Demand-driven supply chains 2.0 for chemical companies: Built for a rapidly changing global industry

Chemical companies are facing dramatic changes in global markets, feedstock supply, corporate mergers and other areas.

Integrated control systems: new opportunities and cyber risks for chemical manufacturers

Once designed to operate in isolation, chemical manufacturing control systems are now being connected to the virtual world.

Korean chemical industry moves toward growth and diversity

The chemical industry in Korea is a case study in strength and resilience, not surprising in a country where the GDP has tripled every decade since the 1960s.

Cash is always king: How chemical companies are optimizing their working capital management

During the global downturn, working capital management was top of mind for the chemical industry. With today’s increased revenues and ready access to cheap debt, companies might feel that they have fewer incentives to change their processes.

Chemical companies fighting the new war for talent

Talent is at the top of the agenda for many executives around the world and this is especially true for the chemical industry.

Gas-powered growth continues for US chemical companies

Backed by low feedstock prices from shale gas, US chemical companies are maintaining steady growth in 2015.

Global automotive industry growth

With few exceptions, the global automotive industry has made a solid recovery from the downturn in 2008.

Supply chain optimization

Shifting patterns in supply and demand, cost pressures, market segmentation mean that chemical supply chains need to be increasingly agile.

Building the 21st Century: chemicals and the global construction industry

Specialty chemicals have helped shape today’s global construction industry, introducing new levels of structural strength, protection, and energy efficiency to homes, commercial buildings and public infrastructures around the world.

A changing industry for India’s chemical companies

As one of the emerging “tiger economies” of Asia, India has long enjoyed rapid growth. However, the global downturn left its mark on India’s economic progress, and the past several years have seen increased dissatisfaction within the country due to complex bureaucracy, inconsistent tax laws, infrastructure problems and other factors that impede job creation and economic growth.

ASEAN: the next chemical industry growth engine

China has long dominated Asia’s economic growth, with India close behind. Likewise, even two or three years ago, in the boardrooms of chemical companies around the world, an Asian growth strategy would focus on China, India, and nothing else.

Sustainable, long-term growth expected for China chemicals

“Slow but steady wins the race” might not be the official motto of Chinese policy makers, but it reflects a prudent, sustainable long-term perspective that the county’s economic policies appear to support.

European chemical companies adapt to changing times

In 2013, the European chemical industry began its recovery from the global downturn, with a monthly output growth of 0.7 percent in November. However, EU chemicals output still declined by 1 percent over the year, and full recovery remains elusive.

Long-term opportunities for the African chemical industry

The economic potential for the African chemical industry is clear enough, with low costs for labor and materials, a relatively young and rapidly growing population, an expanding middle class, a rising demand for products and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

External factors drive increased M&A in chemical

Recently, a fundamental change has occurred in the US energy landscape. Fracking has substantially reduced natural gas prices, thereby making US energy independence a real possibility.

China’s chemical industry: the emergence of local champions

The Chinese economy has entered a unique stage of development. It is slowing, but in a controlled and more sustainable manner.

Global opportunities for companies that act today

The global chemical industry is undergoing dynamic change, with a range of external factors presenting industry executives with vastly divergent challenges in different regions of the world.

Going green: a sustainable advantage for chemical companies

Today’s chemical companies are taking major steps to create a more sustainable chemical sector. Megaforces can present business risks, but perhaps more importantly, they can fuel innovation for forward-looking companies.

KPMG survey: Top concerns for chemicals executives

As 2013 began, the US Congress and the Obama Administration enacted an agreement that addressed elements of the so-called “fiscal cliff” – specifically, as examples, revising income tax rates and delaying immediate Federal spending sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Trade and customs: key savings and compliance opportunities for chemical companies

Multinational companies are challenged with the prospect of another year of uncertain recovery in the worldwide economy.

Australian chemicals: a case study for High Value Manufacturing

Manufacturers in developed economies face ever-increasing competition from their counterparts in emerging markets where many costs are lower.

Brazil shows resilience in a challenging year

Only two years ago, Brazilian GNP was growing at a rate of 7.5 percent, and the future seemed bright for both the Brazilian chemical industry and the country’s economy in general.