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Asia Chemical Network: Dow structurally withdraws from Europe – a warning sign […]

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:46:57 +0200

Dow structurally withdraws from Europe – a warning sign for the chemical industry?

Dow announced on July 7, 2025, the shutdown of three major European assets by 2027: the ethylene cracker in Böhlen (Germany), chlor-alkali and vinyl production in Schkopau (Germany), and a siloxane facility in Barry (UK). The move follows April’s strategy update…

Asia Chemical Network: Austria’s coatings sector under pressure: construction […]

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:50:39 +0200

Austria’s coatings sector under pressure: construction slump, export weakness, raw material risks

503 million euros in sales – but no growth, no recovery. Austria’s coatings industry remains under pressure in 2024. For strategic buyers in Europe, this is more than a regional signal.

What stands out: Weakness in private residential…

Asia Chemical Network: South Korea’s chemical industry remains – but not as […]

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:51:54 +0200

South Korea’s chemical industry remains – but not as before: What we need to understand in procurement now

Saturday morning. Coffee. And a few thoughts on South Korea – a market that has been part of our supply landscape for years, but one that is now repositioning itself.

Lotte Chemical is selling its membrane production business. Not a major…

Asia Chemical Network: SABIC withdraws from Teesside: What the site closure […]

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:29:47 +0200

SABIC withdraws from Teesside: What the site closure means for Europe’s ethylene supply

Less ethylene from Europe – and another sign of deindustrialisation: SABIC has confirmed the permanent closure of its Olefins 6 cracker in Teesside, UK.

What may seem like a local site decision in reality touches the structural foundation of European chemical…

Asia Chemical Network: How Europe sees China’s chemical industry – and why that […]

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:13:47 +0200

How Europe sees China’s chemical industry – and why that matters to Asian suppliers

A recent German trade article makes one thing clear: it’s no longer just about price.

Here’s how China’s transformation is perceived by European buyers – and what that means for your strategy.

As a European procurement lead focused on Asia, I monitor not only…

Asia Chemical Network: Benzyl Alcohol: A classic product with […]

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:13:25 +0200

Benzyl Alcohol: A classic product with strategic relevance

I’ve been working with benzyl alcohol for over two decades – as a purchaser, product manager, and market analyst. And while it may seem like a “standard” product, it remains a valuable indicator of broader industrial trends – in both Asia and Europe.

The latest export data from China…

Asia Chemical Network: Explosive scenario for Brent crude – and its impact on […]

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:23:48 +0200

Explosive scenario for Brent crude – and its impact on chemical supply security

A rise in Brent crude oil prices beyond 100 USD per barrel is no longer just a possibility – it’s becoming increasingly likely.

The main driver: renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict, with growing speculation about potential U.S. military involvement. From a…

Asia Chemical Network: From logistics hub to solution provider – where chemical […]

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:15:00 +0200

From logistics hub to solution provider – where chemical distribution is heading

The chemical distribution industry is at a turning point – not for the first time, but this time it’s structural. According to the German chemical distributors’ association (VCH), total sales among its members reached around EUR 17.5 billion in 2024 – a decline…

chemanager-online.com

Chemiedistribution ist bereit für eine Wende

Branche setzt sich für einen Wandel ein, fordert aber auch Unterstützung

Asia Chemical Network: 🔍 When basic chemicals leave the site: What Westlake’s […]

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:10 +0200

🔍 When basic chemicals leave the site: What Westlake’s exit from Rotterdam tells us

Westlake’s closure of its production site in Pernis is not an isolated decision – it’s part of a larger pattern that shows just how dramatically Europe’s production landscape is shifting. The U.S. company is shutting down all chemical production in…

industrylinqs.com

Westlake to Shut Down Operations in Pernis (Rotterdam), Cutting 230 Jobs

U.S.-based chemical company Westlake is closing all its production facilities in Pernis, near Rotterdam, resulting in the loss of approximately 230 jobs. At its Pernis site, Westlake manufactures various basic chemicals used in the production of other substances and materials. … Continue reading

Asia Chemical Network: Between AI growth and US tariffs: What South Korea’s […]

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:52:59 +0200

Between AI growth and US tariffs: What South Korea’s export data tells the chemical industry

South Korea’s petrochemical exports dropped by 20.8% in May – while semiconductor sales surged to near-record levels. A sharp contrast with major implications for our industry.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy,…

Asia Chemical Network: Korea at a crossroads: What the petrochemical […]

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:40:45 +0200

Korea at a crossroads: What the petrochemical restructuring means for European buyers

While everyone is watching China and Saudi Arabia, Korea is quietly undergoing a transformation that deserves attention.

