Market Flash

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency issued consultation document PRVD2025-10 to re-evaluate iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and its end-use products, with a public comment period running from 30 October 2025 to 28 January 2026.

On 30 October 2025, the European Food Safety Authority issued a scientific opinion confirming that a cellulase enzyme produced by a genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain is safe under intended use conditions in three food manufacturing processes.

The European Commission has adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/2186 authorising propionic acid, sodium propionate and ammonium propionate as feed additives for all terrestrial animals.

Strides Pharma Science posted a sharp improvement in quarterly earnings, reporting that net profit rose 82% year-on-year to ₹131.5 crore in Q2 FY25, supported by robust U.S. business performance and margin expansion.

India has enhanced its regulatory oversight by granting joint drug controllers within the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) greater authority to accelerate marketing authorisations and regulatory decisions.

The U.S. Health Secretary stated that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support claims linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism, pushing back against a surge of lawsuits and public concern.

Eli Lilly said its experimental oral weight-loss pill may qualify for accelerated approval under a new U.S. regulatory programme designed to speed access to high-impact therapies.

Swiss specialty chemical company Sika AG revealed that it will cut up to 1,500 jobs globally, a decision deeply tied to the underperformance of its Chinese business and broader structural weaknesses in the construction-chemicals sector.

China’s leading polyurethane producer Huide Technology has achieved substantial progress in its collaboration with U.S. recycling technology pioneer Novoloop.

• Huide Technology
• Novoloop

Celanese Corporation, a global leader in chemicals and specialty materials, has announced plans to cease operations at its acetate tow manufacturing facility in Lanaken, Belgium, by the second half of 2026.

• Celanese

Kraton Corporation, a global leader in specialty polymers and high-value, pine-based sustainable products, today announced a strategic plan to streamline its polymer operations at its Berre, France facility.

• Kraton

In late October, U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators convened in Kuala Lumpur, reaching what both sides cautiously described as a “framework agreement” on tariffs, export controls, and enforcement cooperation.

After the National Day holiday, China’s EVA market continued to weaken, defying expectations of post-holiday restocking.

As the calendar turns to October, China’s PVC market enters the final stretch of 2025 under a chill of weak fundamentals and fading expectations.

Recently, from Dow, INEOS, Trinseo, and Arlanxeo to Toray, 3M, and Polyplastics, a wave of plant shutdowns and strategic divestments has rippled across the sector.

On October 17, LB Group, the world’s largest titanium dioxide supplier, announced its acquisition of the titanium dioxide assets of the bankrupt UK-based Venator Materials company — marking a major step forward in the group’s international expansion.

• LB Group
• Venator

Stahl announced the reopening of its state-of-the-art coatings plant in Ranipet. The reopening underscores Stahl's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer collaboration through locally produced, high-performance specialty coatings.

• Stahl

European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2025/1879 in the Official Journal of the European Union, formally approving rapeseed oil as a low-risk active substance under the EU’s Plant Protection Products Regulation framework.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a scientific opinion through its Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) concerning the safety of a fungal protein derived from Fusarium species strain flavolapis