Industry: Methanol & ammonia

In the November 2025 edition of the ADI Chemicals Newsletter, we begin by examining how chemical industry demand is no longer moving in step with GDP growth. Structural forces such as demographic decline, material efficiency, recycling, and substitution are reshaping the market. Additionally, we highlight reliability as a critical differentiator in refining and chemicals—beyond its […]

The dominant news in the chemical industry is the painful reality of excess capacity. Supply is so high that it’s crippling profitability, especially for European producers. But behind this supply crisis is an even more crucial question: What’s happening with chemical industry demand? There’s a growing sense that chemical demand growth is increasingly divorced from […]

In the October 2025 edition of the ADI Chemicals Newsletter, we begin by examining how POE and POP demand growth will continue in automotive, packaging, and renewable applications. Global demand for polyolefin elastomers (POE) and plastomers (POP) has grown steadily, driven by expanding use in packaging, polymer modification, and foam applications, with increasing adoption in […]

In the September 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we covered the major regulatory changes impacting plastics recycling in the U.S., which are creating both opportunities and challenges. This issue also highlighted several recent plant startups, including an ammonia plant by Cronus Chemicals in Illinois and an alkoxides facility by Evonik Industries in Singapore. […]

Last week, the annual Digitalization in Oil & Gas conference rolled into Houston, and I was grateful for the opportunity to speak at this always-excellent event hosted by our friends at the Energy Conference Network. The panel was charged to talk about building a digital-ready workforce, and I prepared by summarizing ADI Analytics’ consulting and research […]

The European chemical industry is in the midst of a significant transformation, driven by a perfect storm of weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and the disruptive impact of geopolitical factors like new tariffs. These challenging conditions are forcing major players to make tough decisions, resulting in a wave of strategic divestitures and painful plant closures across the […]

Europe’s chemical industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, marked by a surge in divestitures and plant closures. This challenging environment, driven by weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and geopolitical pressures, highlights the sector’s declining competitiveness. Indeed, a recent Cefic study revealed that in 2023 and 2024 alone, chemical companies announced the closure of over […]

Hydrogen is key to decarbonizing, and countries worldwide unequivocally recognize this, as seen from the widespread policies supporting hydrogen market development displayed in exhibit 1. Most European countries have developed hydrogen strategies and roadmaps, with targets for green H2 production capacity by 2030, including 5.0 GW in the UK, 10.0 GW in Germany, and 6.5 […]

In the May 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we spotlight LyondellBasell’s dual-track investments in mechanical and chemical recycling, as shared at the 2025 ADI Forum. This issue also features key project assessments—ranging from catalyst markets to oilfield chemicals—alongside major plant announcements, closures, M&A moves, and feedstock supply contracts shaping the global chemicals landscape. […]

The refining industry faced another challenging year in 2024, with crack spreads plummeting due to weak demand for petroleum products and rising global refining capacity. As we look ahead to 2025, refiners will likely encounter another difficult year with sluggish demand, tight margins, and potential supply disruptions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Key trends to watch […]

Resilience through innovation and strategic restructuring is laying the groundwork for a recovery in the chemicals industry. As companies pivot toward high-growth markets and adapt to global challenges, 2025 is expected to bring renewed optimism. Key trends to watch in 2025 include: The rest of this article is available to ADI Plus Essential subscribers. ADI […]

In the February 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we covered how the global chemical industry anticipated a recovery in 2025, fueled by specialty chemicals and sustainable investments. Recent industry activities include new air separation unit in Japan by Air Liquide, strategic mergers and acquisitions like Mitsubishi Chemical’s pharmaceutical business sale to Bain Capital, […]