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Topic: Middle East Conflict

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have intensified significantly in recent months. The most recent escalation came with military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran. For the globally interconnected plastics industry, these developments are of particular importance: energy prices, raw material availability, and logistics flows are highly sensitive to political escalation in this key region.

For European plastics processors and producers, the situation creates new uncertainties – but also strategic areas for action. PIE – Plastics Information Europe analyses potential escalation scenarios in the Middle East conflict and assesses their possible impact on energy and raw material markets, supply chains, and the competitive structure of the European plastics industry.

On this topic page, PIE has compiled relevant reports, market analyses and background articles that show how the Middle East conflict is currently affecting the plastics markets – and which developments companies should keep a close eye on right now.

Current articles on the topic

MASTERBATCHES
Group flags supply chain risks from Middle East disruptions to key trade routes / Bottlenecks hit industries such as cosmetic packaging, plastic film, automotive
11.05.2026
LOGISTICS
US President Donald Trump's 'Project Freedom' has little to no effect / UAE manages to sail some oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz
08.05.2026
DEFENCE INDUSTRY GERMANY
What opportunities does military sector hold for plastics converters? / Rational considerations prevail / Unable to offset declining automotive market
07.05.2026
COVESTRO
'No growth investments in Europe', says CEO Steilemann / Plastics group benefits from higher sales prices as result of Middle East conflict
07.05.2026
POLYMER PRICES
Composites/GRP April: Price rises continue for all grades; triple-digit hikes in some cases / Converters reluctant to purchase
04.05.2026
BASF
Q1 sales down 3%, but volumes grow / Petchem major sees strong Q2 prospects / Middle East crisis boosts pricing power and upside potential
04.05.2026
LOGISTICS
Stalemate on ceasefire continues at Strait of Hormuz / Is maritime trade getting used to the blockade as the ‘new normal'?
01.05.2026
OPEC
United Arab Emirates set to leave oil producers' cartel / No short-term relief expected in Europe
30.04.2026
PLASTICS RECYCLING
PRE managing director Antonino Furfari tells PIE why higher virgin polymer prices won't fix Europe's recycling problem – interview
29.04.2026
KINGFA
Chinese compounder again delays start-up in Poland / Export push raises competitive pressure in Europe
28.04.2026
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Date of print: 14/05/2026
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