Chemicals News Today

The Korea Trade Commission (KTC) has increased anti-dumping duties on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film imported from two major Chinese producers and their affiliates, effective 20 November 2025. Duties on imports from Kanghui New Material Technology Co. have been raised from 2.2% to 7.31%, while the duty on PET film from Tianjin Wanhua Co. has surged from 3.84% to 36.98%.

Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical has successfully restarted its 400,000 TPA High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) unit in Quanzhou, China, following maintenance. The facility is now back in operation.

Styrene Monomer (SM) prices moved up in Asian trading, with fresh assessments placing FOB Korea values at US$ 820 per MT, reflecting a firming trend in the regional market.

Nissan Chemical achieved strong sales growth in fiscal H1 ended Sept. 30, driven by increased sales in cosmetics and environmental-related products across key business divisions.

Acetone prices fell by ₹3/kg due to weak downstream demand, steady domestic production, and consistent imports. Soft benzene and propylene prices further pressured sentiment. While demand from paints, IPA, and DAA remains weak, a recovery is expected from the pharma sector by December–January, which may help stabilise prices.

North American chemical market saw modest 2025 gains, with US production up ~2%. Low-cost feedstock boosted olefins (4% growth) and chlor-alkali (4-6% CAGR). Bio-materials had a breakthrough year, while polyurethanes remained subdued.

Jamia researchers patented a nanocatalytic green chemistry method using ceria nanocatalyst for p-nitrobenzoic acid synthesis. It achieves 100% conversion and 99.29% selectivity, offering a cleaner, cost-effective, and sustainable chemical manufacturing process.

BIS is studying plastic food containers amid safety concerns over chemical leaching, especially from black plastics and hot foods. The study may revise India's Food Safety Regulations, impacting delivery platforms and promoting safer packaging.

India's core industries saw flat growth in October, with coal down 8.5% and electricity down 7.6%. Petroleum, fertilizer, steel, and cement output increased. Cumulative growth for April-October reached 2.5%.

Kamdhenu Paints opened a new depot in Mayapuri, Delhi NCR, strengthening its supply network and last-mile service. This expansion, with a planned Kirti Nagar showroom, aims to deepen market presence and support regional growth in decorative paints and wood coatings.