Chemicals News Today

Methanol prices in India witnessed a sharp correction during June, with Ex-Kandla prices falling over 30% month-on-month. Improving prospects for Middle East supply, progress in US-Iran peace negotiations, and expectations of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have eased supply concerns, while weak buying sentiment continues to pressure prices.

U.S. plastic exports, particularly from Texas, to China, exceeding $23 billion in 2025, are intensifying global pollution concerns. With only 5-6% of plastics recycled, the trade links U.S. energy to global waste problems.

South Korea's petrochemical industry faces a severe glut due to Chinese overcapacity and new regional supply. Margins collapsed to $55/ton, far below break-even. Unfinished capacity cuts and S-Oil's 1.8M-ton Shaheen project nearing completion worsen the outlook.

Advanta bioKEMIX and Resolkem formed a JV, Resolkem Private Limited, to establish India's first dedicated high-quality GCHS-grade solvent manufacturer. This strategic partnership aims to boost India's specialty chemicals sector and expand production capacity by Q4 2026.

Eastern Coalfields launched India's first underground coal gasification pilot at Kasta, Jharkhand. This project aims to unlock challenging coal reserves, enhance domestic energy security, and provide feedstock for various industries, marking a step towards advanced coal utilisation.

BHEL and Coal India invest Rs 250 billion in Odisha for India's first commercial coal gasification plant, producing 2,000 t/day ammonium nitrate. Supported by Rs 13.5 billion, it boosts energy security and creates jobs.

The global High-Temperature Ceramic Fiber Cloth market is projected to grow at a 4-6% CAGR through 2035, driven by industrial furnace upgrades and aerospace expansion. Specialty grades will capture 40-45% of revenue, with Asia-Pacific leading demand.

CASALE joins India's first coal-to-ammonia-nitrates project in Odisha, contributing technology for 920 tpd ammonia, 1650 tpd WNA, 2000 tpd AN, and 400 tpd HDAN. This strategic initiative aims to meet 35% of India's AN demand by 2030, boosting self-reliance.

India-US energy cooperation, covering crude oil, LNG, LPG, and civil nuclear, is a promising area. Hydrocarbon trade reached USD 14.4 billion, driven by India's demand and US abundance, strengthening a resilient partnership.

India's Ministry of Textiles launched a summit to chart a roadmap for increasing textile and apparel exports from $37 billion to $100 billion by 2030, focusing on district-led growth, man-made fibre adoption, and innovation.