Market Flash

Since its registration and market debut in China in 2019, afidopyropen—a novel bio-inspired insecticide developed by Japan’s Meiji Seika Pharma and Kitasato Institute—has captivated the agrochemical world.

Jiangsu Fengshan Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd. has unveiled plans for a major technical upgrade and capacity expansion project centered on two high-value selective herbicides: quizalofop-p-ethyl and triclopyr esters.

As the final major agrochemical event of 2025—the Harbin Crop Protection Fair—wrapped up, China’s pesticide sector entered a critical inflection point.

In a bold reimagining of its go-to-market strategy in France, Continental Group has entered exclusive negotiations to sell its company-operated BestDrive retail business—comprising over 130 tire and auto service centers

On December 18, 2025, Hainan Free Trade Port officially launched island-wide customs closure. Instantly, buzzwords like “zero tariffs,” “dual 15% tax rates,” and “open at the first line, controlled at the second line” flooded social media.

On December 12, 2025, Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited (HKEX: 00408) stunned the market with an announcement: it would acquire a 60% stake in Beijing Xinuo Haibo New Materials Co., Ltd. for RMB 288 million through its wholly owned subsidiary.

Kumho Mitsui Chemicals recently announced at its shareholders' meeting an investment plan to increase the annual production capacity of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by 100,000 tons.

• Kumho Mitsui Chemicals

When a listed company downgrades the scale and timeline of the same fundraising project twice within a year, it’s no longer a mere “prudent adjustment”—it’s a loud alarm bell.

On December 10, 2025, global chemical history took a dramatic turn—Abu Dhabi–based investment giant XRG P.J.S.C. (formerly ADNOC International Limited) officially completed its voluntary public takeover of Covestro AG.

Lupin has received tentative U.S. FDA approval for its oral multiple-sclerosis treatment, reinforcing its growing footprint in complex generic neurology products.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced encouraging new data showing that its gene-editing therapy demonstrated strong efficacy in younger pediatric patients with inherited blood disorders, further expanding the drug’s long-term commercial horizon.

Eli Lilly achieved a major market access milestone after Mounjaro was officially added to China’s national medical insurance list for diabetes treatment, dramatically improving affordability and penetration prospects across the country.

Structure-based drug developer Structure Therapeutics has reported that its experimental oral obesity therapy delivered up to 11% weight loss in a mid-stage clinical study, placing it among the most competitive non-injectable candidates in development.

The global obesity drug race has entered a new competitive phase as Wegovy’s momentum softens following multiple price reductions, while Mounjaro continues to dominate prescription rankings.

India’s deteriorating air quality has triggered a sharp rise in respiratory medicine consumption, with sales of asthma, COPD, and allergy drugs spiking strongly in November.

French specialty chemicals leader Arkema has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with China’s ENNEX (Yunnan Energy New Material Co., Ltd.)—the world’s leading lithium-ion battery separator manufacturer—to accelerate innovation and globalize nex

Indian government announced the formal revocation of mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on seven critical petrochemicals—paraxylene (PX), toluene, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), dichloroethane, and vinyl chloride monome

Wanhua Chemical, BASF, Huntsman, and other major MDI producers all announced significant price increases across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Turkey.

SK Chemicals announced that it will establish a joint venture with Chinese plastic recycling company Kelinle to build a waste-plastic processing plant in Shaanxi Province.

• SK Chemicals
• Kelinle

Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has announced the acquisition of exclusive, full trademark rights for the iconic Dunlop brand across Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei—covering tires, inner tubes, and tire repair patches.