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

Refrigerant R22 Jumps Over 2,000 Yuan per Tonne: Understanding the July 2026 Price Shock

Refrigerant R22 prices surged by more than 2,000 yuan per tonne within a single week during July 2026, drawing attention across China's chemical market. Procurement teams should understand what such rapid movements may signal for refrigerant supply, industrial demand and purchasing strategies.

Sulfuric Acid Market Tightens as OCP Morocco Expansion Drives Global Demand Growth

Sulfuric acid demand is entering a new phase as Morocco's OCP Group expands phosphate processing capacity and strengthens its role in global fertilizer supply. Rising consumption in Morocco and Indonesian nickel projects is reshaping sulfur trade flows, tightening availability and influencing procurement strategies across agricultural and industrial markets.

India Chemical Watch: ONGC Eyes Venezuela as Crude Diversification Drives 2026 Petrochem Market

As the Hormuz crisis reshapes global oil flows, India’s ONGC is evaluating Venezuelan crude to secure feedstock for its expanding refinery network. This move signals a broader strategy to diversify imports and stabilize the country’s petrochemical supply chain by 2026.

Panama Canal Delays: Traffic Increases Again Post-Hormuz as Asian Trade Flows Normalize

As global shipping routes begin normalizing after the Hormuz disruption, the Panama Canal is experiencing renewed congestion. Chemical shippers should prepare for extended transit times and scheduling uncertainty through Q3 2026.

Container Freight: SCFI Above Pre-War Levels as US-China Tariff Truce Pull-Forward Demand Peaks

Container freight markets remain under pressure as tariff-driven demand surges collide with peak shipping season. Chemical importers face layered logistics costs that extend far beyond headline freight rates.

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