In Q1 2025, several major Korean petrochemical companies posted significant losses:
- LOTTE Chemical: –KRW 126.6 billion
- HD Hyundai Chemical:…

Asia Chemical Network: Caprolactam from Guangxi: New capacity, new momentum […]

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:33:34 +0200

Caprolactam from Guangxi: New capacity, new momentum for nylon value chains

Once again, China’s chemical industry demonstrates how speed, capital, and integration come together. In Guangxi, a project is nearing start-up that would be hard to imagine in Europe — neither at this scale nor on this timeline.

We’re talking about the new caprolactam…

Asia Chemical Network: What rising brand values in chemicals really tell […]

Thu, 08 May 2025 11:31:54 +0200

What rising brand values in chemicals really tell us

Version 2025-05-08

The new Brand Finance report shows: Chinese chemical companies achieved an average brand value growth of 18% in 2025 – while the global market declined slightly.

Sounds like a marketing topic? It’s not.

In chemicals, brand value isn’t about image. It reflects structural…

brandfinance.com

Chinese chemicals brands see 18% growth despite overall market dip | Press Release | Brand Finance

New data from Brand Finance highlights shifts in global brand power across chemicals sector amid ongoing volatility

Asia Chemical Network: COSCO shifts focus to Europe amid trade tensions – what […]

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:02:03 +0200

COSCO shifts focus to Europe amid trade tensions – what this means for logistics and chemical supply chains

Version 2025-05-05

Trade conflicts are reshaping supply chains – this is not a theory, but reality. And at times, these shifts become more visible than we might notice in our daily business.

A current example: COSCO, according to the source…

Asia Chemical Network: Podcast on Saudi Arabia’s Chemical IndustryTitle: “Saudi […]

Sun, 04 May 2025 09:03:09 +0200

Podcast on Saudi Arabia’s Chemical Industry

Title: “Saudi Arabia’s Chemical Shift: Vision 2030 and COTC”

About six months ago, I wrote an article on Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation – focusing on Vision 2030 and the Crude-to-Chemicals (COTC) strategy and what it means for the global chemical trade.

I’ve now recorded this article as a…

Asia Chemical Network: Saturday morning, 5:30 a.m. Coffee. Asia. And one […]

Sat, 03 May 2025 06:38:01 +0200

Saturday morning, 5:30 a.m. Coffee. Asia. And one question no chemical buyer can afford to ignore.

“These seven countries will account for around 80% of global chemical growth by 2035.”

With this sentence, Markus Kamieth (CEO BASF) sums up what many already know – but still too rarely implement consistently: the future of chemistry is…

Asia Chemical Network: Change as a constant – why we can no longer afford to […]

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:30:09 +0200

Change as a constant – why we can no longer afford to stand still in chemical purchasing

What was considered “innovative” in 2022 is often just the starting point today.

Digitalisation, COTC and AI are not just transforming technologies – they are accelerating the pace at which we must make decisions.

This afternoon, I revisited Deloitte’s…

deloitte.com

The Integration of Refining and Petrochemicals

Strategies for crossing the chasm between planning and execution as well as the challenges of a stronger petrochemical-minded business model.

Asia Chemical Network: Storm clouds over the Atlantic – and Germany’s chemical […]

Thu, 01 May 2025 05:42:17 +0200

Storm clouds over the Atlantic – and Germany’s chemical industry is feeling the pressure.

Despite signs of short-term stabilization, business expectations in the German chemical and pharmaceutical sectors have deteriorated again in April. One of the main concerns: the renewed U.S. tariff policy under President Trump. It’s not only putting…

Asia Chemical Network: 1.2 million tons of ethylene – and a clear indication of […]

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:29:31 +0200

1.2 million tons of ethylene – and a clear indication of China’s industrial policy direction

While Europe is discussing overcapacities, a new industrial cluster is taking shape in Northeast China around the ethylene project of Jilin Petrochemical (CNPC). With an investment of 33.9 billion yuan, the project is not only one of the largest of its…

Asia Chemical Network: China’s Latest Acrylonitrile Megaplant: A Strategic […]

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:58:44 +0200

China’s Latest Acrylonitrile Megaplant: A Strategic Building Block in Global Chemical Trade

Version 2025-04-30

When a project is delivered in under 24 months while fulfilling six key success factors – it deserves a closer look.

