Dow(US:DOW) Zhong Guo Hua Gong Bao·2025-07-25 02:38Core Viewpoint - The European chemical industry is facing a prolonged downturn, with no short-term recovery in sight due to persistent supply overcapacity and structural challenges in the ethylene market [2][4]. Industry Overview - Over the past 18 months, the European chemical sector has experienced a wave of steam cracker shutdowns and downstream capacity consolidation, reflecting the ongoing weakness in the ethylene market [2]. - High raw material costs, low profit margins from naphtha cracking, and competition from low-priced imports have pressured the industry, leading to the closure or planned shutdown of six steam cracker facilities in Europe [2][3]. Company Actions - Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) announced the closure of its ethane cracker in Wilton, UK, on June 25, 2023, indicating a potential exit from the European market [2]. - Dow Chemical also announced plans to close its steam cracker in Germany by Q4 2027 due to structural challenges [2]. Market Dynamics - The demand for steam cracker capacity is expected to rise globally, with raw material demand projected to increase from 432 million tons in 2024 to 610 million tons by 2034 [3]. - Ethylene production from ethane and naphtha routes is expected to be approximately 74 million tons each in 2024, with ethane production projected to reach 101 million tons by 2034 [3]. Regional Competitiveness - European steam crackers lack competitiveness compared to lower-cost regions due to high energy and raw material costs and a bleak demand outlook [3][5]. - As of the end of 2024, the operating rate of European steam crackers is expected to be around 75%, necessitating a reduction of approximately 2 million tons per year of ethylene capacity to achieve a 90% operating rate [4]. Price Trends - The production profit and price of ethylene in Europe are expected to remain under pressure for the remainder of the year, with spot prices fluctuating around €790 per ton since the end of 2022 [4]. - In July 2023, ethylene prices fell to €563 per ton, marking a ten-year low outside of the COVID-19 pandemic period [4]. Market Sentiment - European ethylene producers are gradually losing their global competitive edge due to structural changes in demand, leading to reduced operating rates to avoid exacerbating supply overcapacity [5]. - The uncertainty surrounding tariff policies has further dampened the confidence of European ethylene companies, causing many market participants to delay significant actions [5].