Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical has announced it will shut the cracker in Böhlen and chlor‑alkali and vinyl plants in Schkopau by the end of 2027, putting supply and infrastructure at Chemiepark Schkopau and in the central German network at risk. Talks on a sale or repurposing have so far failed, provoking frustration among politicians, unions and local companies and raising fears of more than 500 job losses. State politicians and the federal chancellor have declared the situation a top priority; Dow says it is examining various options but has communicated very few details, intensifying uncertainty at the site. » More on faz.net

Saxony-Anhalt's economics minister Sven Schulze called on Dow Chemical to work on solutions after the company announced it would close parts of its Schkopau and Böhlen plants at the end of 2027. He said the steam cracker in Böhlen is particularly central to the regional value chain and that a shutdown could threaten numerous suppliers. Schulze described exchanges with Dow so far as constructive and warned of consequences from global overcapacity, high energy costs and growing competitive pressure from China. » More on de.investing.com