Sinochem Quanzhou’s new 260,000-ton acrylonitrile project (Fujian) is one such case. Officially completed on November 30,…

Asia Chemical Network: Three Systems, Three Realities – and an Industry in […]

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:35:27 +0200

Three Systems, Three Realities – and an Industry in Transition

Early in the morning, before my first coffee, I came across this webinar announcement from McKinsey: “Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainty–The Impact of Global Tariffs on Chemicals.” A relevant topic, no doubt.

But this cannot be viewed in isolation.

Tariffs are no longer just a trade…

Asia Chemical Network: “145% Tariffs, Political Arbitrage, and a Self-Inflicted […]

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:34:00 +0200

“145% Tariffs, Political Arbitrage, and a Self-Inflicted Crisis:

What Trump’s Trade Policy Means for the Global Chemical Industry”

Version: April 29, 2025

Prof. Phillip J. Richardson doesn’t mince words:

“What the hell is Trump doing? Breaking supply chains for short-term gain and long-term damage.”

The reintroduction of aggressive tariffs — up to…

Asia Chemical Network: Korea’s Shaheen Project and the Rise of COTC: How New […]

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:47:41 +0200

Korea’s Shaheen Project and the Rise of COTC: How New Technologies Are Reshaping the Chemical Trade

When I read about projects like S-OIL’s Shaheen project in Korea today, it becomes clear: the chemical industry is at a turning point. New technologies such as Crude-to-Chemicals (COTC) and Thermal Crude to Chemicals (TC2C) are no longer future…

Asia Chemical Network: Kuwait’s Strategic Move: 25% Stake in Wanhua – A New […]

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:45:13 +0200

Kuwait’s Strategic Move: 25% Stake in Wanhua – A New Chapter in Arab Influence on the Global Chemical Industry

The strategic expansion of Arab states into the global chemical industry is entering its next phase.

As reported by Arab Times, Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, has acquired a 25%…

arabtimesonline.com

Kuwait Petroleum subsidiary acquires 25% stake in China's Wanhua Chemical Group

KUWAIT CITY, April 26: Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), has secured a significant partners...

Asia Chemical Network: When the IMF calls it a turning point, it’s time to pay […]

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:59:42 +0200

When the IMF calls it a turning point, it’s time to pay close attention.

The latest Economic Outlook (April 2025) delivers a clear message: global growth has been revised down to 2.8% – with slowing momentum in China, South Korea, the US and Europe. For the chemical trade, this marks a strategic stress test.

What’s behind it? Trade barriers,…

Asia Chemical Network: Saudi Arabia and the Global Chemical Industry: How […]

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:43:18 +0200

Saudi Arabia and the Global Chemical Industry: How Vision 2030 and

COTC Are Shifting the Balance of Power in Chemical Trade

A fact-based perspective from a European procurement professional with responsibility for

Asia

Note on context

This article is based exclusively on publicly available information and sources, which have

been compiled with care.…

Asia Chemical Network: EU imposes 39.7% anti-dumping duty on MSG from Malaysia – […]

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:22:10 +0200

EU imposes 39.7% anti-dumping duty on MSG from Malaysia – retroactive and origin-independent

It’s official: The EU has extended its 39.7% anti-dumping duty on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China to all MSG shipments from Malaysia – regardless of declared origin.

The reason? Evidence of circumvention through routing and minimal processing in…

Asia Chemical Network: The Impact of Exchange Rates on Raw Material Costs: […]

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:23:24 +0100

The Impact of Exchange Rates on Raw Material Costs: Why Buyers Should Be Prepared for Upcoming Price Changes

In global chemical trade, exchange rates are a crucial factor in determining raw material and product pricing. Products from China are particularly affected as they are calculated in RMB (Chinese Yuan) but traded in USD.…

Asia Chemical Network: 📢 US Plan: Penalties for Chinese-Built Ships – What Are […]

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:44:52 +0100

📢 US Plan: Penalties for Chinese-Built Ships – What Are the Implications?

The US is planning new fees for ships built in China, potentially leading to significant cost increases in maritime freight. 🚢💰

🔹 Key Figures:

• 225 out of 1,045 ships on US routes were built in China.

• Only 10 ships on these routes were built in the US.

