Group 1 - The petrochemical market, particularly for PET and PVC, is expected to see significant changes in trade flows due to geopolitical tensions and overcapacity leading to narrowed profits and price declines [1] - The U.S. has reinstated tariffs on imported PET, putting pressure on major Asian exporters such as South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Malaysia, which may need to shift focus to alternative markets like the EU and Brazil [1] - India's anti-dumping duties on PVC imports, coupled with domestic demand growth, are likely to alter global PVC trade flows, with the highest impact on China and the U.S. [1] Group 2 - Northeast Asian petrochemical producers are actively pursuing industry consolidation to address overcapacity issues, with companies like Mitsui Chemicals and Asahi Kasei considering business unit mergers [2] - Mitsubishi Chemical and Asahi Kasei may decide by 2027 whether to consolidate ethylene capacity into a single facility, potentially increasing VAM import demand in Japan [2] - The current downturn in the petrochemical industry is expected to last until at least 2028-2029, necessitating measures such as capacity consolidation, plant shutdowns, and cost reductions [2]