Chemicals News Today

China’s Jiangsu Ruiheng has slashed the operating rate of its 400,000 TPA Propylene Oxide (PO) unit in Lianyungang to 50%. In trade activity, March saw p-xylene imports rise month-on-month (MoM), driven by post-Lunar New Year demand. Conversely, caustic soda exports declined, with Indonesia and Australia taking up 81% of shipments. PET exports surged, with South Korea maintaining its lead as top supplier. Meanwhile, Gulf Resources reported weaker bromine segment performance due to falling 2024 prices. PTA exports dipped amid upcoming plant turnarounds, which are likely to continue curbing export volumes.

Thirumalai Chemicals has resumed partial operations at its Phthalic Anhydride (PA) plant, which is now running at full capacity. Located in Gujarat, India, the facility has a production capacity of 24,000 tons per year.

India-Pakistan trade, already minimal at $500M (Apr-Jan '24-'25), to halt completely after border closure following Pahalgam attack. Key exports impacted include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and sugar.

The butane market, valued at $61.7B in 2023, is projected to reach $90.91B by 2032, growing at a 4.4% CAGR. Asia Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by rising LPG demand.

Bengaluru's Steer World developed Omega Twin-Screw Extrusion Technology to recycle previously non-meltable crosslinked polyethene (XLPE) plastic into reusable De-XLPE pellets.

India’s sulfuric acid supply set to rise as Adani smelter begins production. Adani to start 4,500-metric tons per day sulfuric acid production at Mundra.

Supreme Petrochem aims for 13-14% volume growth in FY26, driven by new capacities and existing volumes. Styrene monomer prices have fallen 10-15% since March. Exports to remain a focus despite tariff uncertainties.

The UK chemical industry, dominated by SMEs, faces challenges in scaling up innovations due to a lack of resources and facilities, a gap left by the decline of ICI.

Interface Polymers, a UK company, struggled to find suitable facilities for scaling up, ultimately building a pilot plant in India for $2 million after exploring options in the US, Norway, and Finland.

Godrej Enterprises Group specializes in designing and manufacturing chemical reactors for various industries in over 40 countries for 50+ years, offering end-to-end solutions and sustainable practices.