GlobalData: North American petrochemical producers might see long-term cost advantage by reducing CAPEX for 2021
Published by Nicholas Woodroof,
Editor
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
John Paul Somavarapu, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “The sudden decline in crude oil prices have distinctly affected the planned investments by the North American producers and they now need to efficiently pace investments while preserving long-term gains. GlobalData expects companies to lower their operating expenses and capital expenditures and focus on less capital intense investments to position themselves well while the market recovers.”
The pandemic and the resulting impact on feedstock costs have prompted petrochemical majors in North America to announce project delays. The progress of under-construction projects was also affected due to limitations in the movement of contract personnel and travel restrictions. Petrochemical capacity additions in North America are largely concentrated in the US, leveraging low-cost feedstock through the abundant supply of ethane from shale. The US has around 27.2 million tpy of petrochemical capacity under construction. It is followed by Canada, which is a distant second with 3.2 million tpy.
Somavarapu continued: “The global petrochemical industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, and feedstock options, demand patterns, government policies, and so on will play a pivotal role. North America, particularly the US, is at a greater advantage when considering these factors in the longer term.”
The demand for polymers in North America in 2020 was affected due to weaker demand in end markets such as automotive and construction. However, as the global economy progresses towards a gradual recovery, and industrial and business activities are slated to return to normal, demand for polymers is set to strengthen and will likely reach pre-COVID levels in the medium- to long-term.
Somavarapu added: “Producers should remain flexible and manage near-term constraints to reap benefits in the mid-long term. The US, being one of the largest producers and supplier of petrochemicals globally, will look forward to seizing the right opportunities for growth.”
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/05012021/globaldata-north-american-petrochemical-producers-might-see-long-term-cost-advantage-by-reducing-capex-for-2021/
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