Core Viewpoint - Dow Chemical announced the closure of three upstream assets in Europe to address structural challenges in the region, which is expected to significantly impact the supply-demand dynamics in the silicone industry [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Dow will close an ethylene cracker in Germany, a chlor-alkali and vinyl plant in Germany, and a siloxane plant in the UK, with the shutdown process expected to start in mid-2026 and complete by the end of 2027, with final dismantling by 2029 [2]. - The closure of the UK plant, which has a capacity of 14.5 million tons, represents 30.5% of Europe's silicone capacity and 3.4% of global capacity [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Impact - The exit of overseas silicone capacity is anticipated to improve the supply-demand balance in the industry, as approximately 75% of DMC capacity is concentrated in China [2]. - From 2015 to 2024, about 290,000 tons of polysiloxane capacity is expected to exit the market, with overseas capacity projected to decrease to 915,000 tons by 2026 [3]. - China's silicone demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2021 to 2024, with a potential price increase in 2025 due to improved supply-demand dynamics [3]. Group 3: Export Opportunities - The closure of Dow's UK plant is likely to enhance China's share of silicone exports to Europe, with an estimated annual DMC production of 87,000 tons, which would account for 88% of China's silicone exports to Europe in 2024 [4]. - As of 2024, China's silicone exports to Europe are projected to be around 98,000 tons, representing 18% of total domestic exports [4].

Investment Rating - Industry rating is Neutral (maintained rating) [5] Core Viewpoints - The closure of Dow's UK plant is expected to accelerate the improvement of the industry supply-demand structure, as approximately 75% of global DMC capacity is concentrated in China. The exit of overseas silicone capacity is primarily due to cost and competitive disadvantages [2][9] - Dow's UK plant, which has a capacity of 145,000 tons, represents 30.5% of Europe's silicone capacity and 3.4% of global capacity. Its closure will significantly impact the European market, which is primarily focused on local consumption [2][9] - China's silicone demand is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2021 to 2024, with a potential price increase in 2025 due to improved supply-demand dynamics. The closure of Dow's UK plant may enhance China's export share to Europe [3][22] Summary by Sections Event - On July 7, 2025, Dow announced the closure of three European upstream assets, including the UK silicone plant, due to structural challenges in the region. The closure is expected to begin in mid-2026 and be completed by the end of 2027, with final dismantling by 2029 [1][9] Industry Analysis - The exit of overseas silicone capacity is anticipated to improve the supply-demand balance in the industry. Since 2015, overseas capacity has decreased from 1.35 million tons to an estimated 1.065 million tons by 2024, with a further reduction expected to 915,000 tons by 2026 [2][17] - China's silicone demand is expected to grow significantly, with a projected 12% growth rate in demand fields in 2025, while new capacity growth is expected to slow to 3% [3][22] Related Companies - Key recommendations include Xin'an Chemical, with a suggestion to pay attention to Hoshine Silicon and Dongyue Silicon [3][28]