Episode 1283: Think Tank: Europe PE pressures reflect global overcapacity trends

BARCELONA (ICIS)—European polyethylene (PE) markets face growing pressure from cheaper imports, highlighting the impact of rising overcapacity driven by China and the US. -          Plants in Europe operating at technical minimum levels-          Minimal stocks held amid plentiful supply-          Demand poor across most end uses, packaging stronger-          Europe will see more PE imports as global overcapacity grows-          More polymer plant closures are likely in Europe and other high-cost regions-          US has more to lose from trade war as it is a major exporter of PE to China-          Trade flows could change dramatically if tariff walls go up-          Supply/demand imbalance may take up to nine years to correct