International News Guide: Raw Material News - EU to Establish Critical Chemical Alliance to Safeguard Supply Chain Security Automotive News - China and the EU Agree to Establish a Working Group to Cooperate on Cross-Border Data Flow in the Automotive Sector Electronic News - SABIC Launches First Flame-Retardant PBT Nano Injection Molding Material with Excellent Bonding Strength and Mechanical Properties Packaging News - German associations push for mandatory compostable produce bags Medical News - Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore Adopts 3D-Printed TPU Materials to Customize Orthotic Insoles for Diabetics Macro News - US Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Graphite Price information - RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Reports 7.1498, Down by 37 Pips    details of international news:   1. Escalation of Retaliatory Measures! EU Continues to Pressure the US According to two officials who were briefed on the talks, the EU is preparing a list of possible tariffs on US services and export control measures as part of potential retaliatory actions if trade negotiations with Washington fail. In response to US President Trump's tariffs, the European Commission is compiling this list of measures, which still needs to be submitted to EU member states. Trump has announced that he plans to impose a 30% tariff on the EU bloc starting from August 1. Although Brussels had previously warned that it could expand the transatlantic trade war to services if negotiations to avoid these tariffs fail, it has so far not submitted specific measures to European capitals. One of the officials emphasized that the list will not only target US tech companies. This list will be an additional measure beyond the retaliatory proposal already being discussed by EU countries targeting 72 billion euros of annual US imports, which includes tariffs on Boeing aircraft, automobiles, and bourbon whiskey. 2. EU to Establish Critical Chemical Alliance to Safeguard Supply Chain Security The EU's executive body stated that the European Commission will work with member states and the chemical industry to support the production of chemicals identified as crucial to Europe's industrial supply chains. The European Commission said it will establish a Critical Chemical Alliance later this year, which will bring together the Commission, member states, and various stakeholders as part of a broader plan to revitalize Europe's chemical industry. In a statement, the Commission said the alliance will "identify key production sites in need of policy support and address trade issues such as supply chain dependencies and market distortions". This initiative draws on another alliance established earlier, which is responsible for identifying metals and minerals crucial to the energy transition. Subsequently, the EU set mining, processing, and recycling targets for 17 strategic materials. 3. Agilyx Acquires 44% Stake in Europe’s TopPlastic RecyclerGreenDot Global Agilyx acquires 44% of GreenDot, expanding into Europe’s recycling market and strengthening its global advanced plasticsrecycling platform. 4. Turkey: Anti-Dumping Measures on China-Related Polyethylene, Polypropylene Waterproof Tarpaulins and Polymer Plastic Products to Expire Soon According to the China Trade Remedy Information Network, on July 16, 2025, Turkey's Ministry of Trade issued Announcement No. 2025/15, stating that anti-dumping measures on polyethylene and polypropylene waterproof tarpaulins and polymer plastic products [Turkish: Polietilen ve polipropilenden mamul şerit veya benzerlerinden dokunmuş mensucat (yalnız dokuma brandalar)] originating from China and Vietnam will expire on May 6, 2026. Stakeholders should submit applications and evidence materials for sunset review investigations no later than 3 months before the expiration date. The Turkish tariff codes for the products are 3921.90.60.00.11, 3921.90.60.00.13, and 3926.90.97.90.18. The announcement takes effect from the date of issuance. 5. SABIC Launches First Flame-Retardant PBT Nano Injection Molding Material with Excellent Bonding Strength and Mechanical Properties SABIC announced the launch of a new product in its LNP™ THERMOTUF™ specialty composite series. The new LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite is the industry's first polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-based nano-molding technology (NMT) material, combining excellent flame retardancy and superior mechanical properties. It meets the growing demand of the consumer electronics industry for lightweight and durable metal-plastic composite components, such as smartphone middle frames. In addition, the material's flame retardancy helps customers comply with the latest IEC 62368-1 safety standards for consumer electronic equipment. The LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite won the 2025 Edison Award. 6. Messe Düsseldorf unites its global plastics, rubber events under K-Alliance brand Germany-based global exhibition organizer Messe Düsseldorf is launching a new umbrella brand called “K-Alliance” to unite its worldwide plastics and rubber trade fairs under one identity, which replaces the previous Global Gate brand. “Global players in the plastics and rubber industry require appropriate platforms for direct market entry in growth regions,” said Thomas Franken, director of K. “Messe Düsseldorf has pooled its worldwide activities under the Global Gate brand, which will now become the K–Alliance.” Officials said the new name highlights not just market access but also strategic partnerships and alliances within the industry’s global trade fair network. “The previous name especially emphasized Messe Düsseldorf’s function as a door opener for entering promising sales markets,” Franken said. “The designation K-Alliance now places a clearer focus on the strong partnerships and alliances that our constantly growing, worldwide network of trade fairs related to plastics and rubber stands for.” The K-Alliance currently encompasses 11 global trade fairs, the biggest of which is the K fair; K 2025 is scheduled for Oct. 8-15 in Düsseldorf, with more than 3,200 exhibitors expected to showcase technologies in manufacturing, processing and finishing. 7. German associations push for mandatory compostable produce bags Industry associations are calling for compostable fruit and vegetable bags to become mandatory under the Packaging and Packaging Regulation (PPWR).The IK Industrial Association for Plastics Packaging, Plastics Europe Germany, European Bioplastics, Polykum, Carmen, and the nova Institute have published a position paper providing recommendations for Germany to implement the requirement at national level. 8. China and the EU Agree to Establish a Working Group to Cooperate on Cross-Border Data Flow in the Automotive Sector On July 17 , the second meeting of the China-EU Cross-Border Data Flow Exchange Mechanism was held in Brussels. Wang Jingtao, Vice Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and Sabine Weyand, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, co-chaired the meeting. The meeting reviewed the positive progress made since the establishment of the mechanism, believing that the mechanism has played an important role in promoting China-EU cross-border data flow. The two sides had in-depth, pragmatic, and constructive exchanges on issues related to China-EU cross-border data flow, and reached broad consensus on further leveraging the mechanism under the principle of two-way reciprocity and promoting rule alignment, in light of the demands of enterprises from both sides. The two sides agreed to establish a working group to cooperate on cross-border data flow in the automotive sector. 9.Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore Adopts 3D-Printed TPU Materials to Customize Orthotic Insoles for Diabetics The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing 3D-printed custom orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are 3D-printed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Preliminary results show that compared with traditional insoles (23% reduction in peak pressure, 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce plantar peak pressure by up to 28.5% and improve pressure distribution by 52.7%.   Overseas macro markets:   【Putin: Europe's Abandonment of Russian Natural Gas Has Negatively Affected Its Industry】 On the 17th, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview that Europe's decision to abandon Russian natural gas has had a negative impact on its industry. In addition, Russian media reported that EU imports of Russian oil in May hit a three-month high, indicating that some EU member states still rely on Russian oil. 【Alcoa: Tariffs Keep Increasing Production Costs】 According to Bloomberg, Alcoa, the largest aluminum producer in the US, stated that US tariff policies are continuously increasing the company's production costs, and due to the impact of tariffs, its US customers are paying more for aluminum. 【US Media: US Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Graphite】 According to Bloomberg, the US has imposed a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 93.5% on graphite from China. A statement from the US Department of Commerce noted: "The US Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined to impose a 93.5% anti-dumping duty on imports of key battery material graphite from China due to unfair subsidies for these materials." It is worth noting that the final ruling is expected to be made by December 5 【Reliance Industries' Market Value Grows by 40 Billion USD This Year】 Shares of India's Reliance Industries have significantly outperformed India's benchmark stock index this year, with the largest lead in five years. So far this year, shares of India's most valuable company have surged 22%, while the NSE Nifty 50 index has risen only 6% in the same period. Controlled by Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries has increased its market value by 40 billion USD in 2025, accounting for nearly one-third of the market value growth of India's benchmark stock index.   Price information:   【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate】 The RMB/USD central parity rate was reported at 7.1498, down by 37 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1461, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1796, and the previous night's closing price was 7.1809. 【Upstream raw material USD market price】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $830/ton. Acrylic Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price is $740/ton; CFR China average price is $770/ton, up $5/ton. Propane: North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane $512-514/ton; butane $482-484/ton. The import price of South China frozen goods in August is as follows: propane 549-559 USD/ton; butane 520-528 USD/ton. The landed price of frozen goods in Taiwan is propane at 512-514 USD/ton; butane at 482-484 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD market price】 Film: 860-910 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE USD market price】 Film: $920/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: 855-860 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE USD market price】 Film: $1070-1090/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1350/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP USD market price】 Average aggregation: 965 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Co-polymerization: 940-950 USD/ton (CFR Nansha); Membrane material: 1030 USD/ton (CFR Nansha); Transparent: $1,085/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipes: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).

