For anyone working closely with the chemical industry, October is traditionally an important month for meeting customers and partners. This year took us to two important events on both sides of the Atlantic: the 60th EPCA Annual Meeting in Vienna and the ANIQ Foro Nacional de la Industria Química in Mexico City.

Different markets, different programs and different regional perspectives. Yet many of the conversations came back to similar questions:

• How can chemical companies remain competitive in an increasingly volatile environment?
• How can supply chains become more resilient?
• What do customers expect from their logistics partners as complexity continues to increase?

Events such as EPCA and ANIQ are giving us the opportunity to sit down with customers and partners, listen to their perspectives and talk openly about what is changing.

EPCA and ANIQ: Two Important Meeting Points for the Chemical Industry

From October 05 to 08, 2026, the European Petrochemical Association welcomed the international petrochemical community to Vienna, Austria for its 60th Annual Meeting. Under the motto “Rethinking Resilience” the event focused on the challenges of high energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade flows, sustainability requirements and growing international competition.

The discussions reflected how the understanding of resilience is evolving. Today, resilient supply chains cannot simply be designed to recover from disruption. They need the flexibility to adapt continuously as markets, sourcing patterns and customer requirements change.

Only a few days later, attention moved across the Atlantic. On October 14 and 15, 2026, the LVIII Foro Nacional de la Industria Química, organized by ANIQ, brought Mexico's chemical industry together at Expo Santa Fe in Mexico City. Leschaco Mexicana participated in the event as one of its sponsors.

Under the motto “The Chemical Industry in 2030: Competitiveness, Integration, and Growth in a New Global Order” the program looked at the industry's position in a changing global economy. Topics included the new global economic order, the USMCA/T-MEC, Mexico 2030, competitiveness, investment and the role of artificial intelligence, infrastructure and talent.

For Leschaco Mexicana, the event was above all an opportunity to strengthen relationships, understand the challenges facing the local chemical industry and stay close to customers.

EPCA 2026: Resilience Starts with Understanding the Market

In Vienna, the discussions around resilience were particularly relevant for logistics.

Chemical supply chains today operate in an environment shaped by changing trade flows, geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on Europe's industrial competitiveness. At the same time, expectations of logistics service providers are changing. Competitive freight rates remain important, but customers increasingly need partners who understand their business and can help them navigate complexity.

That was also reflected in our conversations throughout EPCA.

Anthony Elwine, Head of Global Vertical Market Chemicals, describes the event as several “long and rewarding days”, characterized by a positive spirit among customers and numerous opportunities to reconnect with existing customers and explore new relationships.

His rather fitting description of EPCA: “Speed dating on steroids.”

Behind the humorous comparison lies something important: Bringing so many customers, partners and industry experts together creates a rare opportunity to exchange perspectives within a very short period of time. Conversations range from immediate market developments to customer feedback, new ideas and innovation.

For Maximilian Nause, Head of Global Sales at Leschaco, one aspect stood out in particular:

EPCA once again demonstrated the importance of personal relationships in the chemical industry. Meeting customers and partners face-to-face remains invaluable.

Around 35 customer meetings provided the Leschaco team with opportunities to discuss existing business as well as potential partnerships and new growth opportunities.

The atmosphere was more positive than expected given the difficult market environment. Our team encountered an encouraging outlook among many customers, even as Europe's chemical industry continues to face pressure.

Our own EPCA conclusion highlighted the value of exchanging perspectives with customers and partners connecting this year's motto “Rethinking Resilience” with stronger and more adaptable supply chains.

ANIQ 2026: Staying Close to Mexico's Chemical Industry

At the ANIQ Forum in Mexico City, many of the same questions were discussed from a distinctly Mexican perspective. Mexico's industrial base and position within international trade make the development of its chemical industry particularly relevant for global logistics. At the same time, the industry is also navigating challenges.

Being present at ANIQ gave our Leschaco Mexicana team the opportunity not simply to talk about logistics, but to listen.

Meeting in person and listening to our customers and business partners gives us valuable insights into their needs and challenges. These conversations help us develop the right solutions for an industry undergoing significant transformation.

Says Martin Sack, Managing Director Cluster MEX/COL/PER. 

That closeness to customers was also a central message of Leschaco Mexicana's event recap, describing ANIQ as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, understand the challenges in the chemical industry and exchange perspectives that help us develop even more valuable logistics solutions.

As Israel Sarabia, Key Account Manager Leschaco Mexicana, puts it:

The chemical industry requires more than logistics solutions. It takes specialized knowledge, trust and a strong commitment to safety. Events like the ANIQ Forum help us better understand the challenges our customers face and how we can support them.

Chemical Logistics Is Built on Relationships

Vienna and Mexico City are thousands of kilometers apart. But our experiences at EPCA and ANIQ led to a very similar conclusion.

Technology is becoming more important in logistics. Digital solutions, better data transparency and AI can help create visibility and support faster, better-informed decisions. At the same time, chemical supply chains are becoming more complex. As mentioned multiple times, regulations are evolving, trade flows are shifting and geopolitical developments can change logistics requirements quickly.

In this dynamic landscape deep and trusted partnerships are of utmost importance.

Chemical logistics are sensitive and mistakes can have serious consequences. Customers therefore need more than transportation capacity or an attractive freight rate, they need logistics partners who understand their products, their markets and their individual requirements. This requires trust.

Events such as EPCA and ANIQ remain so valuable for us. They give our colleagues the opportunity to stay connected to the industry, but above all, to stay connected to the people behind it.

Sometimes the most valuable outcome of several busy days at an industry event is surprisingly simple: a good conversation.