• A 14,000 TEU…

Asia Chemical Network: 🚨 New Trade Restrictions in Focus: EU Registers […]

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 05:47:25 +0100

🚨 New Trade Restrictions in Focus: EU Registers Valine Imports from China 🚨

Sunday morning, 5:30 AM. And here I am, reading about a new anti-dumping regulation. Should I be concerned? 😅

With Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/326, the European Commission has ordered the customs registration of valine imports from China. This means that all imports…

Asia Chemical Network: New Anti-Dumping Duties on Melamine from China – What Does […]

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 05:46:17 +0100

New Anti-Dumping Duties on Melamine from China – What Does This Mean for Us?

The EU has introduced Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/325, imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on melamine originating from China. The regulation was published on February 19, 2025, and is now in effect.

What Happened?

• Due to rising production costs in the EU,…

eur-lex.europa.eu

Implementing regulation - EU - 2025/325 - EN - EUR-Lex

Asia Chemical Network: 📊 Saturday morning, coffee, and the latest Cefic data on […]

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:41:39 +0100

📊 Saturday morning, coffee, and the latest Cefic data on the chemical industry

The Cefic report once again makes it clear that we can’t rely on the same old patterns in chemical distribution. Rising costs, shifting demand, and Asia’s dominance show that product portfolios and business models need to evolve. Those who don’t adapt risk falling…

Asia Chemical Network: Setting New Standards in Sustainability and […]

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 02:04:09 +0100

Setting New Standards in Sustainability and Innovation: Jubilant Ingrevia’s Niacinamide Production

It’s always exciting to see companies like Jubilant Ingrevia Limited pushing boundaries to serve global markets. With their new cGMP-compliant production facility in Bharuch, India, Jubilant is focusing on high-bio-content Niacinamide (Vitamin…

Asia Chemical Network: Help Us Strengthen the Asia Chemical Network – Content […]

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:42:25 +0100

Help Us Strengthen the Asia Chemical Network – Content Creators and Team Members Wanted!

Are you part of the chemical industry and eager to join a platform that connects people, ideas, and expertise – all for free? Then keep reading!

The Asia Chemical Network is a platform we’ve created to bridge the chemical industry in Asia and the world. Our…

Asia Chemical Network

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:47:41 +0100

Asia Chemical Network: Welcome to 2025! 🚀 A year full of opportunities and […]

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:29:42 +0100

Welcome to 2025! 🚀 A year full of opportunities and exciting projects awaits us: the launch of our app at the beginning of the year 📱, our event in Hamburg 🇩🇪, and the big highlight in Shanghai 🇨🇳. Together with the Asia Chemical Network, we’re shaping the future – and it’s guaranteed to be anything but boring! 🎉 I invite all of you to join us…

Asia Chemical Network: Global Supply Chains in Transition: Opportunities […]

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:11:50 +0100

Global Supply Chains in Transition: Opportunities and Challenges for Europe

A recent article highlights how India’s specialty chemical industry is poised to benefit from changes in U.S. trade policies. As a buyer, I see this as a key development that will also significantly impact Europe and its supply chains.

India: Strengthened by U.S.…

government-economictimes-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org

How India’s specialty chemical sector stands to benefit as Donald Trump takes office in the USA? - ET Government

Donald Trump Trade Policies: The potential return of Trump to office presents a transformative opportunity for Indian specialty chemical exporters. With chemical demand in India expected to triple and reach US$ 1 trillion by 2040, the sector is well-positioned for … Continue reading

Asia Chemical Network: SABER Certification from 2025: What It Means for […]

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:59:23 +0100

SABER Certification from 2025: What It Means for the International Chemical Trade

The global chemical industry is not only facing market shifts but also constant changes in regulatory requirements. A recent example is Saudi Arabia’s introduction of mandatory SABER Certification from 2025. Without the required Product Certificate of Conformity…

Asia Chemical Network: Vanillin – A Surprisingly Fascinating TopicHow can you […]

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 04:51:26 +0100

Vanillin – A Surprisingly Fascinating Topic

How can you change your perspective if you keep doing the same thing every day? I firmly believe it’s essential to take some time every morning to stay informed – whether it’s through newspapers, industry articles, or other sources. Just 30 minutes a day can provide new ideas and inspiration.…

Asia Chemical Network: 🌞 Saturday morning, 5:00 a.m. – and here I am promoting my […]

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 04:55:39 +0100

🌞 Saturday morning, 5:00 a.m. – and here I am promoting my website! 🌞

While others are still sleeping (or wondering why their alarm went off), I thought, “What better time to introduce you to the Asia Chemical Network Event Tool?”

