Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil has announced a delay in the development of its proposed polyethylene (PE) project, the "Coastal Plains Project," due to current market conditions [1][2] Group 1: Project Details - The "Coastal Plains Project" was initially planned to include an ethane cracker with an annual ethylene production capacity of 2.2 million tons [1] - A downstream facility for metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (mLLDPE) was also planned, with a preliminary capacity range of 1.8 to 2.7 million tons per year [1] - The project is still in the preliminary planning stage, and ExxonMobil has not yet made a final investment decision (FID) [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The delay is attributed to changes in the global market since the project application was submitted at the end of 2024, including increased tariffs by the U.S. on many regions, leading to lowered global GDP growth forecasts [2] - The ethylene and polyethylene markets are facing long-term overcapacity issues, with forecasts suggesting a recovery may not occur until 2028-2029 [2] - Dow Chemical has also paused its "Path2Zero polyethylene project" in Canada, which had already completed its final investment decision [2] Group 3: Future Plans - ExxonMobil is considering similar projects in various regions, including the Middle East, other parts of North America, China, India, and Indonesia [1] - The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government in November 2023 to explore potential petrochemical projects in the region [1]