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

Chemspec Europe, claimed to be the leading cross-sector sourcing hub for fine and speciality chemicals, is scheduled to take place on May 6-7, 2026 in Cologne, Germany. This year, the event is expected to carry out new and improved initiatives to maximize business outcomes.

The European Union and India have recently concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement which is claimed to be the mother of all deals. India will grant the EU tariff reductions that none of its other trading partners have received. For example, Tariffs ranging up to 44 % on machinery, 22 % on chemicals and 11 % on pharmaceuticals will be mostly eliminated.

With an aim to strengthen its position in China, Clariant has recently expanded its pharmaceutical excipients and specialty chemicals facilities at Daya Bay in China.

Set out to mark a significant milestone in sustainable chemical production, the world’s largest electric steam methane reformer is expected to begin operations in 2026. Sypox’s innovative electrical reformer technology along with Clariant’s catalysts will be used by the electric steam methane reformer to generate approximately 150 tons of syngas daily from 10 MW of renewable electricity. The technology boasts of multiple advantages over conventional steam methane reforming processes.

With a whooping investment of 4+ billion euros, Project One—Europe’s most sustainable cracker—is the largest investment in the region’s chemical sector in the past 2 decades. The project is expected to produce 1.5 million tonnes of ethylene annually and will have a carbon footprint of less than half of the 10 % best-performing steam crackers in Europe!

Ajax Equipment has supplied a stainless-steel conical hopper with gas purge capability to IGI Systems, as part of a prototype Sublimation System for a low-pressure chemical vapour deposition application.

Chemicals company BASF is starting production of renewable ammonia in Ludwigshafen, making it a pioneer in Central Europe. Two new products based on green hydrogen will be used as sustainable alternatives in the ammonia value chain.

Nuberg EPC has recently won an EPC contract to execute a 120 TPD chlor-alkali expansion and a 80 TPD calcium chloride plant for Al Ghaith Chemical Industries at Sur Industrial City, Oman.

Under a MOU signed between Air Liquide Singapore and Aster Chemicals and Energy, both the parties will work together to develop an innovative Auto Thermal Reformer unit for the production of hydrogen with integrated carbon capture capabilities in Singapore.