Here’s why it’s worth checking out:

🔹 Say goodbye to FOMO – Stay up-to-date with the latest trade fairs,…

Asia Chemical Network: 🌐 Insights into China’s Propylene Glycol Trade 🌐In […]

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:55:58 +0100

🌐 Insights into China’s Propylene Glycol Trade 🌐

In September 2024, China exported 19.9 kt (kilotons) of propylene glycol, marking a 16.84% increase in volume compared to the previous year. Propylene glycol is an essential component in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. It serves as a solvent, humectant, and coolant, playing a…

Asia Chemical Network: The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) has […]

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:37:14 +0100

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) has revised its 2024 forecast, now anticipating a 2% decline in industry sales and a modest 2% increase in production. This adjustment reflects the ongoing weak demand for chemical products both domestically and internationally, with the pharmaceutical sector notably underperforming.

In the…

wiwo.de

WirtschaftsWoche

Asia Chemical Network: New Market Dynamics: Insights from China’s Transport […]

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:08:39 +0100

New Market Dynamics: Insights from China’s Transport Industry

According to feedback from our logistics partners in China, there’s a nuanced picture emerging around freight rates and capacity. For the East Coast of the U.S., prices remain stable with available capacity, though a reduction in lines is expected once Trump takes office. On the West…

Asia Chemical Network: Taking the Asia Chemical Network to the Next Level – Full […]

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 09:50:31 +0100

Taking the Asia Chemical Network to the Next Level – Full Commitment Out of Conviction

Dear Community,

We’re excited to share the next big step in the development of the Asia Chemical Network: we have officially commissioned the creation of our own app! This is a significant moment for us as a team, and we all fully support this decision because…

Asia Chemical Network: A fresh start to Saturday morning – coffee and the […]

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 06:21:06 +0100

A fresh start to Saturday morning – coffee and the announcement of the new Lucky Luke 😀, who’s taking on Trump’s grandfather in the Wild West this time 😂. But a glance at the 2025 Chemical Industry Outlook is equally intriguing, with points that complement my own observations:

• High energy costs are putting significant pressure on European…

www2.deloitte.com

2025 Chemical Industry Outlook

In 2025, the chemical industry is expected to focus on innovation, sustainability, and resiliency to drive efficiency and growth

Asia Chemical Network: “Happy New Year – but why in November?” 🎉Today, I saw […]

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 05:00:14 +0100

“Happy New Year – but why in November?” 🎉

Today, I saw many New Year’s greetings from India and wondered why they’re celebrating now in November. A quick look revealed that today marks the Hindu New Year – a fascinating glimpse into cultural diversity, which I greatly appreciate. In many parts of India, the new year aligns with the Diwali…

Asia Chemical Network: Aramco and PetroVietnam: A New Step in […]

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 04:54:24 +0100

Aramco and PetroVietnam: A New Step in Asian Petrochemicals

As I dive deeper into the chemical industry across the Middle East and Asia, I’m constantly amazed by the dynamism in this field – especially with the strategic moves from companies like Saudi Aramco. The new partnership with PetroVietnam is a strong example of how Aramco is expanding…

Asia Chemical Network: 📉 Oil Prices, Overcapacity, and Saudi Arabia’s Influence […]

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 08:22:23 +0100

📉 Oil Prices, Overcapacity, and Saudi Arabia’s Influence in China: A New Perspective on Chemical Procurement 📉

At first, I thought the article on oil price developments for 2025 and 2026 would be of interest primarily to my friend Steven Green who closely follows these trends. But on closer inspection, and in connection with my own research and…

Asia Chemical Network: S-Oil’s Shaheen Project in Korea – A Global […]

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:32:22 +0100

S-Oil’s Shaheen Project in Korea – A Global Petrochemical Landmark with Aramco’s Strategic Investment

With the growing global decarbonization targets, the chemical and raw materials industry is undergoing a profound transformation, prompting many companies to realign their strategies. S-Oil, a leading player in South Korea, is setting a major…

Asia Chemical Network: SINGAPORE (ICIS)–China has extended its antidumping duties […]

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:24:21 +0100

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–China has extended its antidumping duties (ADD) on imports of ethanolamines from four countries, for another five years from 30 October.

The extension was necessary to prevent potential dumping activities from damaging the country’s domestic industries, China’s Ministry of Commerce said on 29 October 2024.

China’s ADDs on…

icis.com

UPDATE: China extends five-year ADDs on ethanolamine imports

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