VPK Group, a leading packaging company founded in 1935 and headquartered in Belgium, has developed from a local enterprise into an international supplier of sustainable protective packaging solutions over the decades. Its core business revolves around three main product categories: packaging paper (VPK Paper), corrugated boxes (VPK Packaging) / corrugated board (AQUILA), as well as solid board (Smart) and paper tubes / paper edge protectors (Konsor Corex). VPK Group is committed to providing high-quality and reliable services, closely monitoring local market demands, while leveraging cross-border expertise and experience sharing to create customized solutions that meet customer expectations.   VPK's business model: driven by sustainability and innovation The business model of VPK Group is firmly built on two core pillars: sustainability and innovation. Raw Materials and Circular Economy: Every year, VPK recycles nearly 1.5 million tons of waste paper and cardboard, reusing it to produce packaging solutions. The company creates value by efficiently utilizing FSC® certified raw materials and respecting natural resources, all while strictly adhering to the circular economy model, ensuring that products meet the highest environmental standards. Product Design and Performance: VPK's goal is to make its products recyclable and biodegradable. In 2024, the products launched by the company are designed with this concept in mind from the very beginning. VPK continuously evaluates and verifies product performance to ensure they remain efficient across various applications, meeting the increasing regulatory and consumer demands for sustainability. Global Network and Production Capacity: VPK has a vast network of over 70 manufacturing plants across 21 countries/regions, enabling it to maintain strong production capacity and a flexible market response speed. In particular, in China, its subsidiary Kenson has factories in Hangzhou, Beihai, and Foshan, primarily producing paper tubes, core tubes, consumer packaging applications, and edge protection products, demonstrating VPK's deep layout in the Chinese market. Supply Chain and Talent: VPK Group's supply chain and distribution network are designed to improve efficiency and sustainability, ensuring timely delivery of materials and products. The company has a workforce of over 7,080 skilled employees (of which 216 are in China), which is the core driving force behind its innovation and operational excellence. Through the "Future Leaders Program" and an annual training time of 20 hours for each employee, VPK supports leadership development and career growth. This year, the average training duration for each employee has increased by 20% compared to last year, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and development. Technology and Intellectual Property: VPK utilizes intellectual property including innovative designs and patents, as well as digital tools and automation technologies, to continuously improve its production processes and maintain its leading position in the industry. VPK Group provides customers with sustainable packaging solutions that are recyclable, biodegradable, and FSC® certified. Its optimized packaging design not only reduces material usage and provides a worry-free experience but also enhances durability, saving costs for customers and improving logistics efficiency. VPK provides customized packaging solutions for various industries such as food, retail, industrial, and e-commerce, ensuring better product protection and enhancing brand image. In addition, customers can achieve transparent management through VPK's sustainability certification, clearly tracing the source of their packaging and its environmental impact. Outstanding financial performance and robust governance. Investors can benefit from VPK Group's strong financial performance. In 2024, VPK Group achieved a revenue of 1.849 billion euros (approximately 15.6 billion yuan) and a pre-tax profit of 84 million euros. Even more remarkable is that the company has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the past five years, indicating robust growth momentum. In 2024, sales of corrugated boxes/cardboard reached approximately 2.256 billion square meters or 1.055 million tons, sales of packaging paper were about 1.283 million tons, and sales of solid cardboard/paper tubes/paper corner protectors were around 456,000 tons, all showing varying degrees of increase compared to 2023. The family ownership structure of VPK Group ensures stable governance, a long-term corporate vision, and resilience against market fluctuations. The company is firmly committed to sustainable development and continuously reinvests in research and development to provide momentum for future growth. VPK Group has a firm commitment to environmental sustainability: 100% utilization of recycled paper, using 100% recycled paper in paper production; high recycling rate; 90% of the paper used in packaging production is recyclable (non-virgin material); renewable resources, 98% of raw materials come from renewable resources; net-zero emissions target, VPK's net-zero emissions target has been certified by the authoritative Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), indicating that its emission reduction goals are aligned with global climate science; water resources and forestry, during the papermaking process, VPK actively conserves water and supports reforestation and responsible forestry programs, protecting natural resources from the source. VPK is also a founding partner of Blue Box Partners, an alliance composed of four private capital-operated pan-European companies. Each partner has established experience and successful cases in their respective domestic markets, sharing the same structure, values, and long-term business vision. Blue Box Partners adopts a coordinated model, leveraging the expertise of over 13,500 employees and the production capacity of 114 production facilities to ensure customized design and delivery services based on the needs of clients of any scale. In addition, VPK has joined industry alliances such as the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) and the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), actively promoting regulatory frameworks that support the circular economy. Supplier and Customer Ecosystem The main suppliers of VPK Group include: suppliers of recycled paper and cardboard; energy suppliers providing renewable energy such as biomass, solar, and wind energy; mechanical and technical partners for automated manufacturing equipment; and logistics and transportation partners that ensure efficient supply chain management. VPK Group mainly serves B2B customers across various industries by providing customized sustainable packaging solutions. Its primary customer base includes: food and beverage, retail and consumer goods, e-commerce and logistics, as well as industrial and manufacturing sectors. VPK sells customized packaging directly to business clients through direct sales and B2B contracts. Customers can also place bulk and regular orders through its online portal, enjoying convenient service. Although VPK is a B2B supplier, its products ultimately support a wide range of end-user industries—from retail consumers purchasing sustainable packaging products, e-commerce customers seeking worry-free packaging, to industrial clients requiring heavy-duty solutions, and logistics suppliers relying on durable, stackable packaging for transportation and warehousing—all benefit from VPK's packaging products. Future Outlook The success of VPK Group is not accidental; its business model clearly demonstrates how traditional manufacturing can achieve high-quality growth by deeply integrating sustainable development concepts, continuous innovation, and building a global network in the context of the current global economy and environmental protection. VPK's core competitiveness is reflected in the following aspects: A firm practitioner of the circular economy: VPK places recycling and renewable resources at the core of its business, which is reflected not only in the production of 100% recycled paper and the use of a high proportion of recyclable materials but also in achieving the net-zero emissions target certified by SBTi. This gives it a moral high ground and competitive advantage in a market where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly strict and consumer awareness of environmental issues is rising. Globalization and Localization in Tandem: With over 70 factories across 21 countries, including its presence in China (such as Coensel), VPK is able to effectively serve local markets while sharing global expertise and production capabilities to meet diverse customer needs. Technological innovation and customized services: VPK not only focuses on recyclable and biodegradable design but also optimizes production processes through innovative design and automation technology, providing tailored solutions for a wide range of industries such as food, retail, industrial, and e-commerce, enhancing product protection and brand image for customers. Robust financial performance and family governance: Continuous growth in revenue and profits, along with the stability and long-term vision brought by family ownership, provide a solid foundation for VPK's ongoing investment in research and development and its response to market fluctuations. People-oriented and industry collaboration: Investing in employee training, focusing on employee well-being, and actively participating in industry alliances demonstrate that VPK not only cares about internal development but is also committed to promoting sustainable progress and policy improvement throughout the industry. The case of VPK Group provides a successful transformation model for other traditional manufacturing enterprises: that is, while pursuing business growth, it deeply integrates environmental responsibility, technological innovation, and customer-centricity into the corporate DNA. In the future, with the ongoing explosion in global demand for eco-friendly packaging and the in-depth promotion of the circular economy model, VPK Group will undoubtedly continue to maintain its leading position in the industry and contribute more to the green and intelligent development of the global packaging industry.

As the import volume of post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) surges, recyclers claim that this move is harming the American plastic recycling system, and there are allegations that some imported resins may not be genuine recycled materials. A bill currently being advanced in California requires beverage container manufacturers to report the origin of all PCR in their products. Senate Bill 633 (SB 633) will add third-party PCR verification and origin requirements to the regular reporting that producers are required to submit under the state's container deposit system. These reports must be submitted to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The bill was introduced in February by Democratic Senator Catherine Blakespear, who represents parts of San Diego and Orange County. After passing the state Senate in early June, it is now entering the review stage in the state Assembly. At the hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee on July 14, Blakespear elaborated on California's beverage container recycling content regulations, which require that by 2025, PCR accounts for 25% of containers, and by 2030, it reaches 50%. "These goals have driven up the demand for recycled plastics, and currently, most recycled plastics come from out-of-state and international recyclers," Blakespear said. "According to reports, last year saw a record high in imports. However, there is currently no system in place to verify the authenticity of the recycled content claimed by beverage manufacturers." "In fact, recycled plastic, after being processed into pellets or sheets by recyclers, is indistinguishable from new plastic," Blakespear continued, "Recent reports have found that at least some of the plastic imported into the state has new plastic masquerading as recycled plastic." Blakespear pointed out that California already has similar third-party verification requirements for manufacturers using recycled plastic in reusable shopping bags, and at the time this requirement came into effect, most bag manufacturers were unable to prove that their bags were made from recycled materials. "This indicates that we also need a 'trust but verify' model for the recycled plastic in the bottles," she said. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is the main supporter of the legislation. APR has under its umbrella Resource Recycling, Inc., which is the publisher of Plastics Recycling Update. APR state government relations manager Allison Kustic testified that manufacturers sourcing PCR from overseas is harming recyclers within the state. "California recyclers are indeed struggling to maintain operations because they cannot sell their recycled plastic," she said. Kustic is discussing the necessity of the packaging producer responsibility extension system established by Bill 54 (SB 54). "These policies will collect thousands of pounds of recyclable materials, but if California recyclers cannot sell their products, there will be no businesses left to recycle the materials collected in California, which is a big problem," Kustic added. The American Beverage Association testified against the measure, stating that while the organization supports a recycling component verification system, the origin requirements are concerning. "As long as the resin is certified, its origin is essentially irrelevant to the discussion," said Dennis Albiani, representing the American Beverage Association. He added that the bill places the responsibility for origin information on manufacturers, who "may not have direct knowledge of the source of the materials—we are not bottle manufacturers, we are just companies that fill beverages into bottles." The committee passed the bill with 9 votes in favor and 4 votes against, and the bill has been submitted to the appropriations committee for further review.

