WHAT'S NEW? Contents for Probe's Latest Chemical Outlook (January 2010) OVERVIEW Slow recover in the U.S. (Page 1) China growth has limits. (Page 2 Possible trade war. (Page 2 Western European double dip? (Page 3) Russian feedstocks won't save European petchems. (Page 3) Rest of world doing pretty well. (Page 4) More about shale gas. (Page 4) More about the inventory rebound. (Page 5) Why U.S. petrochemicals will rebound. (Page 6) DATA TABLES Economic and Chemical Industry Indicators: Continued Improvement. (Page 7) Energy and Chemical Prices: On the Move Again. (Page 8) Other Developments This month, Probe updated its semiannual forecasting study, Feedstock Petrochemical and Polymer Price and Margin Forecasts, with multi-scenario forecasts available out to 2014 and 2025. Probe will soon update its model and database to track goods, such as chemicals and polymers, that are contained in the exports and imports of other goods, such as automobiles and apparel. The results are found in two studies, New Model and Database to Help You Understand Hidden Foreign Trade Impacts on Your Business; and The Real U.S. Trade Balance in Plastics Resins: HDPE, LLDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, PVC, ABS/SAN, Polycarbonate and Epoxies. Extensive databases will be provided. Last year's study is still available. Last month, Probe's president, Dr. Frederick M. Peterson, made a presentation on the Economic, Energy and Chemical Outlook before the New York Chapter of the Chemical Marketing & Economics Group of the ACS. The Webcast is available from the ACS, by E-mailing: CMEwebcast@gmail.com (There is a nominal charge). In May, Dr. Frederick M. Peterson will speak in Buenos Aires, before the Instituto Petroquimico Argentino, on The Prospects for the Argentine Petrochemical Industry. DISCLAMER: Probe Economics LLC is not a licensed investment or financial advisor and makes no warranties with respect to the observations and forecasts presented here, other than to have developed them in a diligent and professional manner, and assumes no liability for consequential damages resulting from any use made of these observations and forecasts. For more information, E-Mail us at fred@probeeconomics.com Copyright © 2010 Probe Economics LLC All rights reserved.