How is Europe's petrochemical industry weathering rationalization and supply disruptions?

Europe's petrochemical rebound is cyclical and supply-driven, not structural, with no real improvement expected before 2028.

• Mood improved but fragile: EPCA Vienna (Oct 5-8) had a markedly more upbeat tone than 2025's gloom, driven by temporary supply disruptions boosting European demand, not structural improvement.
• BASF pushes consolidation: CEO Marcus Kamieth said Europe faces 'a decade of continued consolidation' after seven or eight cracker closures, arguing smaller but stronger industry must match China/US scale.

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