Recently, market insiders indicated that with the waning influence of the European market, the global flow of chemical trade is gradually shifting toward emerging Asian markets. Among these regions, Asia—especially the Middle East—is further consolidating its position as a major export hub for chemical products. In the long run, Europe may transform from a net exporter into a net importer of chemical products.

The European market is witnessing a continuous downturn. Stefan Schnabel, Chairman of Helm AG, a German chemical trader, commented: “The income-generating labor force in Europe is shrinking, and the consumer spending of the existing workforce is also flowing to other regions. This has directly dampened the vitality of the local consumer market. This phenomenon will further curb the demand for chemical products in Europe, creating more opportunities for chemical-producing countries with excess capacity—such as those in the Middle East and East Asia—to export to Europe.”

Udo Lange, CEO of Stolt-Nielsen, a Danish chemical shipping and terminal operator, stated: “In the long term, Europe is very likely to shift from a net exporter to a net importer of chemical products. Capital expenditure in Europe’s chemical industry is continuously flowing overseas, domestic factories are shutting down one after another, and most new investments are directed to regions outside Europe. Moreover, the possibility of these investments flowing back in the short term is extremely slim. Europe’s chemical industry will focus more on specialty chemicals production in the future and gradually withdraw from the basic chemicals sector.”

In 2026, only one chemical plant is scheduled to go into operation in the EU—specifically, the 1.5 million-ton-per-annum ethylene cracker owned by INEOS Group in Antwerp, Belgium.