Chemicals News Today

Brazilian petrochemical giant Braskem faces a severe crisis, struggling with a staggering 14.7 leverage ratio, R$56.5 billion in debt, and ongoing operational challenges amid a global industry downturn.

Vishnu Chemicals and France-based DCX Chrome formed a 50:50 joint venture to establish a greenfield 6,000 TPA high-purity chromium metal manufacturing facility in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Aarti Industries commissioned Phase I of its Zone IV project in Gujarat, launching new Calcium Chloride, PEDA, and Multipurpose facilities to enhance specialty chemical production and downstream integration.

Shyam Steel Industries' brand Sturdflex has expanded into the North-Eastern market, launching its comprehensive waterproofing and construction chemical solutions, backed by a 70-year corporate legacy.

CropLife India urges the government to adopt science-based regulations and a five-year Regulatory Data Protection framework to introduce safer crop protection technologies, reducing annual pest-driven crop losses.

India's E20 fuel push caused consumers an extra ₹88,234 crore due to reduced mileage, while its benefits for emission reduction and foreign exchange savings remain uncertain and impact food security.

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals has suspended production at its polyethylene plant in Guangdong, causing supply disturbances and supporting spot prices while downstream markets seek alternative sources.

EU chemicals production rose 0.4% in July, outperforming overall industrial output, despite declines in major economies like Germany, France, and Italy, while geopolitical tensions kept crude prices above $100/barrel.

Singapore's petrochemical exports fell 21.8% to S$737.3 million in August, shrinking for the 18th consecutive month. However, overall non-oil domestic exports surged 46.2% to S$19.4 billion, driven by robust AI-related demand.

On September 17, 2026, China's futures market opened with PP at RMB 8872/MT, LLDPE at RMB 8524/MT, and PVC at RMB 4872/MT, reflecting early trading fluctuations across key petrochemical products.