The chemical industry stepped up in the face of COVID-19, pivoting production toward products and materials like isopropyl alcohol and ethanol needed to combat the outbreak. However, demand and prices for critical materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene have slumped on weakness in automotive and construction in the meantime, according to Deloitte. In a new report – “Midyear 2020 chemical industry outlook” – the company predicts U.S. chemical industry revenues may decline as much as 14-15% year over year in 2020.
The new report evaluates the key trends, challenges and opportunities that may affect businesses and influence their strategies for the remainder of 2020. Deloitte outlines key considerations for chemical companies competing in the COVID-19 era, including:
- Focusing on end-user applications. While automotive, construction and consumer industries will likely trend downward in the near term, chemical companies may consider aligning their product strategy with market shifts and focus on new sources of demand, such as pharmaceuticals, nutrition and hygiene.
- Adding agility and flexibility to supply chains. The pandemic highlighted challenges with globalized supply chains. And with emerging protectionist policies driving companies to bring home some of their supply chains, chemicals manufacturers may have to build resilience and robustness through inventory management and creating safety stock to mitigate risk.
- Accelerating digital capabilities. Chemicals companies could chart a path to recovery by fast tracking the adoption of digital capabilities to increase efficiency. Digitalizing process and operations may help improve safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability as well as modernize back-office activities, which in turn can enhance the customer experience.
- Driving value through smart M&A. While M&A volume may decline in the next quarter or two, companies with robust balance sheets could start to divest non-core and underperforming assets and consider M&A to drive value, which may lead to a rebound in deal activity by the end of 2020.
For more information, visit: www.deloitte.com
