Petrochemical Producers Navigate Tough Times Amidst Global Changes
Survival Instincts in Petrochemicals
In New Delhi and Seoul, petrochemical companies across Europe and Asia are working hard to stay afloat. After years of growth in China and soaring energy prices in Europe, profit margins have dwindled, leading firms to band together and consolidate their operations.
Global Oil Industry’s Woes
This downturn in the petrochemical sector raises concerns for the broader oil industry. As demand for transportation fuels is expected to decline in light of the energy transition, companies are banking on petrochemicals to prop up their profits.
Drastic Measures for Cost-Cutting
Industry insiders share that major players in Asia and Europe are taking bold actions. They’re selling off assets, closing older plants, and revamping facilities to switch from costly naphtha to cheaper sources like ethane, all in a bid to slash expenses.
Capacity Challenges Ahead
With a continual oversupply forecasted, especially with new plants emerging in the Middle East and China, producers will likely need to consolidate their ethylene and propylene output to stabilize the situation. These materials form the backbone of products we use daily, such as plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Expected Closure of Facilities
Consultants predict that nearly 24% of global petrochemical capacity could face permanent closure by 2028 if margins don’t improve. A McKinsey insider predicts this situation could last longer than the usual five to seven-year downturn, thanks to the surplus in capacity, particularly from China.
Asian Producers Feeling the Pinch
Asian manufacturers are in for a rough ride. Domestic demand is slumping while fresh facilities in China flood the market. Mitsui Chemicals has reported that the business landscape has only grown tougher since 2022, citing a drastic supply imbalance.
Profitability Spans Continents
In numbers, propylene production margins in Asia are anticipated to dip below break-even this year. Conversely, Europe could see margins rise slightly, though they remain significantly lower than two years ago. Meanwhile, U.S. producers might experience a healthy bump in margins due to plentiful domestic resources.
Shifts in Production Strategies
Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical has halted operations at two of its three naphtha crackers for the time being, while Malaysia’s PRefChem is keeping its facility offline. South Korean companies, however, are maintaining high production levels instead, as their operations are tightly knit with oil refineries.
Growth Markets on the Radar
As they adapt, many are looking towards emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam to sell excess supplies. The potential for increased demand and limited capacity expansion makes India an enticing target for expansion.
Innovation to Stay Competitive
Additionally, firms in Japan and South Korea are investing in niche projects, exploring low-carbon and recyclable plastics to meet the growing demand for sustainable products. Collaborations with companies like Neste aim to innovate green solutions amidst the tough climate.
European Landscape Changes
Back in Europe, a wave of consolidation is washing over the industry, particularly with companies like SABIC and Exxon Mobil shutting down several unprofitable plants. SABIC is tweaking its facilities to adapt to the market by using cheaper ethane instead of naphtha as feedstock.
Future Prospects
As conditions remain rocky in Europe, the future of petrochemical operations hangs in the balance, and companies are exploring all options to navigate through these challenging times.
