10:30 AM: Welcome remarks - Larry Tan, Chemicals Insight, APAC lead, S&P Global Commodity Insights
10:35 AM: Polyethylene Global Overview – Deeply Entrenched in a downcycle, what are the prospects for a faster recovery? - Jesse Tijerina, Chemical Insights, Americas Polyolefins Lead, S&P Global Commodity Insights
The polyethylene market has been in a downcycle for more than 12 months now. The conditions that drove the polyethylene market there persist; oversupply due to the unprecedented new capacity overbuild and lower demand due to a weak global economic environment in 2023 and even lower expected in 2024. A review of the polyethylene supply/demand fundamentals indicate action is needed by industry participants to achieve a faster recovery.
10:50 AM: Polypropylene Global Overview - Uncovering Potential Winners in the Evolved Era - Pooja Jain, Senior Principal Research Analyst, Polymer, Asia, S&P Global Commodity Insights
11:05 AM: Vinyl's Global Overview - Navigating current challenges before large expectations of growth - Harry Thomas, Director - Inorganics, Americas, S&P Global Commodity Insights
The global market has recovered from the volume decline in 2022 driven by large steps of demand improvement in India. Global operating rates are at a 8 year low and will require 18-24 months to absorb the new investments in global capacity. Energy and feedstock prices are low helping both the consumer and producer now. S&P's analysis and expectations are for the sizeable acceleration of Vinyl's demand from housing and infrastructure growth in the back half of the decade.
11:25 AM: Ethylene Oxide & Monoethylene Glycol: Do intermediates offer “value in diversity” through the Energy Transition? - Andy Orszynski, Director, Olefins & Derivatives, S&P Commodity Insights
11:45 AM: Q&A
Regional focus on Olefins and Polyolefins
Moderator: Jesse Tijerina, Chemical Insights, Americas Polyolefins Lead, S&P Global Commodity Insights
The session will dive into the current enviro factors driving rate volatility in container freight. These influences include the obvious factors, such as supply and demand fundamentals and vessel capacity -- but also include more nuanced, fluid situations -- like low water hurdles in the Panama Canal (which do appear to be easing slightly), attacks in the Red Sea forcing re-routes from passage through the Suez Canal to looping around the Cape of Good Hope, schedule reliability and operating costs.
The Petrochemical Industry of the Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Latin America
Latin America continues to grow its role in supplying the world in a variety of commodities. However, the region relies substantially on imports of energy and feedstocks. The strides of energy transition are signaling many challenges but incredible opportunities for the petrochemical sector. What role will the petrochemical industry in Latin America play? Can the industry take advantage of the local abundant green-renewable energy? Can biofeedstock become an attractive option considering how fertile the region is? This summit will bring the perspectives and open the discussion from the main player, stakeholders, and experts on pathways for the future of the industry in Latin America.
8:30 AM : Welcome Remarks & Networking Session - Lisa Wood, Executive Director, Specialty Chemical Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights
8:40 AM: What does the Energy Transition mean to Evonik? - Martin Toscano, President, Evonik Mexico
9:00 AM: Challenges and Opportunities for LATAM during the Downcycle - Jesse Tijerina, Chemical Insights, Americas Polyolefins Lead, S&P Global Commodity Insights
9:20 AM: Q&A - Moderator: Lisa Wood, Executive Director, Specialty Chemical Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights