Siman
In October 2025, eight major chemical plants in the Netherlands stopped or temporarily suspended their operations. Among them are well-known companies such as LyondellBasell, Indorama, Tronox, Westlake, and Vynova. The news has caused a strong reaction, as it affects one of the key industrial sectors in the country and across Europe. One of the most … Read more
Happy Diwali! May this festival of lights bring you joy, prosperity, and endless happiness.
Oil demand will remain weak into 2026, but the petrochemicals sector will be the key driver as weak macroeconomic conditions persist, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Tuesday. Demand expectations remain well below the historical trend, the IEA monthly Oil Market Report for October said, with transport electrification weighing on consumption trends. “Despite recent sluggish … Read more
In September 2025, Brazil took a decisive step toward stricter control of chemical substances by publishing a draft for the implementation of its own version of the European REACH regulation. The new bill details the process for registration, evaluation, and risk management of chemicals manufactured or imported into the country. The goal is to create … Read more
Researchers from Stanford University and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Saudi Arabia) have developed a prototype device that produces ammonia — a vital ingredient in most nitrogen‐fertilizers — using just air and wind power. What the innovation does The device draws air through a mesh structure using wind energy. The air contains nitrogen … Read more
Latin American agriculture faces a serious risk due to possible new U.S. sanctions against Russian fertilizers. Brazil and Mexico are among the most dependent on imports of Russian products, especially nitrogen and potash fertilizers. If secondary sanctions are imposed on buyers, farmers in the region may face shortages and significantly higher prices. This could lead … Read more
India’s agricultural sector is experiencing a surge in optimism as this year’s monsoon season delivers timely and abundant rainfall across key farming regions. The favorable weather conditions have prompted expectations of higher crop yields, which in turn are driving demand for fertilizers and agrochemicals. Market analysts report that several leading fertilizer producers in India have … Read more
The global petrochemical sector is undergoing a wave of closures and disposals as companies adjust to increasing capacity in China and high costs in Europe. The European Union is experiencing the strongest impact from this rationalization, while the United States and Middle East are relatively insulated. Asian petrochemical producers are also reducing capacity, but at … Read more
The European Commission has announced the creation of a Critical Chemical Alliance — a strategic partnership between EU member states and industry, aimed at securing key chemical supply chains. The goal is to reduce dependency on third countries and safeguard essential raw materials for sectors like pharmaceuticals, defense, and agriculture. The move comes amid a … Read more
Dow has revealed plans to shut down three chemical production sites in Europe: an ethylene cracker in Böhlen (Germany), chlor‑alkali and vinyl units in Schkopau (Germany), and a siloxanes facility in Barry (UK). The job losses will total around 800, with closures commencing in mid‑2026 and finalizing by 2027 (with decommissioning through 2029). This strategic … Read more