Domestic transactions flourish while cross-border deals decline, with 82 domestic deals announced in H1 2025, representing an increase of seven deals compared to H2 2024.Maks_Lab/iStock via Getty Images   At a Glance Amcor-Berry merger reshapes plastics industry with $10.5 billion deal. Flexible packaging has seen the most consolidation in the first half of 2025. ESG considerations increasingly drive plastics acquisition valuations higher. The plastics industry has witnessed robust merger and acquisition activity during the first half of 2025, with deal volume maintaining strong momentum from the start of the year. The Amcor-Berry Global merger represents one of the largest transactions in the industry's history. The shadow of that $10.5 billion deal has loomed large over other M&A activity in the sector during H1 2025, and it has had a ripple effect throughout the plastics industry. Trevor Hulett, managing director of St. Louis, MO–based investment bank R.L. Hulett and Company Inc., said his company is expecting an uptick in activity following the Amcor-Berry Global merger, which significantly expanded Amcor's packaging capabilities across both product lines and geographic markets. "The scale and synergies unlocked by the Amcor-Berry transaction have set a new benchmark, prompting other large players to reevaluate their own portfolios and pursue acquisitions that strengthen core offerings, improve supply chain resilience, and accelerate sustainable packaging initiatives," he said. John Hart, managing director at PMCF, an investment bank providing merger and acquisition services to companies worldwide, told PlasticsToday that prior to 2024, the plastics manufacturing industry experienced several years of relative stability, with limited major consolidation activity among top players. Related:Plasan North America Cuts 64 Jobs Following Government Contract Cancellation "However, 2024 marked a turning point, with a wave of significant mergers and acquisitions reshaping the competitive landscape," he said. "Notable recent transactions include the Amcor-Berry merger, Novolex's acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen, SIG's purchase of Schoeller Allibert, IPL's merger with Schoeller Allibert, Silgan's acquisition of Weener, and Sonoco's divestiture of its thermoforming business. These deals signal a renewed momentum in strategic consolidation across the sector." According to Hart, this trend has two key implications for the M&A market: Opportunities for middle-market players. As large companies consolidate, they often become less agile and may outgrow their traditional middle-market customer base. This creates opportunities for smaller and mid-sized businesses to increase wallet share and capture market share by offering more tailored and responsive solutions. Portfolio rationalization. Large-scale consolidations typically lead to plant closures and business unit divestitures as companies streamline operations. While we haven't seen significant rationalization yet, it is likely that over the next few years, these newly formed platforms will begin optimizing their portfolios — creating acquisition opportunities for strategic and financial buyers. Related:Röhm Shutters Louisiana Plant, Texas Mega-facility Launches Hart also pointed out that capital invested in plastics M&A increased dramatically in Q1 2025 ($9.4B, up 193.8% from Q4 2024). There are several factors driving this surge in transaction values despite the slight decline in deal volume. "Deal volume declined in Q2, likely reflecting a period of adjustment as both buyers and sellers assessed the implications of the new tariff environment," Hart added. "Despite this slowdown, larger transactions — particularly those with strong fundamentals and resilience to macroeconomic volatility — continue to move forward." Moreover, Hart explained that the current market presents a compelling environment for transformational M&A. With significant capital still available and valuations at more attractive levels, strategic investors are well-positioned to pursue high-impact opportunities. "We've seen significant activity in the Mid-Atlantic region and Canada during Q1," he said. Hart added that while PMCF doesn't typically track deal activity by region, Q2 data revealed a notable concentration along the East Coast. "Over half of all US-based transactions were completed in the Northeast and Southeast — consistent with historical M&A trends. Additionally, the Midwest reported a strong quarter, accounting for more than 25% of total Q2 deal volume, highlighting continued momentum in that region," he said. Related:Dow Slashes European Operations Amid Profitability Push Hulett said the Southeast US region saw an increase in M&A activity in Q2 with 9 transactions. Most notable in this region was Toppan's $1.8 billion acquisition of Sonoco. Subsector activity Hulett pointed out that flexible packaging has seen the most consolidation in the first half of 2025, as larger players continue acquiring competitors to gain scale, drive down costs, and expand their sustainable packaging capabilities. "While segments like specialty materials and machinery have also experienced increased deal activity, they haven't matched the pace or volume seen in packaging so far this year," he said. Hart noted that during H1, injection molding and resin/color & compounding have remained among the most active subsectors from an M&A perspective. "Both are currently tracking above their H1 2024 deal volumes and are aligned with the pace observed in H2 2024," he said. "Drivers of activity in these subsectors are different. In injection molding, a highly fragmented area of the market with vast applications, deal volume is mainly driven by a robust supply of active sellers. On the resin/color & compounding side, a more concentrated market and active buyers has led to stronger multiples than in other subsectors, which may be the cause of increased activity." Moreover, Hart noted that specialty transactions — which include deals in extrusion, machinery, composites, and distribution — have also seen a steady increase in recent years. The 89 deals recorded in H1 2025 exceeded H1 2024 levels, though they fell slightly short of H2 2024. Nonetheless, Hart explained the sustained activity in specialty subsectors reflects a growing trend of consolidation in niche areas of the plastics industry, which continue to attract strong interest from both strategic and private equity buyers. Hulett said his company saw capital investment moderate in Q2 to $2.2 billion, but H1 2025 was still up meaningfully over H1 of the prior year. "Several large transactions in early 2025 helped open the floodgates for even bigger deals across the plastics industry," he said. "This increase in larger sized deals is driven by both strategic consolidations and private equity interest. Valuations have continued to climb, particularly in high-growth areas like sustainable packaging, where buyers are willing to pay a premium for long-term positioning and ESG alignment." Cross-border transactions There were several cross-border transactions in Q1, including Sudarshan Chemical's acquisition of Germany's Heubach. Hart noted that cross-border transactions in the plastics sector declined year-over-year in the first half of 2025, with only 19 deals recorded — down from 30 and 34 in the previous two halves, respectively. "This slowdown may be attributed to ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs, as both buyers and sellers take time to assess the potential impact on their operations and deal structures," he said. "In contrast, domestic M&A activity has remained strong. A total of 82 domestic deals were announced in H1 2025, representing an increase of seven deals compared to H2 2024. While cross-border activity has slowed, it continues to play a role in the market, albeit at a reduced pace relative to prior periods." Moreover, Hulett cautioned that global tariff uncertainty has led to more cautious deal structuring, with a noticeable rise in the use of earn-out provisions and more rigorous due diligence. "At the same time, supply chain security has become a key focus in the first half of 2025, prompting many companies to strategically reposition operations and acquisitions in regions that offer greater stability and logistical efficiency," he said. Trends driving M&A Tom Blaige, chairman and CEO of Chicago, IL–based Blaige and Company, a plastics, packaging, and chemicals investment banking firm, noted that in 2024, 80% of all plastics deals were strategically motivated, including 55% strategic buyers and 25% financial add-ons. Blaige also noted that 73% of all plastics M&A deals last year involved an international participant. "International-only deals have increased from 40% of deals in 2001 to 57% in 2024, reflecting an ongoing trend toward globalization over the last two decades," the company noted in its report. Plastics remains the most fragmented market, with 72% of companies posting annual sales under $50 million, and 82% posting sales under $100 million. By the end of the year, Blaige forecasts that the top 50 companies in injection molding; blow molding; film and sheet; labels; pipe, profile and tubing; thermoforming; and adhesives and sealants will have been eliminated or changed ownership since 2001. "M&A is 10% financial analysis, and 90% psychoanalysis," Blaige said. It is key for companies poised to make a deal to have a succession plan in place; pursue niche leadership; have enough funding to double or triple down to stay competitive; focus on "glass half full" buyers who may view business as complementary; and understand that vertical, horizontal, and geographic integration trends could impact margins and growth. ESG considerations and future outlook Hart also noted that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns remain a key topic of discussion among plastic packaging providers and continue to present growth opportunities for specialty material science companies. "While ESG remains relevant, its influence has been somewhat tempered under the current administration," Hart said. "In non-packaging plastic subsectors, we continue to see limited viable alternatives to plastics, reinforcing the material's role in a range of industrial applications despite ongoing sustainability debates." Hulett pointed out that ESG has taken on a larger role in plastics M&A, with buyers placing a premium on targets that demonstrate strong sustainability practices. "It's no longer just a consideration, it's become a core value driver in how deals are evaluated, negotiated, and ultimately priced," he noted. Based on H1 2025 activity, from an M&A perspective, Hart said he remains cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year. "While uncertainty — particularly around tariffs and macroeconomic policy — can dampen deal activity by increasing perceived risk, there is growing confidence that the second half of the year will bring greater clarity on trade policy," he said. "Additionally, market sentiment is buoyed by the possibility of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which would create a more favorable environment for transactions." Hart cautioned that market conditions can shift quickly. "However, based on our current positioning and the conversations we're having across the industry, the outlook appears positive," he explained. "Notably, we've seen a significant uptick in pre-deal activity, which we view as a strong leading indicator of continued momentum. In general, niche companies with domestic supply chains are likely to outperform, given their resilience to global disruptions. No single subsector stands out as a clear beneficiary; deal activity has remained relatively balanced across the industry year-over-year." Within the broader plastics sector, Hulett said his company believes packaging as a subsector is expected to remain the most active segment for M&A in the second half of 2025, particularly in areas tied to scale, automation, and sustainability. "Specialty materials, advanced machinery, and ESG-focused technologies are also likely to attract strong interest, with private equity continuing to pursue strategic acquisitions and platform growth across the sector," he concluded.

On July 13, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment issued a notice stating that, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the approval procedures for environmental impact assessments of construction projects, after review, it intends to make a decision on the approval of the special bamboo fiber functional material project of Sichuan Huanlong Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. at the Bamboo Health Bamboo Industry Park. At this point, the 1.5 billion yuan bamboo fiber project has obtained its "permit to start production," and another paper pulp molding large factory is about to be put into operation. This is also a milestone moment for the bamboo fiber industry in Sichuan! Sichuan Huanlong Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. is located in Meishan City, Sichuan Province. The total investment for the approved project is 1.5 billion yuan, which includes the construction of a production line for 250,000 tons/year (dry weight) of bleached bamboo pulp, a production line for 204,000 tons/year (dry weight) of fluff pulp (high-performance bamboo fiber water-absorbing substrate), and a production line for 46,000 tons of molded paper pulp specifically for tableware (dry weight, actual dryness 48%), as well as supporting public utilities, environmental protection, and other facilities. This project relies on Sichuan's abundant bamboo resource advantages. Once completed, it can replace approximately 300,000 tons of wood pulp raw materials annually (calculated at a 1:1.3 bamboo to wood conversion rate). In the context of the ongoing deepening of the "plastic ban," the breakthrough in the production capacity of bamboo fiber molded tableware-specific pulp provides a key raw material guarantee for the environmentally friendly packaging industry. "We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Finnish National Technical Research Centre regarding the cooperative research on bamboo biomass refining technology and the full-value utilization of bamboo." The party secretary of Huanlong Company stated that in the next steps, both parties will rely on their respective advantages to carry out research on bamboo biomass refining technology, technology for the full-value utilization of bamboo, and the development of high value-added bamboo products, gradually forming a distinctive industrial system for bamboo biomass refining and full-value utilization of bamboo. Huanlong Ecological is a subsidiary of Huanlong Group, established in 1987. Huanlong Group was originally a global leader in the production of paper blankets and owns two major companies: Sichuan Huanlong New Materials Co., Ltd. (the parent company of Huanlong Ecological) and Huanlong Holdings Limited. In 2011, Huanlong Group established Sichuan Huanlong New Materials Co., Ltd. to develop a full bamboo fiber industry chain. In 2022, Huanlong Holdings successfully went public in Hong Kong. In 2023, the Banbu Health Bamboo Industrial Park officially commenced operations. It is worth noting that Huanlong has also jointly established Guangxi Zhuri Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. with Ningbo Jia, with both parties holding 41% of the shares. The first phase of the project has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons of chemical bamboo pulp (used for making bamboo boards), 200,000 tons of chemical bamboo boards, and 100,000 tons of mechanical bamboo pulp. All chemical bamboo pulp will be used to produce chemical bamboo boards for high-end paper product enterprises within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, while mechanical bamboo pulp will be directly supplied to downstream pulp molding enterprises within the park. The second phase of the project will have an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons of chemical bamboo pulp (used for producing household paper), 200,000 tons of high-grade household paper, and post-processing, with 200,000 tons of chemical bamboo pulp being converted into high-end paper products within the project. It is expected that the Huanlong Ecological and Guangxi Zhuri Phase I projects will be completed and put into operation by 2026. After the projects are put into operation, Huanlong is expected to become the largest bamboo fiber chain leader in the country.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) announced July 16 that it intends to transfer its 24.9% shareholding in OMV AG (Vienna) to XRG PJSC, Adnoc’s wholly owned international investment company. Details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The transfer, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is aligned with Adnoc’s s strategy to consolidate its international growth investments under XRG, the company said. XRG, launched in November 2024, is also Adnoc’s vehicle for the previously announced acquisition of Covestro AG. Adnoc said it is also progressing with preparations for the proposed establishment of Borouge Group International, which is set to be a top-four global polyolefins producer. Adnoc’s proposed 46.94% shareholding in the new entity is expected to be held by XRG on completion of the transaction, subject to regulatory approvals. Borouge Group International will be formed from the merger of the two Adnoc/OMV olefin and polyolefin joint ventures, Borealis AG and Borouge PLC, plus the subsequent acquisition of Nova Chemicals Corp. OMV will also have a 46.94% stake in Borouge Group International, which is expected to be formed in the first quarter of 2026. Adnoc said it remains committed to its “longstanding partnership” with OMV through XRG. OMV confirmed in a separate statement July 16 that Adnoc has informed OMV of its intention to transfer the 24.9% stake. OMV also noted that the transfer is subject to regulatory approvals.    

【International News Guide】    Raw Materials -Qore starts up $300M bio-based BDO plant Automotive - European Electric Vehicles: Caught in a Dilemma Medical -Ampacet ProVital+ Gamma-Protect preserves polypropylene-based medical plastics in sterilisation Packaging - Japan Officially Approves FDCA for Food Contact Materials Macro - EU Threatens: If No Deal, Ready to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on €72 Billion of U.S. Goods Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1498, Down 7 Pips   International News Details   1. World's First! INEOS Launches Another 100% Bio-based MaterialINEOS Styrolution, a leading global manufacturer of styrenic products, recently announced the successful commercial application of its 100% bio-based polystyrene Styrolution PS 158K BC100. Since early 2025, through cooperation with well-known retail chains, food trays made from this bio-based material have officially entered the Japanese market. Styrolution PS 158K BC100 is made from 100% bio-based raw materials using ISCC-certified mass balance methodology. Compared with traditional fossil-based polystyrene, it can achieve a carbon emission reduction of up to 172%. The material fully complies with global food contact standards, including Japan's Food Sanitation Act, and has obtained Grade A certification from the Japan Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute (JCII), ensuring strict food safety. In addition, it features excellent heat resistance and transparency, safeguarding food packaging quality while enhancing visual appeal. 2. European Electric Vehicles: Caught in a Dilemma The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T & E) recently released a research report entitled European Cars at a Crossroads, pointing out that European automobiles are at a critical juncture where the advancement or delay of the "combustion engine ban" proposal will lead to completely different impacts and trends for the entire industry. On one hand, European electric vehicles have obviously seen a chain reaction of declining sales. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), EU electric vehicle sales fell by 5.9% in 2024, and this year they also face the threat of tariff hikes by the Trump administration. The long-term sluggish sales of pure electric vehicles have cast a shadow over the plan to "stop selling fuel-powered vehicles in the 27 EU countries by 2035".   On the other hand, if no remedial measures are taken and the EU abandons the goal of banning the sale of fuel-powered vehicles in the EU by 2035, the entire European automotive industry may lose 1 million jobs, most of the efforts for "zero emissions" will be wasted, and investment losses in new energy sectors such as batteries will reach two-thirds. 3. Ampacet ProVital+ Gamma-Protect preserves polypropylene-based medical plastics in sterilisation Ampacet, a global masterbatch leader,  has introduced ProVital+ Gamma-Protect, a medical-grade additive designed to preserve mechanical and optical properties of polypropylene-based medical and pharmaceutical articles during gamma and e-beam sterilisation processes. 4. Japan Officially Approves FDCA for Food Contact Materials Recently, Japan officially implemented the "Positive List" system for synthetic resins used in food contact, which explicitly lists FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid) as an approved monomer. This transformative policy marks the legalization of PEF (Polyethylene Furanoate) — a plant-based plastic based on FDCA — in Japan's food contact field, taking a key step in promoting the expansion of global sustainable packaging materials in the Asian market. 5. EU Threatens: If No Deal, Ready to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on €72 Billion of U.S. Goods After U.S. President Trump unexpectedly threatened to impose 30% tariffs on the EU, the EU threatened on Monday to impose additional retaliatory tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of U.S. goods. According to Xinhua News Agency, European Commission Vice-President for Trade and Economic Security Valdis Dombrovskis stated on the 14th that if U.S.-EU trade negotiations fail, the EU is ready to impose additional retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports worth €72 billion (approximately $84 billion). 6. Trelleborg expands manufacturing facility in Malta supporting biopharma and semiconductor applications Trelleborg  Group AB (Trelleborg, Sweden) has inaugurated its cutting-edge facility expansion in Malta. The major investment in cleanrooms & equipment represents a significant milestone in supporting the fast-evolving life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing industries. 7. W.R. Grace and local community continue fight over plastic recycling facility After a two-year-long fight between the Howard County-based chemical company, W.R. Grace, and Howard County community members, Grace was approved to begin building its plastic recycling pilot project in Columbia, Maryland. Their permit was awarded by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on June 20.  8. Qore starts up $300M bio-based BDO plant Bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) manufacturer Qore (Eddyville, Iowa) announced July 11 that it has commenced production at its first large-scale production plant. The $300 million Eddyville plant has the capacity to produce 66,000 metric tons of BDO annually from locally grown dent corn.   Overseas Macro Updates： Jensen Huang: Will Start Selling H20 Chips in Chinese Market Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of U.S. company NVIDIA, announced two important developments in an interview today: the U.S. has approved the sale of H20 chips to China; NVIDIA will launch RTXpro GPU. India Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation into LLDPE from Six Countries Including Kuwait On June 30, 2025, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notice stating that in response to an application submitted by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Association of India, it will initiate an anti-dumping investigation into Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) originating from or imported from Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Indian customs codes for the 涉案 products are 39011010 and 39014010. India Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation into Indonesian Multi-layer Paperboard According to China Trade Remedy Information Network, on June 30, 2025, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notice stating that in response to an application submitted by The Indian Paper Manufacturer Association, it will initiate an anti-dumping investigation into Virgin Multi-layer Paperboard originating from or imported from Indonesia. Vietnam Launches Anti-Dumping Sunset Review Investigation into Malaysian H-beam Steel Products On July 8, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Notice No. 1978/QD-BCT, launching the first anti-dumping sunset review investigation into H-beam steel products (Vietnamese: sản phẩm thép hình chữ H) originating from Malaysia. Russian Media: EU Reportedly "Has Begun Informal Discussions on the 19th Round of Sanctions Against Russia" Russia's TASS news agency quoted Izvestia on the 15th that Thomas Zdechovsky, a Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic, revealed that the EU has begun informal discussions on the 19th round of sanctions against Russia. Zdechovsky said, "Discussions on the 19th round of sanctions (against Russia) are already underway, although they are still in the initial and informal stage. The main problem is sanction fatigue — not at the political level, but at the technical level. After 18 rounds of sanctions, most obvious targets have been subject to restrictions. Now the focus is on tightening control measures, expanding the scope of secondary restrictions, and clarifying import and export control regulations". EU: U.S.-EU Positions "Have a Large Gap" in Some Areas; 30% Tariffs Confuse U.S. Negotiators EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that although the two sides are quite close on the principle text, there are still huge differences in some key areas; if tariffs reach 30% or higher, it will make transatlantic trade "almost impossible" as before.   Price Information：   USD/CNY Central Parity   7.1498, down 7 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1491, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1693, overnight closing price 7.1723. Upstream Raw Materials USD Market Prices Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $536-538/tonne; butane $506-508/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $566-576/tonne; butane $537-545/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $536-538/tonne; butane $506-508/tonne. LLDPE USD Market Prices Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu). LDPE USD Market Prices Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-965/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).

A study commissioned by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) shows that if a shift is made from single-use plastic (SUP) pallet wrapping films to reusable solutions, the resulting additional costs could further weaken Europe's competitiveness. EuPC warns that changing SUP pallet packaging could incur huge costs (photo: Smarterpix/Kalinovskiy) The study covers eight key industries, with results indicating that carbon emissions could potentially rise by 1700%, and the estimated annual additional cost could reach 4.9 billion euros. The European Plastics Converters Association points out that the impact within the EU could be even more significant. Due to the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will set multiple reuse targets for pallet wrapping films starting in August 2026, and allows for exemptions in "specific industries facing special economic constraints," the industry association has commissioned the Belgian sustainability consulting firm RDC to analyze the impact of this transition. The report assessed the economic viability of transitioning from single-use plastic wrap and covers (currently the most commonly used transport packaging) to alternatives that comply with PPWR requirements (such as reusable covers and reusable stackable turnover boxes/pallet boxes), focusing on eight major industrial sectors in the EU: agriculture, cement, construction, dairy, glass, plastics, retail, and water services. For different industries of plastic products, the study selected a 1-liter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottle (filled), a 25-kilogram plastic granule bag, and a 1.5-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle (filled) as analysis objects, corresponding to the dairy, plastics, and water industries. The research data was mainly collected through 4 field visits and 31 interviews, aiming to clarify the functions of various types of pallet packaging and related costs. The results show that if the EU fully transitions to a reusable pallet packaging system in the long term, the annual production cost for milk bottles will increase by 297 million euros (an increase of 2.2%), plastic granule bags will increase by 167 million euros (an increase of 0.3%), and PET bottles will increase by 947 million euros (an increase of 2.7%). The additional costs mainly stem from two aspects: first, the new equipment required at the end of the automated production line, and second, the procurement costs of the reusable packaging itself. The analysis points out that the rising production costs of reusable packaging systems will also impact the EU's "cost-sensitive" export trade. The report mentions: "Operators engaged in export business within and outside the EU may still need to retain the currently globally used disposable pallet packaging systems." This means that, in the short to medium term, manufacturers will need to operate both disposable and reusable systems simultaneously in their production facilities, which will complicate logistics processes, and multiple competing reusable standards will coexist. Due to the current lack of large-scale application of alternative reusable systems, the research results are based on multiple assumptions. RDC Environment Company states that there is "significant uncertainty" in the market regarding the transition from manual operations to automated, optimized reusable systems on a large scale. Therefore, the long-term scenario set in the study is that improved reusable solutions are widely applied and compatible with automated systems. The European Plastics Converters Association previously stated that it plans to use the research results to engage in "constructive dialogue" with European legislators on the formulation of the implementation details of the "Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation."

International News Digest: Raw Materials - Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Circular Economy - Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Automotive - Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products Additives - Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Macro - Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1475, Up 35 Pips   the Details of International News: 1.Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Dow Inc. announced a major technological breakthrough with INNATE™ TF 220 resin, offering a high-performance, recyclable-design biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film solution for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life recycling, Dow is collaborating with partners across the packaging value chain to develop scalable sustainable solutions, translating environmental vision into commercial practice. 2. Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Toyobo recently signed a joint research and development contract related to biomanufacturing with DMC Biotechnologies, a U.S. biotech venture company based in Colorado. The two companies aim to develop and commercialize sustainable key chemical compounds to be used as raw materials for general-purpose plastics by applying synthetic biology technologies to microorganisms. 3. Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products The acquisition is Mississauga, Ont.-based Elton's first major expansion into the American market.In a move that marks its first major expansion into the U.S., Elton Manufacturing, a Mississauga, Ont.-based supplier of weatherstripping and windows for garage and entry doors, has acquired weatherstripping and door window supplier Decatur Plastic Products Inc. (DPP), of North Vernon, Ind. 4. Avient Launches Oxygen Scavenger to Enhance PET Packaging Recyclability Avient has launched an oxygen-scavenging additive designed specifically to enhance the recyclability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging while extending product shelf life. ColorMatrix Amosorb Oxyloop-1 is the first grade in Avient's new Oxyloop portfolio of oxygen scavengers. 5.TEAM Technologies Announces Acquisition of Duke Empirical TEAM Technologies, a provider of end-to-end outsourcing manufacturing services for critical medical devices, announced the acquisition of Duke Empirical. Duke Empirical is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative medical devices, specializing in high-end catheters and minimally invasive delivery systems. The acquisition further expands TEAM’s capabilities in the minimally invasive medical, cardiology, and interventional therapy markets. 6. EU Adopts New Auto Circular Economy Rules to Drive Lifecycle Green Transition The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment (ENVI) and Committee on the Internal Market (IMCO) recently voted to adopt new regulations aimed at comprehensively transforming Europe’s automotive industry toward a circular economy. Covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles from design, production to end-of-life treatment, the regulations include several specific requirements. Under the draft, automakers must design new models with easily detachable components, ensuring authorized treatment facilities (ATFs) can reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, or recycle parts (where technically feasible). Additionally, software restrictions that hinder the replacement or removal of individual components are prohibited. 7.Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Songwon Industrial highlights its commitment to the industry and customers at K 2025. As the chemical industry grows more regulated and competitive, customers face pressure to improve performance, focus on sustainability, adapt quickly to changing requirements and maintain continuity. 8.Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) p Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias.Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) plant in Duque de Caxias. The project was announced at the official ceremony hosted by Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro.   Overseas Macro Updates: Houthi Rebels Continue to Ban Israeli-Related Vessels Reports indicate that Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated on July 10 that the group will continue to ban Israeli-related ships from passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea as long as Israel continues its aggression and blockade of Gaza. No one is allowed to transport Israeli-related goods through these waters. Within a week, Yemeni Houthi rebels sank two cargo ships in the Red Sea. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen emphasized the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, protect civilian infrastructure, and prevent Yemen from being drawn into a larger regional conflict. Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday U.S. President Trump revealed on July 10 local time that he will make a "major announcement" on Russia next Monday (July 14 local time). In a phone interview with U.S. media, Trump stated that the current Russian airstrikes on Ukraine have intensified, adding that he is "disappointed" with Russian President Putin and describing Putin as "polite in words but without substance." Second Round of China-Switzerland FTA Upgrade Negotiations Held in Switzerland From July 7 to 10, the second round of negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides held in-depth discussions on issues including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, competition, environment and trade, and economic and technological cooperation, achieving positive progress.   Price information:   USD/CNY Central Parity 7.1475, up 35 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1510, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1776, overnight closing price 7.1780.  Raw Materials USD Market Prices Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $567-574/tonne; butane $537-544/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne. LLDPE USD Market Prices Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu). LDPE USD Market Prices Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-980/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).

International News Digest: Raw Materials - Röhm Shutters Louisiana Plant, Texas Mega-facility Launches Automotive - $7,500 Tax Credit Expiring! EV Makers Urge U.S. Consumers to "Buy Now" Additives -Sanyo Chemical Industries introduces additive to reduce wear and seizure in EV drive units Packaging -Veolia announces £70m plastics recycling facility in Shropshire Macro - Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Copper, Effective August 1 Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1510, Up 31 Pips International News Details 1. Röhm Officially Closes Louisiana MMA Plant, Launches Another World-Class Facility   Röhm has confirmed the official closure of its methyl methacrylate (MMA) production facility in Westwego, Louisiana. The site marks the end of an era as production shifts to the newly operational world-class plant in Bay City, Texas. The Westwego plant was shut down as scheduled at the end of June, fully aligned with the strategic transformation plan announced two years ago. The closure coincides with the successful launch of Röhm’s new flagship MMA production facility in Texas. The Bay City plant represents a major technological advancement for the company, using Röhm’s proprietary LiMA technology with an annual MMA capacity of 250,000 tonnes. MMA is a key raw material used in various plastics and polymer applications. 2. Africa’s First Battery Recycling Hub Established, Hinckley Leads Resource Recycling in Nigeria Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Company recently secured a new round of strategic investment, co-funded by Goodwell Investments and Alitheia Capital through the uMunthu II Impact Fund. The funds will be used to build Nigeria’s first specialized lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling plant in Ogun State. Designed to process 30,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, the project will simultaneously expand export operations, helping the company consolidate its position as a benchmark in Africa’s sustainable recycling sector. This financing marks Goodwell’s first foray into waste management, reflecting growing international confidence in African green infrastructure. Facing the dual challenges of surging global e-waste and Africa’s underdeveloped recycling systems, Hinckley is breaking new ground with a "dual-drive model" of environmental governance and industrial upgrading. 3.$7,500 Tax Credit Expiring! EV Makers Urge U.S. Consumers to "Buy Now " Automakers are urging U.S. consumers to rush to purchase electric vehicles before the $7,500 tax credit expires. Tesla’s homepage displayed a banner on Tuesday: "The $7,500 tax credit is ending. Take delivery by September 30, 2025." On the same day, Ford extended free home charging stations and installation services until the end of September to attract EV buyers. The comprehensive tax and budget bill in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing or leasing new EVs and the $4,000 credit for used EVs by the end of September. The U.S. Congress approved the $7,500 tax credit for EVs and plug-in hybrids in 2008. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act under the Biden administration extended the credit while restricting it to EVs produced in the U.S. with batteries and related materials meeting certain domestic sourcing ratios. 4. Sanyo Chemical Launches Additive to Reduce Wear and Galling in EV Drive Units Sanyo Chemical has developed a new anti-wear polymer additive, ACLUBE NS-100, specifically designed for E-Axle drive units in electric vehicles (EVs). The additive addresses challenges associated with the trend toward low-viscosity lubricants (E-fluids) in EVs, such as thinner oil films and risks of wear and galling. ACLUBE NS-100 exhibits excellent anti-wear and anti-galling properties. Additionally, it offers multiple characteristics required for E-fluids, including copper corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and oxidation stability. These features help enhance the durability of E-Axle units and contribute to improved EV range and energy efficiency. 5. £70 Million Investment, 80,000 Tonnes Annual Plastic Processing! Veolia to Build Plastic Recycling Plant in UK Veolia has confirmed a £70 million investment to convert a disused industrial facility at Battlefield, near Shrewsbury, into a high-capacity plastic sorting and recycling plant. The facility, set to process 80,000 tonnes of plastic annually, will create over 130 permanent jobs in addition to those required during construction. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026. The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK and marks Veolia’s largest plastics recycling investment in the country to date. The development will include the UK’s first dedicated "tray-to-tray" closed-loop PET recycling facility, processing post-consumer PET1 trays and bottles into food-grade flake for new packaging, primarily supplying the UK grocery and food manufacturing sectors. 6. RTI and Kinova Partner to Accelerate Development of Next-Generation Medical Robotics Systems Real-Time Innovations (RTI), a software framework company focusing on physical artificial intelligence systems, has announced a partnership with Kinova, a global leader in professional and medical robotics. The collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate advanced robotics technology with data center-style connectivity, simplifying and accelerating product lifecycles, reducing project risks, and "redefining possibilities" in the new era of physical AI for advanced systems like surgical robots. 7.OMV and ADNOC’s $13.4 Billion Acquisition of Nova Cleared by EU The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Nova Chemicals by Borouge Group International, a proposed joint venture between petrochemical giants OMV and ADNOC. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and the Austrian firm announced the $13.4 billion deal in March 2025. With this acquisition, Borouge Group International will rank among the world’s top four polyolefin producers. 8.Trump’s Second Wave of "Tariff Letters" Targets 8 Countries, Brazil Faces 50% Rate Following 14 "tariff notification letters" issued on Monday, Trump’s second wave of tariff letters arrived on Wednesday, covering 8 countries. U.S. President Trump posted letters to Brunei, Algeria, Moldova, Iraq, the Philippines, and Libya on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump stated that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on products from Brunei and Moldova, 30% on Algeria, Iraq, and Libya, and 20% on the Philippines, effective August 1. Shortly after, Trump released a letter to Sri Lanka, announcing a 30% tariff on all Sri Lankan products starting August 1, 2025. Additionally, Trump posted a letter to Brazil on Truth Social, stating that the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian products from August 1, 2025—far exceeding the 10% reciprocal tariff rate for Brazil announced by Trump on April 2.   Overseas macro market information: Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Copper, Effective August 1 U.S. President Trump posted on social media: "After receiving a strong national security assessment, I am announcing a 50% tariff on copper, effective August 1, 2025." Facing 50% Tariff Amid Trade Deficit, Lula Vows Retaliation; Brazilian Assets Plummet Brazil, which runs a trade deficit with the U.S., is not spared from tariffs. Trump linked the tariff decision to Brazil’s judicial trial of former President Bolsonaro, clearly political. Lula responded that Brazil will not be "instructed" by anyone and warned of retaliation under Brazil’s economic reciprocity law against any unilateral tariff hikes. Copper Traders Divert to Hawaii, Puerto Rico to Avoid Trump’s 50% Tariff Reports indicate that copper traders are urgently adjusting shipping routes, diverting copper cargoes to Hawaii and Puerto Rico to avoid the 50% tariff on copper imports imposed by the Trump administration starting August 1. Originally taking over a month, the emergency rerouting allows delivery in just 10 days. As a typically speculative commodity, copper can gain a 25% premium during this period, impacting New York copper futures prices with a range comparable to global benchmarks. Peru Issues Preliminary Anti-Dumping Ruling on Chinese Wire Rods According to the Ministry of Commerce, on July 8, 2025, Peru’s National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) published Announcement No. 092-2025/CDB-INDECOPI in the official gazette El Peruano, issuing a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on Chinese-origin wire rods (Spanish: alambrón de acero sin aleación, de bajo y alto carbono, de sección y superficie lisa, y con un diámetro que varía entre 5.5 mm y 16 mm). A provisional anti-dumping duty of $64.6/tonne is imposed, effective the day after the announcement. Colombia Issues Final Anti-Dumping Sunset Review Ruling on Chinese Steel Strand According to the Ministry of Commerce, on July 3, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism published Announcement No. 166 in the official gazette, issuing a final anti-dumping sunset review ruling on Chinese-origin steel strand (Spanish: cables de acero, torón galvanizado y torón para concreto preesforzado). A minimum FOB price of $3.36/kg is maintained; for products declared below this price, a differential anti-dumping duty will be imposed. The Colombian tariff code for the products is 7312.10.90.00. The measure takes effect the day after the announcement, with a five-year validity.   Price information: USD/CNY Central Parity   7.1510, up 31 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1541, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1824, overnight closing price 7.1815.   Raw Materials USD Market Prices Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne, down $10/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $542-544/tonne; butane $512-514/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $568-575/tonne; butane $538-545/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $542-544/tonne; butane $512-514/tonne. LLDPE USD Market Prices Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu). LDPE USD Market Prices Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu), down $10/tonne; Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-980/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).

