Japan’s chemical groups Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals and Mitsubishi Chemical are consolidating their ethylene production in western Japan: the Amec site in Mizushima will be closed by 2030, with capacities relocated to Osaka. At the same time, a bioethanol-based Revolefin plant is expected to advance the decarbonisation of basic chemicals.

Mitsui Chemicals has entered into a MOU with Dangote Industries to establish a comprehensive partnership. With this move, both the firms will jointly explore concrete possibilities to contribute to strengthening the living foundations and developing regional industries in African countries.

The European Chemical Closures & Investments Radar 2022-2025 report, commissioned by Cefic and prepared by Roland Berger shows that chemical plant closures in Europe, has surged sixfold since 2022, reaching a cumulative 37 mt of capacity – or around 9 % of European production capacity – and resulting in the loss of 20,000 direct jobs in the chemical industry.

Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical have announced the commercial availability of their highly-efficient Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling technology. The technology aims to reduce waste, lower emissions and unlock new value from recycled materials.

Under a definitive agreement, Sumitomo Chemical has plans to take over the Taiwanese semiconductor process chemicals company Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation. With this move, the company aims to strengthen its global footprint and establish its first manufacturing base for semiconductor process chemicals in Taiwan.

The EU-India free trade agreement is expected to double EU goods exports to India by 2032. With a specific focus on the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries, the trade deal highlights that India will eliminate current tariffs of up to 22 % on EU chemicals and 11 % on EU pharmaceuticals while the EU will also cut tariffs to zero on Indian chemical exports as well as offer Indian pharmaceutical and medical devices companies’ preferential access to the EU market. In this scenario, what do industry leaders in the chemical and pharma space have to say about the EU-India free trade deal? Read on to find out…

Adnoc and Taqa have entered into a 27-Year Utilities Agreement to supply critical utilities to the Ta’ziz Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Under the terms of the agreement, Adnoc and Taqa will jointly develop the central utilities project which is required to enable Ta’ziz’s chemicals and transition-fuels projects.

The German Chancellor His Excellency Friedrich Merz recently visited Adnoc on his official visit to the UAE. The visit follows Adnoc’s acquisition of Germany’s chemical giant Covestro for 14.7-billion-euros.

The global chemical industry is entering a period of profound uncertainty as higher tariffs and escalating trade tensions threaten to dismantle decades of globalization.

Foeth has acquired Italian machinery dealer Intimac. With this move, the previously family owned company further expands its position in the refurbished machinery business for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.