Market Flash

As of February 5, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released detailed guidelines regarding the 10% tariff on goods imported from China and Hong Kong.

On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine.

Recent studies have raised significant concerns about the widespread consumption of emulsifiers—common additives found in processed foods such as salad dressings, baked goods, and ice cream.

Ecovyst and ChiralVision, a leading innovator in biocatalysis technologies, announce the signing of a Memorandum of Under to strengthen their collaboration in the field of enzyme immobilization.

• Ecovyst
• biocatalysis
• ChiralVision
• enzyme immobilization

Avantium, a leader in renewable and circular polymer materials, has signed a collaboration agreement with EPC Engineering & Technologies, an international technology provider and engineering and plant construction company.

• Avantium
• EPC Engineering & Technologies

Corum announces a new distribution partnership with Barentz, who will distribute its advanced portfolio of high-performance ingredients.

• Corum
• Barentz

In January 2025, the global natural rubber market showed a downward trend due to improved weather in major producing areas and improved supply.

• natural rubber

Maesa has sold its European and Middle Eastern business (EMEA) to Knowlton Development Corporation (KDC/One), a leading provider of custom formulation, packaging design and manufacturing solutions for beauty, personal care and home care brands.

• Maesa
• KDC/One

Oil giant BP has announced plans to sell its refinery in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, which operates under the name Ruhr Oel. The assets to be divested include the refinery in Gelsenkirchen and DHC Solvent Chemie in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.

• BP
• refinery

A recent government-led food safety report in China has highlighted serious concerns regarding pesticide contamination, microbial contamination, and excessive food additive content in local food products.

Amgen announced the suspension of its weight loss drug AMG 133 (MarTide), a decision that has garnered significant attention.

The development of drugs targeting Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) has gained momentum, heralding new hope in gastric cancer treatment.

UBE Corporation has recently announced its detailed plans for structural reforms aimed at driving growth in its specialty chemicals business while addressing global environmental challenges.

Solvay and Hankook announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of bio-sourced and waste-derived recycled silica for use in tire production.

• Solvay
• Hankook

Gemini Industries, Inc., an employee-owned manufacturer of wood coatings solutions, has acquired Diamond Vogel’s Industrial Wood business unit.

• Gemini Industries
• Wood Coatings
• Diamond Vogel

A significant legislative move is underway in Illinois as a bill aimed at banning specific food additives has progressed to the full Senate for consideration.

Merck announced a suspension of its HPV cervical cancer vaccine supply to the Chinese market, a halt that will last at least until mid-2025.

Sherwin-Williams announced its financial performance for 2024, achieving a net sales figure of $23.0985 billion, reflecting a modest 0.2% year-on-year increase.

The European Union has recently initiated an anti-dumping investigation concerning the import of epoxy resins from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Pilot Chemical Company has announced plans to significantly expand production of high-quality anionic surfactants in North America at its Middletown, Ohio, manufacturing site.

• Pilot Chemical Company
• anionic surfactants