News Highlights: Raw Material News - Dow Shuts Down Three Major Chemical Plants in Europe Automotive News - Hyosung Advanced Materials Launches Restructuring of North American Airbag Business Packaging News - Bookoff Plans to Step Up Recycling of Unsold CDs and DVDs Electronic News - Fully Blocked by Canadian Government! Hikvision: Has Filed a Lawsuit Other News - Chinese Companies Install the World's Largest Diameter Flexible Pipeline in Saudi Arabia Macro News - US Media: US Treasury Secretary Says Talks with China Planned in Coming Weeks to Promote Consultations on Sino-US Trade and Other Issues Price Information - Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 820 USD/ton, Down 30 USD/ton The following is the details of international news: 1.Dow to Shut Down Three Major Chemical Plants in Europe On July 7, Dow announced that its board of directors has approved the closure of three European upstream assets to address structural challenges in the region and optimize profitability. The assets to be closed include: Packaging and Specialty Plastics: Ethylene cracker in Böhlen, Germany, scheduled to close in Q4 2025; Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure: Chlor-Alkali and Vinyl (CAV) assets in Schkopau, Germany, scheduled to close in Q4 2025; Performance Materials & Coatings: Basic siloxane plant in Barry, UK, scheduled to close in mid-2026. It is understood that the shutdown will affect approximately 800 Dow positions, part of the company's $1 billion cost-saving initiative announced in January, which includes cutting about 1,500 global positions. 2. PureCycle partners with Emerald Carpets to close the loop in carpet production PureCycle Technologies, Inc., a U.S.based company revolutionizing plastic recycling, announced a partnership with Emerald Carpets. This collaboration aims to transform the trade show carpet industry by creating closed-loop circularity in carpet production.The partnership includes PureCycle recycling used trade show carpets from Emerald Carpets, designed to transform the material into purified fiber-grade recycled polypropylene (rPP) pellets. Successful recycling of the materials would allow Emerald Carpets to then manufacture new carpets out of the rPP, creating a sustainable carpet-to-carpet solution. This should allow Emerald Carpets to meet California’s carpet-to-carpet (closed loop) recycled content requirements that go into effect in 2028. 3. India Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Polyethylene from Six Countries Recently, India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) issued an official announcement stating that, in response to a complaint from the Indian Chemicals and Petrochemicals Association, it has decided to launch an anti-dumping investigation into polyethylene imports from Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 4. Borealis wins patent dispute against Mitsui Chemicals The European Patent Office (EPO) has ruled in favour of Borealis in a dispute with Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals.The ruling allows Borealis to continue manufacturing its polyolefin elastomer (POE) film for solar cells. The material is used as an encapsulant to protect solar cells from environmental damage and improve their long-term performance. It acts as a sealant and adhesive, holding the solar cell layers together while also providing crucial protection against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV radiation. 5. Hyosung Advanced Materials Launches Restructuring of North American Airbag Business Hyosung Advanced Materials is restructuring its US airbag subsidiary, GST Automotive Safety Components International (GST), aiming to expand the production and sales of airbag cushions and fabrics in North America.As part of this restructuring, GST will acquire "all assets, contracts, rights, employees, and related liabilities" involved in the production and sales of airbag cushions and fabrics from HS Hyosung USA Holdings, Inc. The South Korean supplier stated on July 4th, 2025, that this move will integrate its airbag business in the United States and enhance corporate value by consolidating the business into a single entity. After the restructuring, the GST business unit and GST Mexico shares held by HS Hyosung USA Holdings, Inc. will be merged into GST Global GmbH. 6. Hugo Boss Collaborates with Zellerfeld to Launch a Fully 3D-Printed Loafer German fashion brand Hugo Boss recently launched a fully 3D-printed loafer. This loafer, created in collaboration with footwear 3D printing factory Zellerfeld, brings a new silhouette design to the diversified footwear market - it not only inherits the classic loafer style but also incorporates a sleek, tech-inspired structure.The 3D-printed loafer made its debut at the NAMESAKE collection fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. Its unique design includes an integrated structure and is made from a single recyclable material. The shoe body uses zellerFOAM flexible material based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), whose physical properties can be precisely adjusted through design. 7.RecyClass publishes Recyclability Evaluation Protocols for automotive and E&E sector The first set of RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols for Automotive and Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE) has been published following intense collaboration with the plastic value chain. Grounded in the European state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure, the protocols focus on polymers that are commonly recovered and recycled in these industries. These include polypropylene (PP), mineral-filled polypropylene (PP-MF), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blend (PC-ABS). 8. Chinese Enterprise Installs World's Largest Diameter Flexible Pipeline in Saudi Arabia Recently, the Saudi Jizan Industrial City seawater cooling project, undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. and constructed by CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd., completed the shipment and installation of 3.5-meter diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines in unprotected sea areas, marking the successful installation of the world's largest diameter flexible pipeline. 9. Bookoff plans to step up recycling of unsold CDs and DVDs Secondhand goods retailer Bookoff Group Holdings will step up its efforts to recycle CDs and DVDs into daily items.Bookoff annually disposes of 1,700 tons of unsold discs and cases from some 800 outlets across the country. 10.  Fully Blocked by Canadian Government! Hikvision: Has Filed a Lawsuit In response to the Canadian government's shutdown of Hikvision's operations in Canada, Huang Fanghong, Chief Compliance Officer of Hikvision, stated on social media on the morning of July 8th that the company had formally filed a lawsuit with the Federal Court of Canada on July 7th (Eastern Time in Canada), requesting the initiation of judicial review procedures, and had applied to the Federal Court of Canada for an interim injunction to suspend the shutdown order. Currently, Hikvision Canada has resumed normal operations. Overseas macro market information: 【Morgan Stanley: Trump's Tariff Letters May Mean Tactical Escalation of Trade Negotiations】 Economists at Morgan Stanley said that US trade negotiations are moving towards a tactical escalation. The bank's report stated that if the latest tariffs proposed by the Trump administration in letters to trading partners take effect, Asia's weighted average tariff will rise to 27%. However, Trump has stated that the US is about to reach an agreement with India. Morgan Stanley said this indicates that most major Asian economies will be able to reach agreements before the August 1 deadline. But Japan and South Korea may not be able to resolve key issues through negotiations. Morgan Stanley said these issues include Japan's automobile tariffs and agricultural product issues, as well as South Korea's automobile and steel tariff reduction issues. 【Japanese Prime Minister Calls Trump's Tariff Letter Regrettable】 In response to the tariff-related letters sent by US President Trump to Japan and other parties, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said today that the information released by the US is regrettable. Shigeru Ishiba stated that he will continue to negotiate with the US on tariffs. 【US Media: US Treasury Secretary Says Talks with China Planned in Coming Weeks to Promote Consultations on Sino-US Trade and Other Issues】 According to Bloomberg, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on July 7th local time that she expects to meet with Chinese officials in the coming weeks to promote consultations between China and the US on trade and other issues. "I will meet with my Chinese counterpart sometime in the next few weeks," Yellen said in an interview with CNBC. "We had good talks in Geneva and London before, and both sides maintained a highly respectful attitude." "If China is willing, China and the US can cooperate in more fields," Yellen said, adding that the two sides will discuss expanding the scope of cooperation from trade to other fields. 【RBA Unexpectedly Keeps Key Interest Rate Unchanged, AUD Rises】 The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its key interest rate unchanged at 3.85%. Only 5 out of 32 economists predicted this decision, and traders were also caught off guard. The RBA has cut interest rates twice during this easing cycle. Given the tight labor market and weak productivity growth, economists had previously debated the extent to which the central bank might cut interest rates further. After the interest rate announcement, the Australian dollar rose, and the policy-sensitive Australian 3-year government bond yield rose 5 basis points to 3.42%. Money markets had bet that the cash rate would fall below 3% by February 2026. Economists had expected two more rate cuts this year, with the cash rate falling to 3.35%, followed by a pause. 【Thai Acting Prime Minister: US Tariff Policy Announced on 7th Contradicts Previous Negotiations】 Thai Acting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on the 8th that the US tariff policy announced on the 7th contradicts the content of previous negotiations between the two sides, and he said he will further discuss with relevant Thai parties and prepare for continued negotiations. On July 7th local time, US President Trump said that a 36% tariff will be imposed on imported products from Thailand starting from August 1st. 【Myanmar to Propose to US to Seek Reduction of Trade Tariffs】 Myanmar's Deputy Minister of Commerce Min Min said that the Myanmar military government will propose to the Trump administration to reduce the US tariff on Myanmar goods by 40%. Min Min said on Tuesday that Myanmar's Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Investment are coordinating with the Myanmar Embassy to formulate this proposal, but did not provide details. Min Min said that the Myanmar authorities had previously sent a negotiation letter to the US Department of the Treasury during the 90-day tariff suspension period. 【Argentina Makes Negative Final Ruling in Anti-Dumping Sunset Review on Chinese-Related Household Aluminum Radiators】 According to China Trade Remedy Information Network, on July 7th, the Ministry of Economy of Argentina issued Announcement No. 935 of 2025, making a negative final ruling in the anti-dumping sunset review on aluminum radiators originating from China and Italy, deciding to terminate the anti-dumping measures on the products; at the same time, it terminated the anti-circumvention investigation on Chinese  products and will not impose anti-dumping duties. Price Information: 【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against the US dollar was reported at 7.1534, down 28 points; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1506, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1747, and the night session closing price of the previous day was 7.1750. 【Raw Material USD Market Price】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 820 USD/ton, down 30 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia 830 USD/ton, down 30 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average price 745 USD/ton, down 5 USD/ton; CFR China average price 795 USD/ton, down 10 USD/ton. Northeast Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane 528-530 USD/ton; butane 503-505 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August: propane 557-567 USD/ton; butane 522-532 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane 528-530 USD/ton; butane 503-505 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Price】 Film: 875-920 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu), down 10 USD/ton; Injection molding: 940 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE USD Market Price】 Film: 910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding: 860-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE USD Market Price】 Film: 1080-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【PP USD Market Price】 Homopolymer: 935-980 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: 965-995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film grade: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent grade: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe grade: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).

