The Weekly Catalyst
Global Chemical Update – Ready or Not
Key Points:
- Global polymer markets reflect WoW support amid production cuts, higher Ex-US costs, and rising optimistic views on China demand. North American producers see the most significant WoW benefits.
- Brent Crude and Ex-US naphtha values reflect significant strength WoW relative to US natural gas and USGC ethane, broadly favoring North American petrochemical producer economics compared to Asia.
- North American Chlor-Vinyl producers are among the most significant WoW beneficiaries as costs fell and PVC prices increased globally. 4Q22 production cuts in this chain limit the absolute benefits.