Chemical and Materials Industry Global News ，Market Analysis，Technology Frontier ，Policy & Regulation，Safety & Emergencies， Industrial Investment from April 28 to May 4, 2025 CHEMWI

Global News ，Market Analysis，Technology Frontier ，Policy & Regulation，Safety & Emergencies， Industrial Investment

Industry News

BASF Maintains Financial Outlook Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Despite a 3.2% year-on-year decrease in Q1 2025 EBITDA and a 41% drop in net profit, BASF remains confident in its full-year financial forecast. The company highlighted that potential U.S. trade policies, particularly the possibility of high tariffs, are a key source of market uncertainty.📌 Analysis: This indicates that large chemical manufacturers are leveraging supply chain optimization and cost control to mitigate geopolitical and policy risks.

Howmet Aerospace Raises Profit Outlook

Howmet Aerospace raised its 2025 adjusted earnings-per-share forecast from $3.13–$3.21 to $3.36–$3.44, citing strong demand for aerospace parts. Despite tariff-related cost pressures, Q1 revenue grew by 6.4% year-on-year.📌 Analysis: The high-value-added materials sector, such as aerospace materials, shows resilience against macroeconomic downturns and tariff impacts.

Explosion at Iranian Chemical Plant Triggers Safety Review

An explosion occurred at the Avanar Parsian chemical warehouse in Isfahan, Iran, on April 29, resulting in two deaths and two injuries. The facility, involved in industrial explosives production, is under investigation for safety compliance and potential risks.📌 Analysis: This highlights potential safety risks in the Middle East’s industrial sector, which could disrupt chemical supply chains.

Vietnam Approves Chemical Industry Development Strategy

The Vietnamese government has approved the "Chemical Industry Development Strategy until 2040," which focuses on sustainable and green development, aiming for a 10-11% annual growth rate in the sector by 2030. Key areas include petroleum products, plant protection active ingredients, and basic chemicals supply.📌 Analysis: This is a significant step towards upgrading Vietnam’s chemical manufacturing capabilities, likely attracting international investors interested in its chemical sector potential.

📈 Market Analysis

Global Petrochemical Market Slump to Continue Until Mid-2025

The global petrochemical market faces oversupply due to new capacity in China and weak global demand. Prices are under pressure, and this slump is expected to continue until mid-2025.📌 Analysis: Industry consolidation and capacity reduction may become key policy focuses in the next phase.

Polymer Market Recovery Delayed

Global polymer market recovery is delayed due to weak manufacturing activity and excessive industry capacity. Companies like Braskem have reported a decline in both demand and production, calling for stronger industrial support policies.📌 Analysis: This trend reflects the ripple effect of manufacturing slowdown, which could impact industries such as packaging, automotive, and construction.

U.S. Manufacturing Sector Declines

The U.S. manufacturing PMI dropped to 48.7 in April 2025, marking the lowest point in nearly five years. The 145% tariff on Chinese goods has exacerbated raw material cost pressures.📌 Analysis: The ongoing contraction in manufacturing will likely affect the consumption of chemical intermediates and raw materials.

Crude Oil Prices Sharply Drop

On May 3, WTI and Brent crude oil prices fell by over 4%, reflecting concerns over weak global demand.📌 Analysis: Fluctuations in energy prices will directly impact raw material costs for chemicals, particularly those based on petroleum such as polymers and solvents.

Polysilicon and Isodecyl Alcohol Market Trends

Polysilicon prices continue to decline due to increased inventory pressure, while isodecyl alcohol and DOP prices rise due to higher raw material costs.📌 Analysis: This indicates a divergence in different sub-industries' sensitivity to supply-demand structures and policy changes.

🚀 Technology Frontier

Vietnam Promotes Green and Digital Transformation in the Chemical Industry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has emphasized the promotion of biopesticides, organic fertilizers, and other new green chemicals, aiming for sustainable agricultural support.📌 Analysis: Green agricultural chemicals offer new growth opportunities for traditional chemical companies and align with the global ESG investment trend.

📜 Policy & Regulation

EU CLP New Regulation Takes Effect

As of May 1, 2025, the updated EU Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation includes new hazard categories such as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT/vPvB) substances. Reclassification and labeling updates for substances on the market must be completed by November 1, 2026.📌 Analysis: This presents a significant compliance challenge for companies exporting chemicals to the EU, requiring swift data collection and label system updates.

South Korea K-REACH Regulation Update

As of January 1, 2025, South Korea raised the compliance tonnage threshold for new substance reporting under K-REACH from 0.1 tons per year to 1 ton, easing the burden on small businesses. Additionally, South Korea plans to refine the existing toxic substance list and may introduce new requirements for the transmission of supplementary Safety Data Sheets (SDS).📌 Analysis: Loosening registration thresholds benefits low-risk new products, but tighter regulation on higher-risk substances may add complexity to compliance.

U.S. TSCA Enhances PFAS Regulation

Under the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), companies must report the use, production, disposal, exposure, and hazards of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) produced or imported between 2011 and 2022 starting in 2025.📌 Analysis: The heightened focus on "forever chemicals" requires PFAS-producing companies globally to accelerate disclosure and compliance.

⚠️ Safety & Emergencies

Explosion at Iranian Port

On April 26, 2025, a severe explosion and fire occurred at Shahid Rajaee Port in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran. At least 70 people were killed and 1,242 injured. The explosion originated from containers at the port that may have stored hazardous chemicals such as ammonium perchlorate.📌 Analysis: This event underscores the safety risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the Middle East and their potential impact on chemical exports and port operations.

🏗️ Industrial Investment

China Solar Industry Expansion

• Shuangpeng New Energy has signed an agreement for a 20GW ultra-thin monocrystalline silicon wafer project in Jiangsu, with an investment of 2 billion yuan, aimed at increasing high-efficiency solar product capacity.

• LONGi Green Energy plans a 10GW monocrystalline module project in Jiangmen, Guangdong, to further expand its photovoltaic module production capacity.📌 Analysis: The ongoing expansion in the global solar industry continues to drive investment in key materials such as silicon and EVA, offering opportunities for chemical suppliers in the renewable energy sector.