China Chemical Watch: May Trade Surplus Hits $105.4 Billion on AI and Semiconductor Export Surge

Sulfur Supply Recovery: Gulf Refinery By-Product and the 45% Global Share That Was Offline

The Hormuz crisis disrupted nearly 45% of global sulfur supply as Gulf refinery by-product exports collapsed for months. With vessel movement now improving, sulfur and sulfuric acid buyers may finally see the first meaningful cost relief in August after one of 2026’s most overlooked supply chain disruptions.

Guar Gum: Rajasthan Planting Intelligence and Implications for the 2026/27 Supply Season

The 2026 Rajasthan guar planting season will determine global guar gum availability for oilfield, food and industrial buyers over the coming year. Early monsoon progress has improved market sentiment, but rainfall distribution across key producing districts will decide whether procurement teams face abundant supply or tighter inventories.

Food Ingredient Freight Reset: Brent Below Pre-War Levels Opens the H2 2026 Cost Correction Window

Brent crude has returned to pre-war levels, creating a new opportunity for food ingredient buyers to reduce landed costs. July freight adjustments give procurement teams a timely chance to renegotiate contracts across major sourcing regions including China, Southeast Asia and India.

China Chemical Watch: Ethylene Competitiveness Strengthens Under NDRC Policy

China’s latest NDRC decarbonization policy is reshaping the ethylene market, boosting the competitiveness of domestic crackers and influencing global petrochemical pricing trends by 2026. This article examines the policy’s key drivers, market shifts, and long‑term implications.

Regional Trade Flows: US Gulf Chemical Exports Finding New Markets as Middle East Supply Disrupted

Adhesives and Resins: Weak Construction Demand Persists Through H1 2026, Pushing Consolidation

In 2026 the adhesives market remains under pressure as construction chemicals demand lags behind recovery hopes. European plant closures and strategic reshuffles at BASF and Covestro intensify supplier consolidation, reshaping the industry landscape.