Supply Chain Resilience in Chemicals

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

Regarding Fertilizers, I worked for one of the largest Nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer producers globally, SABIC, for 9 years until 2 years ago, putting my hands on project development regionally and globally, as well as business and global sales. Now I have shifted my focus to a wider industry scope (specialty chemicals), which covers business development and market studies on Paint and coating, Home and personal care, and cosmetics.

Q2. How are low-cost regional expansions in North America and the Middle East shifting the global nitrogen cost curve, and which high-cost assets are most vulnerable to being priced out?

Indian producers are enjoying steady gains from local demand and heavy subsidies that are not anticipated to be waived; however, we have seen moves by the government to push companies to find alternatives (nano Urea Fertilizers and others) to avoid draining the country's coffers. On the other hand, expansions in North America with cheaper/accessible raw materials are struggling to foresee the future. Shall I look heavily into green/blue products, or capitalize on the downstream? Both regions created a supply…