recovery which is a long way off
Asia prices did rebound but are under pressure over economic concerns
Dangerous to assume rising oil prices indicate recovery
Possibility of another oil price crash soon
Future coal-to-chemicals expansions may not happen as based on high oil price assumptions
Methanol-to-olefins and naphtha-based operators will be under more pressure
No deal Brexit could see companies withdrawing from UK market

Listen to this podcast interview with Paul Hodges, chairman at consultancy International eChem and ICIS Insight Editor Nigel Davis.