Market Flash

The White House has released a critical 37-page document detailing which agricultural inputs are now exempt from a sweeping 10% tariff, as well as higher retaliatory tariffs previously imposed on specific trade partners.

On March 28, 2025, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a final affirmative ruling on countervailing duties (CVD) against Chinese-origin pearlescent pigments, excluding those used for automotive applications.

On April 4, 2025, the State Council Tariff Commission announced a significant policy shift: starting April 10 at 12:01 PM, all imports from the United States will face an additional 34% tariff on top of existing rates.

SalonCentric Canada, a L'Oréal company, has signed an agreement to acquire Concept JP's business in Canada.

• SalonCentric
• L'Oréal
• Concept JP

Quaker Houghton, a leading global supplier of industrial process fluids, announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Dipsol Chemicals Co.

• Quaker Houghton
• Dipsol
• Natech

On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a final ruling on anti-dumping duties for epoxy resins imported from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan.

This facility, referred to as the Huddersfield Plant, will focus on the large-scale production of its innovative crop protection product, PLINAZOLIN (isoxazoline insecticide).

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.