BMI's Executive Summary

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Industry Overview

The Netherlands has long been the hub of chemicals and petrochemicals activity in the EU. The Dutch chemicals industry enjoys the highest productivity rate among all EU nations, both in basic and speciality chemicals. The chemicals and petrochemicals industry is the country's second-largest industrial grouping and accounts for 10% of industrial employment, 20% of industrial output, 20% of national exports, 25% of industrial investments and 30% of industrial research and development. Almost 60% of industry turnover is generated from basic chemicals.

Industry Competitiveness

The country boasts a strategic location and strong physical infrastructure. These factors, along with the government's pro-business policies and the availability of a skilled workforce, make the country an attractive investment destination. A number of major international firms are present in the Dutch petrochemicals industry. However, some of the country's regional peers offer cheaper power while its competitors from the Middle East and South East Asia are endowed with abundant inexpensive feedstock. Major players in the industry include Sabic Europe (a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia-based Sabic Group) as well as Netherlands-based Basell, Shell Nederland Chemie and Akzo Nobel.

Industry Developments

As part of its Pernis-Moerdijk project, Shell Nederland Chemie plans to crack hydrowax manufactured at its Pernis facility at its Moerdijk ethylene plant in the Netherlands. The hydrowax will be used at all three of the company's ethylene plants in Europe. In September 2007, US-based ExxonMobil Chemical outlined plans to increase production at its aromatics plant in Rotterdam to cater for the rising demand for benzene and paraxylene (PX) in Europe. In August 2007, Sabic completed the acquisition of GE Plastics. The company will now be known as Sabic Innovative Plastics. In June 2007, Shell Chemicals – the petrochemicals arm of Netherlands based Royal Dutch Shell – outlined plans to augment flexible polyol capacity at its Pernis site.

Industry Outlook

The Dutch chemicals industry has grown at an impressive pace since 2000. According to the Dutch Chemical Industry Association (VNCI), during the first six months of 2007, sales of the total Dutch chemicals industry grew 8%. The association has projected sales growth in the region of 8% during the year. However, rising global oil prices continue to be a threat and may dampen growth.

Competitive Landscape for Emerging Europe Petrochemicals Reports: Sample of Companies Ranked

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Comparative company analyses and rankings by US$ sales, % market share, employee size, registration date and ownership structure. Company SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) on all leading international and national operators in each market, including competitive intelligence in the following: Overall geographic presence, competitive positioning against local companies; production capacity, sales and market share; joint ventures, foreign direct investment, projects and acquisitions strategy.