Market Flash

China delivered a surprise jolt to global markets in March with exports climbing 12.4% year-on-year, a result that shattered forecasts and hinted at a possible turnaround in the world’s second-largest economy.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, Vietnamese President and Communist Party Chief To Lam has emphasized the urgency of strengthening ties with China in defense, security, and infrastructure.

Röhm announced on April 9 that it will implement a global price adjustment for PMMA molding compounds starting April 14, in response to mounting tariff pressures and shifting geopolitical conditions.

In Brazil, coffee and olive oil have become so costly that supermarkets are now treating them like luxury items.

Despite rising tensions from the U.S.–China trade conflict, the global oilseed market staged a sharp rebound in the week ending April 11, with Chicago soybean futures climbing back above $10 per bushel.

China’s seafood processing industry is facing a dramatic standstill as escalating tariffs between China and the US wipe out nearly all existing export orders.

Brazil’s inflation rate continues to heat up, with official data showing the IPCA rose by 0.56% in March, bringing the 12-month inflation tally to 5.48%.

UMI Coatings is focused on providing protective technologies and technical services, delivering high-performance solutions designed to protect and maintain assets across a wide range of industries and environments.

• UMI Coatings

Amcor, a developer and manufacturer of responsible packaging solutions, has announced the completion of its state-of-the-art medical packaging coating plant in Selangor, Malaysia.

• Amcor

In a major strategic move, Karen Shares announced on the evening of April 2 its intent to acquire a 51% stake in Suzhou Jiazhicai Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. through a cash transaction totaling 4.83 billion yuan.

On April 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it had initiated anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations targeting polypropylene corrugated boxes from China, and a parallel anti-dumping investigation into imports from Vietnam.

On April 9, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Several Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations,” aiming to clarify facts, reaffirm policies, and counter recent U.S. narratives regard

On April 9, China’s Tariff Commission of the State Council issued a formal announcement confirming that, starting 12:01 PM on April 10, it will raise tariff rates on U.S. goods from 34% to 84%, a dramatic escalation in the ongoing trade dispute.

On April 8, China National Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (CNCEC) revealed its March 2025 performance data, reporting a remarkable 60.71% year-on-year increase in newly signed contracts, reaching 59.79 billion yuan.

On April 9, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in the trade conflict with China by increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%.

While the White House confirmed that drugs won’t immediately face the new trade measures, panic has already rippled through Asia-Pacific markets, underscoring how fragile global supply chains remain in this escalating economic confrontation.

In a bold response to potential import tariffs on pharmaceuticals, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has unveiled a sweeping $23 billion investment plan to fortify its presence in the United States.

Strategic Value Partners (SVP) and Blantyre Capital Limited (Blantyre) recently announced the acquisition of OQ Chemicals (Oxea), a leading global producer and trader of oxygenated chemicals.

• Strategic Value Partners
• Blantyre Capital Limited
• OQ Chemical

Solvay officially inaugurates its rare earth production line for permanent magnets at its La Rochelle site, marking an important milestone in the Group's commitment to its European strategic objectives.

• Solvay
• rare earth

As global markets tremble under the weight of escalating U.S. tariffs, China’s chemical giants are pushing back with bold financial moves. April 7 marked a “Black Monday” for Chinese equities, with A-shares experiencing a significant dip.