Chemicals News Today

China will add 560,000 TPA Butadiene capacity in H2 2026, increasing total capacity to over 3.3 million TPA (7.38% YoY). This expansion, from three companies, may intensify supply-side pressure.

Gujarat Fluorochemicals is expanding its refrigerant capacity by adding R134A to its portfolio, targeting the growing air conditioning market.

HOCL restarted its 40,000 mt/y phenol and 5,225 mt/y hydrogen peroxide plants in Kochi on July 5. Operations were halted due to high raw material costs, low demand, and market constraints.

India's global chemical market share is projected to triple from 4% to 11% by 2040, driven by stable government, favorable policies, low costs, and geopolitical shifts, according to KPMG.

India continues to permit Atrazine, a herbicide banned in Europe and 37 nations due to health risks. A 2020 ban proposal was reversed in 2023, sparking debate over public health, environmental safety, and pesticide regulation despite available alternatives.

Maharashtra intensified fertiliser monitoring in Pune, suspending 107 dealer licenses and filing 7 police cases to prevent black marketing and hoarding. This safeguards farmer access and agricultural productivity ahead of the kharif season.

Mixed Xylene prices in India continued to weaken in June 2026, tracking lower crude oil and Asian aromatics prices. Comfortable regional supply, falling paraxylene (PX) prices, and seasonal weakness in PTA and polyester demand kept buying activity subdued. The market is expected to remain range-bound until stronger downstream demand or crude recovery emerges.

Manali Petrochemicals announced the resumption of operations at its Plant 1, effective July 5, 2026. This update signals a return to normal production for the company.

Panama Petrochem commenced commercial operations at new units in Thane, Maharashtra, on July 6, 2026. This expansion at Lodha Industrial Park aims to boost production capacity and drive revenue growth. Investors will monitor impact.

Two illegal units in Kovai were sealed for diverting 60-100 tonnes of subsidised urea, meant for farmers, to produce industrial resin for Kerala. Units also faced action for pollution and operating without permits.