How War with Iran Affects Chemicals | Insights from WPC and WCF 2026 - Ep. 259

About this episode

Victoria Meyer discusses the impact of geopolitics and market dynamics on the chemical industry with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale.

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply. Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and energy transition policies are influencing everything from oil prices and supply chains to chemical production strategies worldwide. Related episode: Strait of Hormuz Crisis - How Supply Chains Are Affected Globally - Ep 257 The episode explores regional strengths and vulnerabilities, with North America, the Middle East, and China taking leading roles amid rationalization and capacity closures in Europe and South Korea. Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale share insights on how chemical producers are responding to cost shifts, supply chain resets, and evolving consumer demand. The conversation also previewed the upcoming World Petrochemical Conference and CERAWeek, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to stay…

People in this episode

Host: Victoria Meyer

Guests: Kurt Barrow, Andrew Neale

Topics covered

• geopolitics
• chemical industry
• market dynamics
• government policies
• energy transition
• supply chains
• consumer demand

Keywords

• Iran
• chemical production
• sanctions
• tariffs
• oil prices
• supply chain
• energy volatility
• oversupply
• market trends
• consumer demand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: S&P Global

Places: Iran, North America, Middle East, China, Europe, South Korea

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