Chemicals News Today

Imported chemical prices are rising due to firm Chinese offers and the Indian rupee's record low. Buyers anticipate stronger pricing through May, urged to secure inventory early to avoid further cost escalation.

Polymer prices (PE, PVC, PP, PET) are gaining momentum due to firm Chinese offers and a weak Rupee. Bullish sentiment expects further domestic price increases in May, urging early inventory securing.

Asahi Kasei exits styrene/PE production at Mizushima by 2030, closing its ethylene cracker amid restructuring and declining earnings. Mitsui and Mitsubishi Chemical now hold majority stakes in joint ethylene operations, Asahi Kasei 10%.

Taki Chemical's Q1 revenue grew 5% to 5 billion ($31.8M), with operating profit up 51.5%. Growth was driven by price adjustments, new pharmaceutical additives, and increased sales in water treatment, functional materials, and agriculture.

MOL's petchems output dropped 15% in Q1 due to naphtha supply constraints and downstream disruptions. Despite this, the Strait of Hormuz closure supported a rally in petchem margins.

Styrene monomer (SM) prices in Asia declined by USD 15/mt to USD 1285-1295/mt (FOB Korea) and USD 1260-1270/mt (CFR China) due to weak demand, despite stronger upstream energy rates.

India's fertilizer giants plan to import 536,000 MT of ammonia between June-August 2026 to meet rising agricultural demand. Coordinated procurement aims to secure supply and improve bargaining power.

India eyes coal gasification to cut energy imports, leveraging its vast reserves. This strategic move aims to boost domestic power, hydrogen, and chemical production, with Rs 85 billion approved and 7 projects worth Rs 640 billion planned to achieve 100 MT by 2030.

Gayatri Rubbers (GRCL) reported strong FY26 results: ₹41.82 Cr income, ₹5.59 Cr PAT. It strengthened its railway position, secured KSRTC and BEML orders, and plans 2027 EU exports, reflecting strategic growth and promoter confidence.

Acetic acid prices in India and Asia remained under pressure due to rising China supply, weak downstream demand, and continuous import inflows. India ex-tank prices softened to ₹45–47.5/kg, while Asian benchmarks declined across regions. Market sentiment stayed bearish despite regional plant outages and operational adjustments supporting limited supply balance.