欧洲化学工业的竞争力

TheCompetitivenessof theEuropeanChemicalIndustry January2025 Foreword Dear readers, Thiscompetitiveness report, developed by Advancy, delves into the current state of theEuropean chemical industry and its competitiveness on the global stage. It makes clear,through a wealth of data and comparative illustrations, that the time to act is now. The European chemical industry is an integral part of the European industrial fabric, and isvital for Europe’s climate-neutrality and circularity ambitions; whether you look at the supplychains for microchips, battery materials for electric vehicle or medicines, all of them areheavily relying on chemistry and chemical products. However, over the past years, ourindustry has faced significant challenges. Increased competition from regions like the USA andChina, lack of demand, rising energy costs, and stringent regulations, among other factors,haveaddedconsiderable pressure, leading to a decline in Europe's market share on the globalscene. Despite the challenges, our European industry remains a key player in innovation andsustainability. This study highlights the importance of investing in new technologies andsupporting policies that can help us transition to a low-carbon and circular economy. Moreimportantly, it emphasises the urgent need for a clear industrial policy that supports businessand manufacturing in Europe, reduces administrative burden, and fosters a level playing field. The study outlines both the risks and opportunities ahead. Already more than 11 million tonsworth of capacity have been announced to be closed in Europe in2023 and 2024 combined.Without proactive measures, our industry risks further decline. However, with the rightsupport, our EU industry can regain its global competitiveness, and also grow profitably inareaslike low-carbon technologies,more sustainable products and circular economypractices. Bold and decisive action is needed now to restore competitiveness, supportinnovation, and ensure the long-term future of the European chemical industry. I hope this study serves as a valuable resource forunderstanding the challenges andopportunities facing our industry today. There should be no more plant closures and job lossesas a consequence of Europe’s heavy, costly and slow system. We must work together quicklyand efficiently to make Europe the best place to do business. Your sincerely, Marco MensinkDirector General Cefic Authors Sébastien David,AdvancyCo-Founder&SeniorPartnerContact:s.david@advancy.com ChristianPopa,AdvancyPartnerContact:c.popa@advancy.com Dr. Gunter Lipowsky,AdvancyPartner & Managing DirectorContact:g.lipowsky@advancy.com Paul Petrescu,AdvancyPrincipalContact:p.petrescu@advancy.com Other Advancy contributors:Ulysse Thuillier,Cédric Enesa, Quentin Capelle, Antoine Pitiot,GabrielleBonpun,Elizabeth Aldrich, Guillaume Gervais, Matthew Barnard. Disclaimer:This publication and thematerial herein are provided “as is”.All reasonable precautions have beentaken by the copyright holders to verify the reliability of the material in this publication. However, neitherCeficorAdvancy, nor any of their officials, agents, data or other third-party content providers provides a warranty ofany kind, either expressed or implied, and they accept no responsibility or liability for any consequence of use ofthe publication or material herein.The information contained herein does not necessarilyrepresentthe views ofall Members ofCeficorAdvancy.Advancycontribution to this publication was limited to research and analysiscompleted as ofNovember2024(ongoing changes e.g., in current prices & price outlooks for energy and rawmaterials are to be expected). CONTENTS 1Summary.........................................................................................................................................51.1European Chemicals, an Essential Industry for Europe–detailed in section 2.....................51.22023-2024, The European Chemical Industry at a breaking point–detailed in section 3....71.3Over The Past 15 Years, Europe Has Lost Ground–detailed in section 4............................111.4The Competitiveness Gap, In Depth–detailed in section 5................................................121.5Next Steps: A Call for Action–detailed in section 6............................................................142Section 2–European Chemicals, an Essential Industry for Europe..............................................182.1From petrochemicals to specialty pharmaceuticals, a fundamental building block ofeveryday life......................................................................................................................................202.2An integral part of the European manufacturing industry...................................................242.3Among the leading exporting sectors in Europe..................................................................262.4A contributor to European innovation and differentiation................