Market Flash

According to data released by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) on June 27, Vietnam’s tuna exports reached $91 million in May 2025, the highest monthly figure this year and an 8% year-on-year increase.

From January to May 2025, China imported 34,800 tons of titanium dioxide, reflecting a 13.21% year-on-year decline, while exports totaled 784,600 tons, down 1.45% compared to the same period last year, according to customs data.

On the afternoon of June 23, Huayi Group and Baker Hughes Inspection & Control Technologies formalized their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Shanghai.

Hydrogennext has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s PT Samator to establish a strategic hydrogen energy partnership in Indonesia and neighboring markets.

On June 24, Continental Group confirmed its plan to spin off its materials and industrial business subsidiary, ContiTech, by 2026 as part of its strategy to transform into a “pure tire manufacturer.”

The company plans to redirect 454.76 million yuan of unutilized funds from its two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material projects to its "Chuanjinnuo (Egypt) Suez Phosphorus Chemical Project."

On June 25, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) announced significant leadership changes at China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Ltd. (CNCEC).

As part of the company’s ongoing separation into a standalone entity named Aumovio, it has launched Advanced Electronics and Semiconductor Solutions (AESS) to enhance resilience and secure its place in the booming automotive semiconductor market.

On June 30, L'Oréal Group announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire professional hair care brand Color Wow, hoping to seize the rapid growth opportunities in high-end hair care products.

• L'Oréal
• Color Wow

Sika has acquired Qatar-based Gulf Additive Factory LLC. The company produces a wide range of construction chemicals and has a strong presence in the fast-growing Qatari construction market.

• Sika
• Gulf Additive Factory LLC

In June 2025, after prolonged negotiations, the US and China officially signed a trade truce agreement.

Kemira and Shanghai Bluepha Microbiology Technology Co. have reached a three-year strategic collaboration to promote the large-scale application of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) in fully bio-based barrier coatings for paper, paperboard and molded fibers.

• Kemira
• Bluepha

Brazilian haircare brands Skala and Lola From Rio, both known for their focus on curly hair products, are set to merge to create one of the largest groups in the Brazilian market.

• Skala
• Lola From Rio

SWIFT released the latest global payment currency rankings, showing that the US dollar maintained its dominance as the most active global currency with a payment share of 48.46%.

On June 20, the UK House of Commons narrowly passed the Assisted Dying Bill with a vote of 314 in favor to 291 against, following nearly four hours of heated debate.

The recent move of Shan Guohong, former Takeda Senior Vice President and China President, to BeiGene has drawn significant industry attention.

On June 12 and 18, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released safety evaluations for five food enzymes produced by genetically modified microorganisms.

During the Zhanjiang Aquatic Products Expo (June 18-20), Omarsa President Sandro Coglitore stated that Ecuador's shrimp production is expected to decline over the next 3-4 months, leading to higher raw material costs and likely price increases in China’s

On June 20, 2025, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced the approval of benzene futures and options registration on the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE).

The Shandong Provincial Authorities recently issued a Notice on the Suspension of the Chemical Park Qualification of Gaomi Renhe Chemical Industrial Park.