Chemicals News Today

SPIC commenced production of Bharat NPK 17:17:17 at its Thoothukudi plant. This new complex fertiliser, with a balanced 17:17:17 formula, offers comprehensive nutrition for all crop types, aiming for improved yields and better crop quality.

SM prices surged in Asia, reaching USD 980-990/mt (FOB Korea, +$35/mt; CFR China, +$40/mt) due to strong demand and firmer feedstock benzene (USD 775-785/mt, +$5/mt), despite weaker crude.

Sumitomo Seika Chemicals reported a decline in profit following an extraordinary loss linked to a product mischarge issue. Despite the setback, the company’s super absorbent polymers (SAP) segment recorded higher sales volumes in China during the first nine months of the fiscal year ended December 31. The update highlights operational challenges impacting earnings, even as demand recovery trends emerge in select downstream hygiene and polymer markets.

Solvay will further reduce soda ash production capacity at its Torrelavega plant in Spain due to continued challenging market conditions, impacting up to 77 jobs. Sodium bicarbonate operations at the site will remain unaffected. The company flagged sustained competitive pricing pressure through 2026, with weaker 2025 sales driven by lower soda ash volumes. Although recent results slightly beat consensus estimates, Solvay expects market headwinds to weigh on profitability into next year, signaling extended weakness in the European soda ash segment.

Mosaic Company reported earnings below expectations as deferred demand and higher raw material costs weighed on margins, though management signaled a potential turnaround in the spring season. Meanwhile, Westlake Corporation posted stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings supported by accelerated cost-cutting initiatives. However, Westlake’s sales declined 11% sequentially and year-on-year to $2.533 billion, reflecting softer pricing and lower volumes. The updates indicate persistent demand-side pressure across the chemicals value chain, even as operational efficiencies support select producers.

IPA's 11th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2026, with 400+ delegates and 50 speakers, reinforced quality as India's foundation for innovation and global trust. Discussions focused on talent, technology, and trust, aiming to transform India into a global biopharmaceutical hub.

Nepal Oil Corporation increased gas imports, with 138 bullets (173,800 cylinders) entering in a single day from Indian depots, to ensure smooth supply during upcoming elections and prevent shortages.

Himadri Speciality Chemical commissioned a 70,000 MTPA Speciality Carbon Black line, boosting total capacity to 2,50,000 MTPA. Its Mahistikry facility is now the world's largest single-location Speciality Carbon Black plant at 1,30,000 MTPA, enhancing global market leadership.

Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) is building a Rs 1,200 crore, 150 tonnes-per-day E-Methanol project at Kandla Port, Gujarat, with Deendayal Port Authority. It will generate 3,500 jobs and expand Assam's industrial footprint.

NTPC Green Energy tenders green ammonia and methanol projects at Andhra Pradesh's Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub. Bids are due by March 11, 2026, with a ₹10 million security. Projects require offtake agreements, aligning with India's ₹197.4 billion Green Hydrogen Mission.