Chemicals News Today

IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals is expanding its Barnala manufacturing unit to increase the company's annual ibuprofen production capacity to 18,000 metric tons.

In August, China's MEK exports dropped 33.7% MoM but rose 35.3% YoY, averaging $1,002 per tonne. Despite high near-term volumes, expanding domestic capacity and returning overseas supply will intensify market competition.

In August, China's styrene exports rebounded 42.86% to 113,648.29 tonnes, while imports surged 196.37% to 12,450.13 tonnes. The average export price slightly decreased by 0.38% to $1,153.03 per tonne.

China's phenol imports hit a record low of 0.12 tonnes in August due to supply disruptions and maintenance. September imports are projected below 5 kt, with domestic cargoes dominating the market.

Garware Hi-Tech Films and Lubrizol partnered to develop advanced TPU films in India, with GHFL investing ₹118 crore in a dedicated extrusion platform to boost manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Founded in 2020, specialty chemicals platform Atomgrid is scaling its downstream-first agrochemicals business toward global leadership, focusing on continuous innovation and high-margin export opportunities.

The 2026 Hormuz crisis exposed Japan's energy security limits, revealing critical naphtha and petrochemical supply chain vulnerabilities despite massive 250-day crude oil stockpiles, prompting new regional partnerships and market adaptations.

Garware Hi Tech Films signed an MoU with Lubrizol to manufacture TPU technology in India, establishing India's first dedicated extrusion platform for premium Paint Protection Film and expanding capacity over 600 LSF.

Grand Pacific Petrochemical reported a 17% revenue rise to NT$12.914 billion and positive gross margins in Q2 2026, but widening affiliate losses resulted in an EPS loss of NT$1.68.

US 50% tariffs on Indian goods threaten MSMEs accounting for 45% of exports, squeezing margins and competitiveness across textiles, gems, seafood, and chemicals worth USD 19 billion, according to CRISIL.