The analysis covers a portfolio of import-dependent chemical intermediates and downstream derivatives in India. The growth opportunities are categorized into three strategic buckets namely, scalable opportunities, conditional bets, and plausible moats. Each consists of chemical intermediates filtered based on import scale, balanced import source, India demand growth by volume, feedstock availability in India and announced capacity gap analysis. A total of 16 chemical intermediates are shortlisted from opportunity identification framework and the basis of the prioritization matrix, and then are categorized into strategic buckets. Of the 16 chemical intermediates, 12 attractive chemical intermediates have been separated into three strategic buckets.

Scalable opportunities are defined according to the following: “Feedstock is largely available in India, and a demand-supply gap exists post announced capacity additions. The opportunity follows standard project development path.” Conditional bets defined as “Attractive for demand and import size, but contingent on resolving a specific pre-condition such as feedstock gap, technology access, large capex or announced capacity plans get discontinued before investment is viable.”

• How can you address unattractive chemical intermediates and achieve growth?
• What impact will multiple compounding challenges like the availability of proprietary technology for license, the availability of feedstock, and unproven economics at scale have on future growth potential?
• Is your team equipped with right growth strategies to gain competitive advantage amidst high barriers to entry, environment & safety constraints, and technology access?