BARCELONA (ICIS)--Following an EU quota deal struck with China on hybrid electric vehicle imports, the region’s chemical industry is hopeful of stronger protection for chemicals from soaring levels of imports.

• China chemical imports to EU rose 35% year-on-year January-August 2026
• EU chemical safeguard proposals possible by December
• Hybrid car quotas could support European chemical demand
• Anti-dumping investigations face delays and circumvention risks
• Trade data could help identify imports rerouted through intermediaries
• Blanket quotas risk penalising legitimate trading partners
• China’s economic and property downturn adds pressure to export
• Exploiting European oil and gas alongside renewables could help tackle energy crisis
• Better electricity interconnections could unlock renewable power supplies
• Policymakers face pressure to address carbon costs

In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

At the 60th annual European Petrochemicals Association (EPCA) meeting last week, discussion around the traditional sustainability agenda has shifted into a broader conversation about industrial resilience.

• Speakers argue for a return to a balanced approach that considers environmental performance, financial performance and customer and societal needs
• Disruptions to global trade routes and rising security concerns are accelerating debates around Europe's industrial self-sufficiency.
• Consensus is increasing that these developments are creating a "new normal" for the chemical industry, although its final shape remains unclear
• A recurring theme through the conference was the perceived gap between policymakers' rhetoric and actions
  
  In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham sits down in Vienna's Stadtpark with ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

BARCELONA (ICIS)--Europe’s petrochemical industry is in steep decline and the region risks losing access to locally-produced critical raw materials unless stronger, faster action is taken by political leaders and regulators.

• Increasing reliance in Europe on imported critical raw materials for healthcare, defence and industrial value chains
• Europe chemicals faces existential threat
• Middle East war gave temporary uplift in Europe, but now imports flowing from other regions
• INEOS mothballing UK plants due to sky-high energy costs
• INEOS Project One expected online towards the end of 2027
• Little support and tough permitting environment in Europe
• Much stronger protection needed from unfair imports, including possible global or regional import quotas
• Create fewer but stronger regional leaders

In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, presdient of Plastics Europe and chairman of Petrochemcials Europe.