1、March 2026Cover phutthiseth thongtae/Getty ImagesEuropes chemical industry structural reset How can companies adapt to the new European reality Europes chemical industry structural reset 2Management Summary The European chemical industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by a converg

2、ence of structural forces.Weak domestic demand,combined with limited market pull for sustainable and lowcarbon solutions,is weighing on growth.At the same time,persistently lowcapacity utilization across Europe contrasts sharply with rising imports from China,fuelled by global overcapacity.These pre

3、ssures are compounded by significantly higher energy costs,which continue to erode Europes global competitiveness.Regulatory developments add another layer of complexity.The European Union is advancing impactful regulations including the Emissions Trading System(ETS1).While the system is currently u

4、nder review,it remains designed to phase out free carbon allowances by 2039 without yet providing sufficient mechanisms to safeguard European industry or ensure a level playing field.Taken together,these dynamics are placing unprecedented strain on chemical and the impact is already visible.From 202

5、2 to 2025,announced capacity closures increased sixfold to nearly 37 million tons,while new investment announcements have dropped sharply,resulting in a shrinking industrial footprint and a net capacity loss of over 30 million tons.Against this backdrop,companies must navigate deep uncertainty:Will

6、Europe remain an open market or move toward greater protection?Will the transition to a green economy accelerate or slow under economic pressure?To remain competitive and resilient,chemical companies must act across three critical dimensions.(1)Strategically,they must develop a robust transformation