Global Market & Investment Trends on Chemicals, Materials & Energy（ June 23–29, 2025）

zhang Claire
Jun 29
2 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Market Trends & Corporate Moves

BASF, SABIC, Linde Pilot Electric Cracking

BASF, SABIC, and Linde launched a large-scale electric steam cracker in Germany, aiming for 90% emissions reduction vs. traditional units. Dow and Shell are conducting similar trials to decarbonize base chemical production.

EU Targets Hexavalent Chromium

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a six-month public consultation to restrict chromium VI compounds, reinforcing the EU’s move toward safer industrial chemistry.

Italy Holds PFAS Polluters Accountable

An Italian court ruled against chemical companies for PFAS contamination of drinking water, setting a precedent for environmental accountability across Europe.

AI & Automation Reshape Chemical Engineering

Chemical plants globally are adopting AI, digital twins, and Industrial IoT platforms for predictive maintenance, emissions tracking, and process efficiency.

Clean Energy & Policy Updates

Global Energy Investment Hits Record $3.3 Trillion

IEA and WEF data indicate clean energy investment will reach $2.2 trillion in 2025—double fossil fuel spending. Data center power demand from AI applications is a key growth driver.

Meta Signs 800 MW Clean Power Deals

Meta partnered with Invenergy to secure nearly 800 MW of wind and solar power across three U.S. states, aiming to power future data centers with 100% renewables by 2028.

U.S. Restricts Ethane Exports to China

Satellite Chemical and Vinmar received letters from the U.S. Department of Commerce preventing ethane deliveries to China. The move impacts half of U.S. ethane exports and creates supply pressure for Chinese ethylene producers.

Oil & Gas Developments

Grangemouth Refinery Closure Raises Alarm

The UK’s Grangemouth refinery shut down, impacting 400 direct jobs and over 4,000 in the supply chain. Economic ripple effects highlight the need for a “just transition” in decarbonization.

Australia Cancels $1.25B Green Hydrogen Project

A major hydrogen project in Queensland lost critical investor backing and was canceled, raising questions over Australia’s long-term green energy leadership.

https://www.chemwi.com/category/next-generation-fuel-energy

OPEC+ Supply Expectations Push Oil Prices Down

Despite midweek volatility, oil prices ended lower as markets priced in likely production hikes from OPEC+ in August. Brent and WTI dipped nearly 1%.

Capital, Investment & Strategy Insights

M&A Activity Surges Across Chemicals

Private equity and corporate investors are actively consolidating the specialty and performance chemicals sector, especially in green formulations and electronics applications.

Regional Outlook:

Region	Trend Highlights
Europe	Facing high energy costs and regulatory tightening. Capacity closures ongoing.
North America	Transition toward electrified cracking and AI adoption. Policy uncertainty lingers.
Asia-Pacific	Strong demand, especially India (11–12% CAGR until 2040). China remains key supply base.
Middle East	Strategic export shifts and petrochemical investment continue.

Summary & Forward Look

Green Transition Accelerates: Innovations in LED-driven chemistry, hydrogen electrolysis, and electric cracking mark a shift toward sustainable production.
Policy & Trade Uncertainty: U.S.–China tensions, EU regulatory tightening, and shifting subsidy frameworks present headwinds.
Investment Momentum Strong: M&A deals, capacity expansions, and clean energy infrastructure continue to attract capital.
https://www.chemwi.com/category/next-generation-fuel-energy

https://www.chemwi.com/category/environmental-protection-and-carbon-reduction