International News Guide: Raw Material News -Scientists Crack the Code for Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Plastic Recycling Automotive News - Nissan and Foxconn Plan to Jointly Produce Electric Vehicles in Japan: 60-Year-Old Factory Is Expected to Be Revived Packaging News - LISBON：Launch of Europe's First City-Wide Reusable Cup System Aerospace News - Syensqo and Terma Strengthen Aerospace, Defense Partnership Macro News - Foreign Media: US Officials Hint at Extending Tariff Negotiation Deadline Price Information - Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $850/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $860/ton   The following is the details of international news: 1.Trump: Tariff Letters for Various Countries to Be Announced Soon, with the Highest Tax Rate of 70% US President Trump posted on social media on the 6th local time that the US government will start releasing tariff letters or tariff agreements with trading partners from 12:00 noon local time on the 7th. Trump previously stated that he plans to impose tariff measures of up to 70% on goods from some countries starting from August 1. 2. UAE Unveils Groundbreaking EPR Pilot Targeting Packaging Waste, Backed by 26 Leading Companies In a landmark move to revolutionize how packaging waste is managed, the United Arab Emirates has launched the region’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) pilot, placing the onus of post-consumer waste squarely on manufacturers and brand owners. 3. Syensqo and Terma Strengthen Aerospace, Defense Partnership Syensqo (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S. and Brussels, Belgium) and Terma A/S (Denmark), renowned for its mission-critical composites manufacturing solutions in aerospace, defense and security, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement. Both parties committed to developing a growth framework to foster collaboration in composites advancement and leverage each partner’s expertise and resources to progress joint initiatives. 4. UBE Launches Two New Certified Products Under U-BE-INFINITY Line UBE Corporation announces that it has certified its two newly certified the following products as the U-BE-INFINITY environmentally friendly products brand.The U-BE-INFINITY brand is given to products under development, products developed by the UBE Group that demonstrate particularly outstanding positive environmental impacts, thereby enhancing the added value of the relevant products under development, products. UBE seeks to help solve global environmental issues with U-BE-INFINITY brand products. 5. LISBON：Launch of Europe's First City-Wide Reusable Cup System Lisbon has become the first European capital to introduce a city-wide reusable cup system, aiming to reduce plastics waste and emissions across its hospitality sector.  6.Scientists Crack the Code for Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Plastic Recycling Recent studies in the US show that most plastics are never recycled. The numbers probably fare worse for other countries in the world. In a significant step forward for sustainable materials science, a new American study has unveiled a breakthrough in the enzymatic recycling of PET — the world’s most common plastic, used in everything from water bottles to food packaging and clothing fibers. 7.Shell Warns That Its Q2 Natural Gas and Oil Trading Performance Will Be Significantly Lower Than the Previous Three Months Shell warned that its natural gas and oil trading performance in the second quarter will be significantly lower than that in the previous three months. 8.Nissan and Foxconn Plan to Jointly Produce Electric Vehicles in Japan: 60-Year-Old Factory Is Expected to Be Revived Nissan Motor and Hon Hai are in talks to cooperate in producing electric vehicles in Japan, which may save Nissan's Oppama Factory in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture from closure. The Oppama Factory, an important production base of Nissan, has been a mainstay of Nissan's production since it was put into use in 1961. It currently mainly produces models such as "Note" with an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   【Thai Finance Minister Says Revised Trade Proposal Has Been Submitted to the US】 Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said that Thailand has submitted a revised trade proposal to the United States, hoping to avoid the 36% punitive tariffs threatened by the Trump administration before the July 9 deadline.Note: The revision was made after Pichai's visit to Washington last week, when he said he had received feedback from US officials. 【Foreign Media: US Officials Hint at Extending Tariff Negotiation Deadline】 US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated on the 6th that President Trump will send letters to trading partners this week to inform them of the tariff rates that the US plans to impose. For countries that fail to reach an agreement, the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" will take effect on August 1. US media interpreted that Yellen's statement hinted that the US side 默许 the July 9 deadline for tariff negotiations to be extended by several weeks. 【Indonesia Promises to Buy More US Wheat in a Bid to Reach a Trade Agreement】 Indonesia plans to buy more wheat from the United States in a bid to reach a trade agreement before the tariffs take effect. Franciscus Welirang, Chairman of the Indonesian Flour Millers Association (Aptindo), said in a telephone interview that Indonesia will sign a memorandum of understanding on wheat procurement with the United States from 2025 to 2030 in Jakarta on Monday. He said that Indonesia may buy at least 800,000 tons of wheat from the United States this year, up from 740,000 tons in 2024, and at least 1 million tons annually from 2026. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the last time the United States sold more than 1 million tons of wheat to Indonesia was in 2020, with exports of about 1.2 million tons. Although the newly promised procurement volume has increased, it still accounts for only a small part of Indonesia's total wheat procurement. The US Department of Agriculture predicts that Indonesia's wheat imports will reach 12 million tons in the 2025-26 fiscal year. 【Japan's Real Wages in May Recorded the Largest Drop in Nearly Two Years】 Data released by the Japanese government on the 7th showed that Japan's real wages continued to decline in May, with the largest drop in nearly two years. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan's real wages fell for the 5th consecutive month in May, a 2.9% decrease compared with the same period last year, the largest drop since September 2023. 【Upgrading the Free Trade Agreement, the First Round of Sino-Georgian Negotiations Held in Beijing】 From July 3 to 4, the second meeting of the Joint Committee of the "China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement" and the first round of negotiations on the upgrading of the agreement were held in Beijing. It is reported that the "China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement" officially came into effect on January 1, 2018, and the upgrading of the agreement includes four chapters: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Investment and E-Commerce.   Price Information: 【RMB central parity rate against USD】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was reported at 7.1506, up 29 points; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1535, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1652, and the night session closing price was 7.1653. 【US dollar market price of upstream raw materials】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $850/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $860/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average $745/ton; CFR China average $795/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF: propane $528-530/ton; butane $503-505/ton.South China frozen cargo CIF for early August: propane $557-567/ton; butane $522-532/ton.Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF: propane $528-530/ton; butane $503-505/ton. 【LLDPE US dollar market price】 Film: $875-930/ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: $940/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE US dollar market price】 Film: $910-930/ton (CFR Huangpu);Blow molding: $860-870/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE US dollar market price】 Film: $1080-1090/ton (CFR Huangpu);Coating: $1350/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP US dollar market price】 Homopolymer: $935-980/ton (CFR Huangpu);Copolymer: $965-995/ton (CFR Huangpu);Film grade: $1000/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent grade: $1085/ton (CFR Huangpu);Pipe grade: $1160/ton (CFR Shanghai).

