Global volatility, trade shifts, and new government policies are reshaping the chemical industry for 2026. Industry leaders Olivier Maronneaud and Pooja Jain from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to share S&P’s economic outlook and discuss supply-driven cycles, plant closures, and rising government intervention. They explore how North America, Europe, and Asia are responding to persistent oversupply and evolving plastics and methanol markets, with a look at where future investments may land after today’s capacity wave.
The episode covers the urgent need for flexibility—addressing tariffs, changing trade patterns, rationalization, and the ongoing race for scale. The speakers also weigh in on the slowdown in sustainability efforts, regional risks and opportunities, and key market indicators for 2026. Essential listening for chemical leaders navigating strategy, investment, and fast-moving policy changes.
Victoria, Olivier, and Pooja explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "This investment wave has a center point in China. It's originating from China. But what happens in China doesn't stay in China. It kind of disrupts everywhere.” -Pooja Jain
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World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.
Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com