A reduction in operational capacity has helped keep the US petrochemicals market tight, leading to higher prices. However, with capacity coming back onstream in Q--- and new plants due to begin commercial operations in ----, there is a distinct danger that margins will be threatened by falling product prices. ...However, with capacity coming back onstream in Q--- and new plants due to begin commercial operations in ----, there is a distinct danger that margins will be threatened by falling product prices. This comes at a time when the ethane-naphtha differential is still narrow and working against ethane-based US petrochemicals, although propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants and refinery fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units should continue to prove competitive and provide feedstock for polypropylene production. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) s Chemical Activity Barometer (CAB) three-month moving average (-mma) index expanded -.- m-o-m in September, the seventh successive month of growth. ...A stalling point is the monopoly position in agrochemicals, which could force divestments in the US. Chinese and European anti-trust regulators are also likely to be a stumbling block. A final decision is expected in ----, but BMI believes the merger process is likely to be protracted.
...The perception of inflexibility and bias in US foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, may stiffen opposition and at worst provide fertile recruiting ground for radical anti-US groups such as al-Qaeda. Partly as a reaction to foreign policy difficulties, US public opinion may return to an isolationist and protectionist mode. ...The perception of inflexibility and bias in US foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, may stiffen opposition and at worst provide fertile recruiting ground for radical anti-US groups such as al-Qaeda. Partly as a reaction to foreign policy difficulties, US public opinion may return to an isolationist and protectionist mode. Compromise is becoming increasingly difficult in domestic politics, and gridlock on spending issues could prompt another government shutdown, or even drive the US to a default on its debt. ...Partly as a reaction to foreign policy difficulties, US public opinion may return to an isolationist and protectionist mode. Compromise is becoming increasingly difficult in domestic politics, and gridlock on spending issues could prompt another government shutdown, or even drive the US to a default on its debt.
...� The US s Petrochemicals Risk/Reward Index is --.- out of --- this quarter, down -.- points since the previous quarter due to the impact on profitability of rising supply from Q---. There is little to challenge the US s lead over the Americas with regards to the opportunities offered by its petrochemicals markets, and the numerous country rewards. ...
