German 'chemical town' fears impact of industrial decline

Ludwigshafen, a company town in southwest Germany, is facing the impact of industrial decline. The town, dominated by chemical plants along the river Rhine, has seen thousands of jobs axed since 2022. BASF, the town's chemical giant, is shifting its focus to China due to weak demand, surging energy costs, and fierce competition. The sale of company-owned apartments, many occupied by workers, has added to unease, with concerns that it may signal further cuts to the main plant.