...Chem icals Outlook Rem ains Stable: Overall market conditions should remain stable for the diversified chemicals and petrochemicals sectors heading into 2019, despite the rise in hydrocarbon feedstock prices and friction in global trade. Fitch Ratings expects chemicals demand grow th by volume to remain near global GDP levels, given penetration in most end markets across consumer, manufacturing, automotive and construction sectors. In the short term, Fitch expects the agricultural chemicals sector to continue to be challenged by relatively low crop prices for end-market products, but long term to show solid grow th from strong product portfolios, the consolidated structure of the industry and new product launches from major industry issuers. Trade and Tariffs: The U.S. and China are key trading partners in the chemicals segment. The introduction of tariffs and continued trade friction betw een the tw o nations presents a significant threat to the overall industry, particularly for more...
