What evidence does the article cite to suggest the chemical industry is entering a period of deglobalization?

The article cites two main pieces of evidence: first, the Iran War is causing companies to question the wisdom of long supply chains; second, the sharp downturn is prompting firms to pull back from less competitive regions, exemplified by LyondellBasell Industries and Sabic selling off assets in Europe and Shell divesting its Singapore complex.

How does the article illustrate the historically multinational nature of the chemical industry?

The article illustrates the chemical industry’s long-standing multinational character by noting that Solvay, a Belgian soda ash producer, opened its first US plant near Syracuse, New York, in 1881, and by highlighting the 1958 joint venture Dow Badische Chemical—established by BASF and Dow in Freeport, Texas—as emblematic of the post-World War II wave of internationalization, with the site remaining home to integrated chemical complexes vital to both companies to this day.

Business Watch: BASF warns about Iran War; Kira merges with struggling Jasper

Jul 21, 2026

Major chemical firms warn geopolitical tensions drive deglobalization and asset divestments, while industry consolidation continues with mergers like Kira joining Jasper.

cen

2025-11-28

BASF declares force majeure on ethylene glycols at Antwerp

2026-02-10

BASF declares force majeure on oxo-C4 alcohol products

2026-03-23

BASF Uses Renewable Electricity Credits to Produce Acid Chlorides, Chloroformates at Ludwigshafen

2026-07-21

Business Watch: BASF warns about Iran War; Kira merges with struggling Jasper

2026-08-10

European Drought Snarls Inland Commodity Flows, Cuts Power Supplies

Business Watch: BASF warns about Iran War; Kira merges with struggling Jasper

FAQ