European chemicals dropped from over 20% of world production to far less. China now controls over 40% of global chemical market. EU export share on external markets fell from 7% to under 5% since 2008. EU imports from third countries rose from 20% to 30% of market. War in Ukraine and gas crisis spiked costs and disrupted cheap raw materials. 2023 saw lowest net profits since 2014 with massive cost and demand pressure. Fertilizers, organic chemicals, and plastics segments hit hardest financially. Grupa Azoty is Europe's second-largest fertilizer producer facing woes. Paints, specialty chemicals, and gases held up relatively better. Polish and EU growth projected to boost demand from 2024. Construction, food, rubber industries, and households will drive chemical demand up. Agriculture stagnates as sole weak spot. Structural competitiveness loss demands systemic fixes like eased climate rules. EU plans subsidies, raw material access, and import barriers against low-standard rivals. Most fixes remain mere declarations without quick action.