Core Viewpoint - Shell Group is intensifying its evaluation of global loss-making chemical assets to halt the ongoing losses, with plans to selectively close more European plants and seek partners for its U.S. assets [2] Group 1: Financial Performance - Shell reported an adjusted loss of $192 million for Q2 and a total adjusted loss of $329 million for the first half of the year [2] - The chemical business of Shell has been experiencing continuous losses over the past three years [2] Group 2: Strategic Actions - The company is considering the closure of more European plants and the divestment of its petrochemical assets in Monaca, Pennsylvania, indicating it is "not a natural holder" of these assets [2] - Shell's European ethylene production capacity is 1.71 million tons, while its U.S. production capacity is 3.82 million tons [2] - The Monaca complex includes a 1.6 million tons/year ethane cracker and two high-density polyethylene plants with a capacity of 550,000 tons/year each, along with a 500,000 tons/year linear low-density polyethylene plant [2] Group 3: Industry Outlook - The CEO expressed a cautious outlook on the global chemical industry, stating it is currently in an unusually prolonged downturn that may persist for a longer duration [2]