North American Petchem Producers May See Advantage by Reducing Capex for 2020

The shale gas advantage of North American petrochemical majors provides a boost for investments in the region, primarily in the U.S., says GlobalData, a data and analytics company. However, the oil price crash narrowed this advantage and is likely to affect profitability. North American petrochem majors that strive to pace investments efficiently, in line with market trends, will boost their competitiveness and seize further opportunities for growth over the long-term, says GlobalData.

John Paul Somavarapu, oil and gas analyst at GlobalData, comments, “The sudden decline in crude oil prices have distinctly affected the planned investments by the North American producers and they now need to efficiently pace investments while preserving long-term gains. The firm expects companies to lower their operating expenses and capital expenditures and focus on less capital-intense investments to position themselves well while the market recovers.”

The pandemic and the resulting impact on feedstock costs have prompted petrochemical majors in North America to announce project delays. The progress of projects under construction was also affected due to limitations in the movement of contract personnel and travel restrictions. Petrochemical capacity additions in North America are largely concentrated in the U.S, leveraging low-cost feedstock through the abundant supply of ethane from shale. The U.S. has around 27.2 million tonnes per year of petrochemical capacity under construction. It is followed by Canada, which is a distant second with 3.2.

Somavarapu continues, “The global petrochemical industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, and feedstock options, demand patterns, government policies, and so on will play a pivotal role. North America, particularly the U.S., is at a greater advantage when considering these factors in the longer term.”

The demand for polymers in North America in 2020 was affected due to weaker demand in end markets such as automotive and construction. However, as the global economy progresses towards a gradual recovery, and industrial and business activities are slated to return to normal, demand for polymers is set to strengthen and will likely reach pre-COVID levels in the medium- to long-term.

Somavarapu adds, “Producers should remain flexible and manage near-term constraints to reap benefits in the mid-long term. The U.S., being one of the largest producers and supplier of petrochemicals globally, will look forward to seizing the right opportunities for growth.”

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, January 7, 2021. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.