欧洲化工品或由净出口转为净进口

Core Viewpoint - The global chemical trade is shifting towards emerging Asian markets, particularly the Middle East, as the influence of the European market declines. Europe is expected to transition from a net exporter to a net importer of chemical products in the long term [1]. Group 1: European Market Decline - The European market is experiencing a continuous decline, with a decreasing labor force impacting local consumption and market vitality [1]. - The chairman of Helm AG, Stefan Schnabel, noted that the reduction in the labor force and consumer spending is directly suppressing the demand for chemical products in Europe [1]. - This decline in demand is creating more export opportunities for chemical-producing countries with excess capacity, such as the Middle East and East Asia [1]. Group 2: Future of European Chemical Industry - Udo Lange, CEO of Stolt-Nielsen, indicated that Europe is likely to become a net importer of chemical products in the long run, as capital expenditure in the chemical industry continues to flow out of Europe [1]. - Local factories are shutting down, and new investments are primarily directed outside of Europe, with little chance of these investments returning in the short term [1]. - The European chemical industry is expected to focus more on specialty chemicals production while gradually exiting the basic chemical sector [1]. Group 3: Upcoming Projects - By 2026, only one chemical facility is planned to be commissioned in the EU, which is a 1.5 million ton per year ethylene cracking unit by INEOS in Antwerp, Belgium [1].