The petrochemical sector is in the aftermath of extensive restructuring. This change has altered the current situation of the industry and its outlook. It has also forced the producers, users, and financing institutions to design new strategies, adapt to these changes and prepare for the future. The purpose of this document is to shed light on the current and expected developments in the world market for petrochemicals. It also attempts to identify the geographic areas and fields of activity where new investments are more likely, useful and most efficiently utilized. The document is divided into four parts dealing with: (a) the identified global trends in the petrochemical sector; (b) a description of the current world situation; (c) a regional supply/demand analysis of the current situation and forecast to the year 1995; and (d) a brief analysis regarding potential actions and investments in developing countries.