"People didn't think about the demographics enough. They didn't think about the role of real estate and debt. And they built capacity on the assumption of, say, 6% or 7% consistent growth, which we are unlikely to experience in the future." – John Richardson, Senior Consultant, ICIS

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer and guest John Richardson of ICIS discuss China's aging demographic and the future of the chemical industry. They delve into China's projections for becoming a net exporter in polypropylene, limitations on becoming a net exporter in polyethylene, and the current oversupply and weak demand growth in HDPE.

Topics covered include:

 - China's aging demographic and its impact on the future of the chemical industry

- The growth in China's petrochemical capacity and its impact on supply and demand in the market

- The factors influencing the chemical industry's margins and pricing, including fluctuations in energy costs

- The impact of geopolitical factors on the industry, including concerns about energy costs in Europe

- The impact of demographic changes on housing demand and local government spending in China

Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the global forces at play, this episode is essential listening.

https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/06/why-china-could-become-self-sufficient-in-hdpe/

https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/05/chinas-pp-industry-short-term-tactics-and-long-term-strategy/