Market Flash

Sumitomo Chemical has announced the successful launch of a pilot facility featuring its proprietary technology to convert ethanol directly into propylene—eliminating the need for intermediate products like ethylene.

According to Meticulous Research, the global eco-friendly refrigerants market is projected to expand from $1.5 billion in 2025 to $2.3 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.9%.

Indonesia is preparing to raise its mandatory palm oil blend in biodiesel to 50% (B50) starting next year, according to senior energy official Eniya Listiani Dewi.

On August 18, Hengyi Petrochemical reported first-half 2025 revenue of 55.96 billion yuan, with net profit attributable to shareholders at 227 million yuan.

China National Chemical Corporation (CNCC) announced it had inked 2,711 new contracts totaling 224.845 billion yuan for January–July 2025, with domestic deals reaching 176.885 billion yuan and overseas contracts at 47.96 billion yuan.

On August 19, Xianda released its 2025 half-year report, posting revenue of 1.423 billion yuan, up 11.82% year-on-year, and net profit attributable to shareholders soared 2,561.58% to 136 million yuan.

On August 19, 2025, Trinseo signed a major deal to establish a polycarbonate sustainable materials recycling project in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone, with an initial investment of around $20 million and a first-phase annual output of 5,000 tons.

The Chemours Company, Titanium Technologies (TT), and Advanced Performance Materials (APM) announced a strategic agreement with SRF Limited (SRF), a diversified, chemical-based conglomerate headquartered in India.

• Chemours
• SRF

On August 7, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced that oxygen (E 948) and hydrogen (E 949) remain safe as food additives across all food categories, including products for infants and young children.

On August 11, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced its expert panel has found no safety concerns for Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as a food additive at proposed use levels.

India’s pharmaceutical sector is calling on the US government to exclude generic drug imports from a sweeping national security investigation that could trigger major supply disruptions and price spikes.

Chinese researchers have shattered existing lithium-ion battery limits, developing a pouch cell with energy density exceeding 600Wh/kg and a module at 480Wh/kg—2 to 3 times higher than current mainstream cells.

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CP Chem) has completed its low-viscosity polyalphaolefin (PAO) expansion in Beringen, Belgium, raising annual output to 120,000 tons and making it the largest facility of its kind in Europe.

Huayou Cobalt posted record-breaking first-half results for 2025, with revenue jumping 23.78% year-on-year to 37.2 billion yuan and net profit attributable to shareholders soaring 62.26% to 2.71 billion yuan.

Analysts expect that upcoming oral obesity drugs from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will launch in the US at prices similar to injectable blockbusters Wegovy and Zepbound—around $1,000 per month.

Sumitomo Chemical has constructed and begun operating a pilot facility at its Sodegaura site within the Chiba Works to test a proprietary process that produces propylene directly from ethanol.

• Sumitomo Chemical

DIC Corporation announced that it will establish a new facility for the production of coatings suitable for direct food contact materials within the facility of its wholly-owned subsidiary, PT. DIC Graphics, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

• DIC corporation
• Indonesia

In week 33 of 2025, the EU’s RASFF issued 8 notifications regarding Chinese food and related products, highlighting a surge in safety concerns.

Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $6.2 billion in the first seven months of this year, up 20% year-on-year, with China and Hong Kong now the leading destination at over $1.2 billion.

On July 29, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov met with Sun Meijun, head of China’s General Administration of Customs, in Beijing to sign an updated protocol on inspection and veterinary requirements for Belarusian poultry exports to Chi