Recent developments
Regional supply localization
Producers adjusted regional footprints. BASF is consolidating its Asian PolyTHF business at Caojing while keeping capacity across China, Germany, and the US. Evonik opened its Alu5 fumed alumina plant in Yokkaichi to shorten lead times. Elkem backed Saudi Arabia’s first locally integrated specialty silicone supply chain via a joint venture. Mitsui Chemicals and Polyplastics will partner on engineering plastics marketing, with a planned transfer to Daicel.
Semiconductor supply assurance
To support European chip production, BASF will build an Electronic Grade Ammonium Hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen, targeted for 2027. Air Liquide issued a €2.15 billion multi‑tranche bond to finance its acquisition of DIG Airgas, expanding access to industrial gases in Asia for sectors including semiconductors and clean energy.
Logistics corridors and flows
The ports of Duisburg and Rotterdam signed a new intent to develop sustainable transport corridors and enable CO2 export for cross‑border CCUS. Port of Rotterdam throughput declined 2.6% over nine months, with LNG and renewable fuels up and mineral oil products down. Port of Antwerp‑Bruges reported mixed results amid weaker bulk volumes. In Oman, OTTCO and Royal Vopak formed a joint venture in Duqm to build storage and terminal infrastructure.
Funding and portfolio moves
KazMunayGas listed yuan‑denominated Eurobonds on the Astana International Exchange, diversifying funding sources. Symrise placed a €800 million Eurobond and continued portfolio optimization under ONE SYM. Elkem proceeded with a strategic review of its Silicones division, while noting US countervailing duties on silicon and potential EU safeguards on alloys. Kemira acquired Water Engineering, Inc. and plans a Helsingborg activated‑carbon reactivation plant.
Policy and trade pressures
The European Commission launched the Critical Chemicals Alliance to map essential molecules, improve surveillance, and align investments. INEOS warned that European BDO production is at risk from low‑priced Chinese imports with higher carbon footprints, citing implications for medicine supply. Tengizchevroil introduced an In‑Country Value Development Program and tender preferences to raise Kazakhstani content in equipment and chemicals.
Packaging and bio‑based inputs
Evonik modernized Antwerp logistics for MetAMINO, adding big‑bag and 25 kg options to improve packaging flexibility and reduce footprint. Symrise invested in Cellibre to access fermentation‑derived ingredients and mitigate agricultural variability in taste and cosmetic actives. Symrise also expanded European supply of Hydrolite 5 green with a new unit in Granada. In bioprocessing, WuXi Biologics received the 2025 Global Customer Value Leadership Recognition, highlighting regulatory and operational scale.