Market Flash

On April 1, Shell announced the completion of the sale of its Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park to CAPGC, with further details released on May 8.

ExxonMobil is set to increase its production of isopropanol (IPA), targeting a purity level of 99.999% to cater to the growing needs of the semiconductor industry.

The implications of these moves are profound, jeopardizing the cost-efficient generic supply chains from India and underestimating the innovative momentum of China.

In a major shakeup for the pharmaceutical sector, shares of various companies plummeted by as much as 10% amid reports that the Trump administration is preparing to impose significant tariffs on pharmaceutical imports.

As of April 4, 2025, global soybean prices have largely declined, with Chicago soybean futures dipping below $10 for the first time in over three months.

Gulbrandsen has announced plans to add polyethylene wax production capacity and build a new functional polymer plant at its facility in Dahej, India.

• Gulbrandsen
• polyethylene waxes

With the opening of its new plant in Quito, Sika further strengthens its presence and close ties with customers in Ecuador.

• Sika
• Mortar Plant
• Ecuador

LyondellBasell (LYB), a global leader in the chemical industry, recently announced that it has signed a new agreement with Nexeo Plastics, a leading global distributor of thermoplastic resins.

• LyondellBasell
• Nexeo Plastics
• thermoplastic resin

On April 2, local time, President Trump signed two executive orders at the White House, introducing a 10% "minimum baseline tariff" on trade partners and imposing higher tariffs on specific countries.

On April 2, 2025, the White House announced that President Trump has declared a national emergency, justifying the move as a way to strengthen economic security, enhance competitiveness, and defend sovereignty.

On March 30, 2025, Sinochem announced the approval of its isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) project, with a production capacity of 21,000 tons planned in phases.

Recently, Total Energies has announced a significant 15-year green hydrogen supply agreement with RWE, Germany's largest utility company.

Recently, the Moroccan government committee approved several green hydrogen projects valued at approximately $32.5 billion.

On March 28, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released an opinion regarding the safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase.

Adama has officially unveiled its new herbicide, Matero, at the 2025 Agriculture Show in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

In 2024, the oncology drug market continues to hold a pivotal position within the global pharmaceutical industry, achieving record-breaking sales that reflect unprecedented growth potential.

On March 27, 2025, South Korean media outlet The Elec reported that Samsung SDI, a leading battery manufacturer, announced plans to increase the proportion of production equipment sourced from China.

ExxonMobil is set to significantly increase its production of isopropanol (IPA), aiming to manufacture 99.999% ultra-pure isopropanol to meet the rising demand from the semiconductor industry.

On April 1, 2025, global paint leader AkzoNobel and marine engineering giant Bluewater Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, marking the start of a significant partnership in the marine industry.

On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final ruling on antidumping duties concerning epoxy resins imported from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan.