Every cycle tests endurance. This one is separating the sprinters from the triathletes — and only those built for all three legs will still be standing when the market turns. As shown in the chart above, ExxonMobil Chemical has pulled into a clear lead, with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and LyondellBasell pacing steadily behind. Dow and Shell Chemicals are losing ground as the cycle grinds on. Winners in petrochemicals aren’t made in the spotlight of one strong

Dow ’s Q3 earnings got Wall Street excited — the stock jumped 13% in a day, adding roughly $2 billion in market cap. Investors clearly saw something they liked. 👉 But is it real recovery... or just a mirage in the desert of this chemical downcycle? 💪 The Positives: “Control the Controllables” Let’s give credit where credit is due. Dow’s leadership did what strong management teams do in tough markets: Cut the dividend early to protect cash. Hit pause on a Mega Capital projec

Two headlines last week raised eyebrows across the industry: 1) Dow has paused its Net-Zero petrochemical project in Alberta for two years; 2) Shell is exploring the sale of its Pennsylvania petrochemical plant These are flagship projects built on some of the world’s most advantaged ethane feedstock. If they can’t clear the investment/ownership hurdle, it begs the question: Are new petrochemical projects still viable anywhere in North America? ⛔ Headwinds Are Mounting: 📉

The numbers don’t lie. Q2 operating earnings for major petrochemical producers have plunged from 2021–2024 averages. The slide continues into 2025, creating a challenging environment for the polyethylene and polypropylene sectors. Understanding the Current Market Dynamics Oversupply combined with tepid demand has led to margin compression. This situation is not just a temporary setback; it’s a significant concern for businesses in our industry. Belt-tightening and asset sales

When General Stanley McChrystal took command of U.S. Joint Special Operations, he faced a fast, decentralized, and unpredictable enemy. His response? “You can’t control everything in chaos—but you can build a team that thrives in it.” This insight is particularly relevant for today's chemical companies, especially those in the polyethylene and polypropylene sectors. Navigating Complexity in the Chemical Industry Today's chemical companies encounter their own forms of complexi

Just when the market was hoping for signs of a floor, Q2 earnings from hashtag#Dow , hashtag#CPChem , and hashtag#LYB delivered a sobering message: the bottom isn’t in yet. 📉 Integrated polyethylene margins slid even further in Q2—especially in North America, where April delivered a particularly rough landing. The damage report: · Dow posted negative earnings and free cash flow, triggering a dividend cut to conserve cash (and, perhaps, nerves). · CPChem and L

We’re witnessing a wave of chemical plant closures across Europe. For executives navigating this bottom-of-cycle environment—marked by subdued demand and global overcapacity—a critical question must be asked: 👉 Is the European chemical industry structurally viable, or is it time to start reallocating capital elsewhere? In oversupplied commodity markets, cost leadership isn’t optional—it’s existential. That leadership hinges on two pillars: 1. Feedstock Advantage – compet