THE GLOBAL PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY

MARKET ANALYSIS IN THE LIGHT OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS

In addition to a comprehensive view of the sector's environment and demand (macroeconomic factors, changes brought about by digital transformation and ecological transition, etc.), the study provides our exclusive analysis of the past evolution of the global petrochemical industry and its prospects. In particular, it outlines the impact of the health crisis and the lessons to be learned from this situation.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPANIES DEVELOPMENT AXES

Vertical integration, increased production capacity, development of more advanced and innovative products, but also greening of industry's supply with "sustainable" plastics: the report details the growth levers prioritised by the world leaders in the petrochemical industry, after analysing their main strengths and weaknesses.

EXPLANATION OF THE CHANGES IN THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

This report also provides an individualised and aggregated financial analysis of the operators' financial performance. In particular, it deciphers the evolution of sales and operating profit rate for the analysed companies.

THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This ten-page summary draws the reader's attention to the key elements of the study.

THE SUMMARY AND KEY PAGES OF THE REPORT

The summary provides all the elements needed to understand the major trends in the sector and foreseeable developments, drawing on analyses of the market outlook and the strategies of the companies.

FRAMING AND ENVIRONMENT

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SECTOR

Key figures and trends in the sector

The petrochemical industry value chain

Petrochemical products

Plastics

The main outlets

Geographical distribution of production

THE SECTORAL ENVIRONMENT

Overview (PESTEL analysis)

The petrochemical demand's sensitivity to GDP

The changes in demand from customer markets

The impact of the Covid-19 crisis on construction and automotive industries

Demographic change, urbanisation and growth of the middle class

Technological breakthroughs enabling petrochemicals to penetrate new markets

The rise of plastics in the automotive industry

Environmental pressure on chemistry

THE MARKET AND THE ACTIVITY OF THE LEADERS

THE GLOBAL PETROCHEMICAL MARKET

Demand for petrochemicals: world and region, focus on the impacts of the current crisis

Supply: plastics production, yields per feedstock, input and polymer production capacities

Prices: oil and gas prices, prices of petrochemicals, evolution of price competitiveness

External trade

ACTIVITY AND PERFORMANCE OF LEADERS

Cumulative sales of the leaders (2014-2019)

Positioning by average growth rate

The aggregate operating profit rate of the leaders

Ranking by EBIT rate

Individualised activity and performance

COMPETITION AND LEADERS' STRATEGIES

THE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Overview (Porter's forces)

Intra-sectoral competition

The bargaining power of suppliers

The threat of new entrants

The influence of public authorities

LEADERS' STRATEGIES

Overview of the development axes

Vertical integration (upstream and downstream)

Increased production capacity, particularly in the US Gulf Coast

Innovation

Mergers and acquisitions

"Sustainable" plastic

With examples, tables and case studies (Ineos, ExxonMobil)

THE FORCES AT WORK

The ranking of 10 global petrochemical industry leaders analysed in the report

Key performance indicators of the 10 leaders (sales growth and EBIT rate)

SWOT analysis of the 10 companies

The identity cards of the 10 leaders