German Chemical Giants Slash Output, Costs Soar

The VCI chemical association reports that disruptions to global shipping routes and a more than 50% jump in European gas prices since the war's outbreak are exacerbating an existing multi-year energy crisis. This situation, which began with Russia's war in Ukraine, had already prompted companies to redirect investments and led to increased Chinese chemical exports to Europe.

The industry, vital for sectors from automotive to pharmaceuticals and agriculture, warns of a potential industrial slowdown. Asian petrochemical firms are also cutting output due to naphtha shortages, creating a feedback loop of rising costs and dwindling availability.

Union leaders emphasize the underestimated "massive impact" of the conflict, signaling a deepening spiral of challenges for the sector, which employs approximately 480,000 people and includes major players like BASF, Bayer, and Evonik.