SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asian chemical shares fell on Friday amid deepening concerns over a global trade war after the White House clarified that the US’ tariffs on China has risen to 145%. By 01:15 GMT, Japanese producers Asahi Kasei and Mitsui Chemicals had fallen by 5.16% and 4.03% lower respectively in Tokyo, while LG Chem was down […]

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India’s vinyl industry leaders voiced optimism about long-term demand growth while raising caution over rising imports and the need for a stable regulatory framework at the 12th Vinyl India Summit held in Mumbai on April 10-11, 2025. The conference brought together domestic producers, global suppliers, and policymakers to chart the future course of one […]

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India’s Deepak Chem Tech Ltd (DCTL) plans to set up a manufacturing complex to produce phenol, acetone and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at a cost of Indian rupee (Rs) 35 billion ($407 million). The company will build a 300,000 tonne/year phenol unit, a 185,000 tonne/year acetone plant and a 100,000 tonne/year IPA line at Dahej […]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–China has raised its tariffs on US goods to 125% effective 12 April, from 84% previously, marking the latest salvo in the trade war that roiled global markets this week. This was in response to the US’ “reciprocal tariffs” on Chinese goods which were raised to 125% on 10 April, the Customs Tariff Commission […]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asian chemical shares soared on Thursday after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher tariffs. However, the trade war with China has escalated after Trump at the same time increased tariffs on goods from China to 125%, accusing Beijing of a “lack of respect” after it retaliated by […]

LONDON (ICIS)–Private sector activity in the eurozone returned to a growth footing for the first time in nearly half a year in January, with an expanding service sector counterbalancing stronger but still contractionary manufacturing. Eurozone composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) firmed to 50.2 in January compared to 49.6 in December, driven by a reading of […]

SAO PAULO (ICIS)–Argentina’s cabinet drive to shift the economy from staunch protectionism into liberal bastion is increasing fears among chemicals and wider manufacturing players that the country’s beleaguered industrial fabric is yet to suffer further losses in output in coming years. As production costs in Argentina remain higher than in key manufacturing hubs such as […]

HOUSTON (ICIS)–ExxonMobil may build an ethane cracker and polyethylene (PE) plant near Corpus Christi, Texas, the company said in an application for a tax break. If ExxonMobil proceeds with the project, it would be built in Calhoun county, which is north of Corpus Christi, the application said. Construction could start in 2025 and finish at […]

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Rates for shipping containers from east Asia and China to the US plunged this week, as did global average rates amid the typical slowdown around the Lunar New Year (LNY) holiday. Meanwhile, shipowners are out with surcharges on various trade lanes, which could support rates at current levels even with the slowdown in volumes. […]

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (ICIS)–There is uncertainty about the extent that stated US policy goals on tariffs will be achieved and their impact on the economy this year and beyond. Yet for now, the US economy remains on solid ground. An extension of the 2017 tax cuts would be positive, as would deregulation and higher defense […]