Europe’s chemical industry is under severe pressure as high production costs threaten competitiveness. Many European producers are struggling with ageing facilities and energy and feedstock costs that are significantly higher than in the United States or Middle East, making it difficult to compete on price with newer, cheaper producers abroad.
Industry leaders warn that unless there is decisive political action to support domestic chemicals manufacturing, Europe risks becoming increasingly dependent on imports of key materials like ethylene and propylene.
The European Commission has proposed expanding state aid and giving preference to locally made chemicals in public tenders, but executives say these measures may be too late to stop further decline. With closures already underway and more capacity at risk, the sector faces a critical crossroads between decline and potential government‑backed revitalization.
For the original source click here.
