The State of the Chemical Industry: Outlook for 2026 & Beyond

Given the major changes occurring in the global geopolitical situation, the global economy and the chemical industry and the ongoing financial challenges, Société de Chimie Industrielle has gathered an exceptional expert panel to share their views on the topic of “The State of the Chemical Industry: Outlook for 2026 and Beyond.” Each speaker will give his perspectives on what is happening, why it is happening, and what one can expect for the rest of 2026 and beyond. We expect attendees to come away with perspectives on what each company can do to make the right strategic and financial decisions.

There will be a unique format for this event. Each speaker will give a 10 minute presentation looking at the issue from his own perspective. After the three presentations, there will be a round table discussion which will include comments and questions from the audience.

Featured Speakers:

		Joseph Chang, Global Editor, ICIS Chemical Business Joseph Chang is Global Editor of ICIS Chemical Business, a weekly publication covering the dynamic business trends in the chemical industry worldwide. ICIS Chemical Business is a weekly features-led global magazine covering the business of chemicals.
		Vincent Valk, Senior Editor, Chemical Week Vincent Valk is a Senior Editor at Chemical Week. He has over 15 years of experience covering the global chemicals business, with a focus on innovation, finance, sustainability, and digital, data-driven journalism. He is the founder and co-host of the Chemical Week Podcast, a premier discussion forum for industry thought leaders, and an editor for the digital and print editions of Chemical Week.
		Peter Young, CEO, Young & Partners Peter Young is CEO of Young & Partners, an international investment banking firm focused on the chemical and life sciences industries. He is also President of Société de Chimie Industrielle. Young & Partners serves the M&A, capital raising, bankruptcy and restructuring, and financial advisory needs of large and medium sized companies in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia.

About the Co-Hosts:

Racemics is a non-profit and philanthropic organization founded in 1952. The club is comprised of 50 chemical industry sales and purchasing professionals from the New York tri-state area. The members of the club represent major U.S. and international chemical companies that have headquarters or sales personnel in the greater New York metropolitan area.

The Racemics name comes from the organic chemistry term for equally mixed isomers that are also mirror images of each other; much as a left and right hand are different, but one is the mirror image of the other. The club name reflects the chemistry background and equal representation (sales vs. purchasing) of the membership. The club was founded in 1952 in New York City (when most of the major chemical companies had headquarters located there). The primary purpose of Racemics is to provide a personal and business networking organization among the membership. There are monthly meetings throughout the business year. The open meetings include two golf outings, and four meetings with chemical industry speakers. These meetings are open to the member's guests who are typically co- workers, customers and suppliers. The club also sponsors several annual scholarships to deserving local college students in a chemical industry related curriculum.


Société de Chimie Industrielle was founded in 1918 as The American Section of a Paris-based international organization. Today it operates as an independent New York-based Society with a mission to work with other chemical industry organizations and promote understanding of the chemical and allied industries. Activities include a monthly CEO forum, a scholarship program, and the International Palladium Medal awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the industry.