Episode 948: Think Tank: Start of year chemicals uptick may be a false dawn

Signs of slight improvement in production and demand in early 2023 may not be proof that a real recovery is underway for the global chemicals industry.  -          ICIS data shows mild pick up in pricing, production -          More optimism in chemical industry-          But no strong evidence of uptick in demand-          Persistent weakness in construction, automotive, electronics-          Rising production may simply be inventory building-          Global economy hit first by energy price shock, now inflation, rising interest rates -          Prospect of persistent downturn -          Tepid GDP forecasts for 2023-          Flood of excess polypropylene (PP) threatens global market