Chemical Industry

Global chemical giants including BASF and Huntsman Corporation are raising prices and adding surcharges as energy shocks and Strait of Hormuz disruptions drive costs higher across Europe's supply chain.

China's PVC powder imports plunged in early 2026, falling 42.7% year-on-year, while exports surged 20.2%, driven by strong demand from India and other overseas markets.

Chinese titanium dioxide producers, led by LB Group, have launched a second wave of price increases due to rising raw material costs and strong export demand, keeping the market firm and upward.

Rising costs, tight supplies, and geopolitical disruptions drive US dichloroethane exports higher, as Asia and Europe face shortages and surging freight rates.

The U.S.-Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions cut global oil supply, prompting China to shift chemical output to fuel, impacting petrochemical production and downstream industries.

China's methanol surged 28.75% in March as Iran export halts and rising oil and gas prices tighten supply, boosting downstream restocking and driving port inventories lower.

China's propylene oxide industry expanded in 2025 with capacity reaching 9.21 million tons, while imports declined sharply. Growing polyether demand and new export tax policy are set to shape the market outlook.

Europe's chlorine production dropped to 637,100 tonnes in January 2026, down 12% year on year, while chlor-alkali plant utilization fell to 65.5% and caustic soda inventories declined to 216,000 tonnes.