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.

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd has launched seven new crop protection products under its SARDAR brand for the domestic market, expanding its agricultural input portfolio.

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.

Berger Paints plans a luxury line, 250 annual outlets, and Rs 20,000 million in manufacturing facilities by 2030 to counter aggressive competition, margin pressures, and shifting urban demand in India.

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.