International News Digest: Raw Material News: Grannex: Expansion of Mechanical Recycling Capacity in Germany​ Recycling News: PET/PEF Multi-Layer Bottle Awarded RecyClass Certification​ Automotive News: South Korea's Electric Vehicle Market Turning to Growth​ Macro News: U.S. Government Re-Allows Supply of Jet Engines to China​ Price Information: The Central Parity Rate of RMB Against USD Is 7.1535, Down 12 Points   Details of Global News: 1.Amcor Increases PCR Production to Meet Rising Demand Brands want more recycled plastic content in their packaging, and Amcor's latest investment can help them meet their sustainability and regulatory targets. The company announced an investment in its Nicholasville, KY, facility to increase post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging production capabilities at precise levels of up to 100% recycled content. 2. GRANNEX：Expansion of Mechanical Recycling Capacity in Germany Mechanical recycler Grannex has invested around EUR 20 mn in expanding its recycling capacity at its Osnabrück site. After testing its proprietary recycling process at a pilot plant, Grannex has now scaled up the technology, the company said. At the beginning of 2025, the first full-scale facility based on this process was completed and has recently entered regular operation with a capacity of 16,000 t/y. Tosaf Launches Antifog Solution for High-Performance Packaging Applications Tosaf launches FogFree™ portfolio, delivering integrated antifog masterbatch solutions for extremely challenging polymers. These antifog compounds prevent droplet formation by modifying surface tension and encouraging a uniform water layer. 4. South Korea's Electric Vehicle Market Turns to Growth, and more Than 10 Electric Vehicles to Be Launched in The Second Half of The Year More than 10 electric vehicles will be launched by domestic and foreign automakers in South Korea in the second half of this year. In the past, the electric vehicle lineup was dominated by sport utility vehicles (SUVs), but in the second half of this year, new models will include electric sedans, hydrogen energy electric vehicles, high-performance vehicles, and personalized custom models (PBV), which is expected to expand the demand group. 5. Solvay Joint Venture Invests in Production Facilities in Chile Peróxidos do Brasil, a joint venture between Solvay and Produtos Químicos Makay (PQM), announced a new strategic investment in its Chilean production unit, reaffirming its commitment to providing excellent supply to customers in various South American markets. The $12 million (10.2 million euros) investment will be used to install a new production unit, enabling the division to expand its product portfolio and better serve all segments of the Andean market. This strategic move strengthens Peróxidos' commitment to sustainability by supporting the gradual reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in its manufacturing processes. Construction will start in the second half of this year after obtaining all permits, with completion planned for 2026. 6. Italian packaging machinery: 2024 turnover exceeds 10 billion euros for the first time Italy's automatic packaging and cartoning machinery industry hit a record high in 2024, with turnover exceeding 10 billion euros for the first time, reaching 10.06 billion euros, a 9% increase from the previous year. These figures were released at the annual general meeting of the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association (Ucima), based on the 13th national statistical survey conducted by the Mecs Research Center. The study covers 619 companies in the industry, which employed 40,503 people in 2024 (a 6% increase from 2023) and added 2,284 new jobs. 7. Japan Enforces New Rules for Food-Contact Plastics New rules for plastic foodcontact materials have applied in Japan since June 1, 2025.Japan introduced a Positive List system regulating synthetic resins used in food-contact utensils, containers, and packaging in June 2020 under its Food Sanitation Act. The legislation allowed for a 5-year transition period which has now expired. 8. PET/PEF Multi-Layer Bottle Awarded RecyClass Certification Avantium N.V., a leading company in the field of renewable polymer materials, announced that its PET/PEF multi-layer bottle is fully compatible with the PET recycling system. The European plastic circular economy organization RecyClass evaluated the bottle and officially awarded this certification. Avantium's PEF material (branded as releaf®) can be used in plant-based single-layer bottles and also has significant advantages when compounded with PET to make multi-layer bottles — as a barrier material, PEF can extend product shelf life more effectively than single-layer PET. 9. BYD Suspends Construction Plan of Mexican Automobile Plant Due to geopolitical tensions and uncertainties brought about by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies, BYD Co., Ltd., China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has shelved its plan to build a large-scale factory in Mexico.​ In an interview in Bahia, Brazil, Li Ke, executive vice president of BYD, stated that the company still has interest in expanding in the Americas but has no timetable for new investments. It is reported that BYD is opening its first factory outside Asia in Bahia, Brazil.​ "Geopolitical issues have a significant impact on the automotive industry," said Li Ke. "Now everyone is re-evaluating their strategies in other countries. We hope to make a decision after the situation becomes clearer."​   Overseas macro market information: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Says Japan-U.S. Trade Negotiations Are Progressing Steadily Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba refuted claims that Japan-U.S. trade negotiations have made little progress. In a televised interview on Thursday, he said: "Negotiations are progressing steadily, there is no doubt about it. The negotiations cover a wide range of areas such as non-tariff barriers, but progress is being made step by step on each issue." However, he did not suggest that an agreement would be reached soon before the July 9 deadline.  U.S. Government Re-Allows Supply of Jet Engines to China On July 3rd local time, Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that the U.S. government has notified General Electric Aerospace that it can resume supplying jet engines to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. This further indicates that Sino-U.S. trade tensions are easing. Another source quoted by the report said that at least one other aerospace company's export license restrictions to China were also lifted on the same day, but the source declined to name the company. Just the day before, the U.S. government lifted export restrictions on Chinese chip design software and also revoked a restrictive licensing requirement implemented a few weeks ago, paving the way for the resumption of ethane exports to China. Cadence: Resuming EDA Software and Technology for Chinese Customers Cadence's latest announcement shows that on July 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) notified the company that the license requirement for exports to China under the BIS regulations of May 23 was immediately revoked. Cadence is restoring access to EDA software and technology for affected customers in accordance with these updated U.S. export regulations. No further information will be provided at this time. Hong Kong Dollar Hibor Rises Across the Board; Hong Kong Monetary Authority Stepped Up Intervention Earlier Hong Kong dollar interbank offered rates (Hibor) rose across the board as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority bought Hong Kong dollars overnight to defend the linked exchange rate system. The 1-month Hibor rose 15 basis points to 0.86%; the overnight Hibor rose 1 basis point to 0.03%. Both hit a nearly one-week high. The 3-month Hibor rose 8 basis points to 1.78%, the highest level since May 21. Goldman Sachs Lowers U.S. Treasury Yield Forecast, Expects 10-Year Yield to Be 4.20% by the End of the Year Goldman Sachs Group lowered its forecast for U.S. Treasury yields, citing an increased possibility that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates earlier than expected. They expect the 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields to be 3.45% and 4.20% respectively by the end of the year, compared with previous forecasts of 3.85% and 4.50%.   Price Information: 【RMB against US Dollar Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against the US dollar is reported at 7.1535, down by 12 points; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1523, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1611, and the night session closing price of the previous night was 7.1717. 【US Dollar Market Prices of Raw Materials】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 850 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia 860 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average price 745 USD/ton; CFR China average price 795 USD/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane 522-524 USD/ton; butane 495-497 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August, propane 556-566 USD/ton; butane 521-531 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price, propane 522-524 USD/ton; butane 495-497 USD/ton. 【LLDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 875-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: 940 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding: 860-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 1080-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP US Dollar Market Prices】 Homopolymer: 935-980 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: 965-995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film material: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

Highlights of International News: Raw Materials: Sulzer Launches Polystyrene(PS) Recycling Technology Automotive: Renault Records a €9.5 Billion Loss Due to Accounting Method Adjustments. Electronics: Envalior and Partners Develop Gearbox Concept for Robot Arms with Engineering Plastics Packaging: AMERICHEM Consolidation of European Activities Under US Brand / Streamlining Advances Company's 2030 Sustainability Goals Medical: Sekisui Chemical to Construct New Injection-Molding Plant in Pune, India Macro Economy: Thailand's Constitutional Court decides to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn from office. Price Info: Homopolymer PP: $935–980/ton (CFR Huangpu). Details of International News: Envalior and partners develop gearbox concept for robot arms with engineering plastic Envalior, SENTImotion and Frencken Group have developed a new gearbox concept for robot arms based on advanced engineering plastic.Unlike previous designs based on metal or plastic, it enables the entry into the cost-effective large-scale production of lightweight and energy-efficient robots. The development partners are presenting the new concept to the general public for the first time at the automatica robotics trade fair in Munich, Germany.   2. Sulzer launches polystyrene recycling technology SulzerLtd. (Winterthur, Switzerland) is proud to announce the launch of its licensed EcoStyrene polystyrene recycling technology, a groundbreaking solution for the chemical recycling of contaminated polystyrene materials. The EcoStyrene process addresses one of the chemical recycling industry’s most significant challenges: effectively processing waste polystyrene materials that contain multiple types of contaminants. Unlike conventional recycling methods that require pristine feedstock, our technology efficiently processes polystyrene waste containing flame retardant components and food residue, transforming these previously unrecyclable materials into valuable resources that can be reintroduced into the production cycle, including food contact applications. 3. PRET Expands Global Footprint with New Mexico Plant Pret Composites Mexico Co., Ltd. marked a historic milestone: the successful trial production at PRT Mexico Plant, inaugurating a new chapter in North American intelligent manufacturing. This milestone signifies a key step in the group's global strategy, laying a solid foundation for deepening its presence in the North American market. In the future, it will become a composite materials intelligent manufacturing hub radiating across the Americas.   4. Sekisui Chemical to construct new injection-molding plant in Pune, India Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) has decided to establish sixth injection-molding plant in India for Sekisui DLJM Molding Pvt. Ltd., which manufactures and sells injection molded products for automobiles in Pune, Maharashtra in western India. The investment for establishing the new injection-molding plant is approximately $3 million, and it is expected to go into operation in January 2026.   5. AMERICHEM：Consolidation of European activities under US brand / Streamlining advances company's 2030 sustainability goals US masterbatch and compounds specialist Americhem has announced plans to consolidate its European activities under the Americhem brand as it moves to align operations across global quality and manufacturing standards. 6.Renault Records €9.5 Billion Loss Due to Accounting AdjustmentsOn July 1, French automaker Renault announced that it would record an approximately €9.5 billion loss in its first-half results due to a change in the accounting method for its equity investment in Nissan. The move comes as the two companies adjust their 20-year partnership, with Renault gradually reducing its stake in Nissan, which is facing sales declines and financial pressures.   7. Key Process Improvements Save Energy and Cut Costs for Recycling Polyester With Enzymes A successful collaboration involving a trio of research institutions has yielded a road map toward an economically viable process for using enzymes to recycle plastics.The researchers, from NREL, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Portsmouth in England, previously partnered on the biological engineering of improved PETase enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With its low manufacturing cost and excellent material properties, PET is used extensively in single-use packaging, soda bottles, and textiles.   8.Sharp Sells Camera Module Business for ¥2.4 Billion; Foxconn Subsidiary Takes Over On June 30, Sharp announced the transfer of 51% equity in its subsidiary SSTC-held SAIGON STEC CO., LTD (SSTEC) and part of its fixed assets to a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group for approximately ¥2.4 billion (approximately ¥119 million). The equity transaction was completed on the same day for ¥533 million (approximately ¥26.479 million), and the remaining asset transfer is expected to be finalized by the end of September 2025. Sharp stated that the sale of the camera module business will bring a ¥2.426 billion special profit, further optimizing the group's asset structure. This move signals Sharp's gradual divestment from non-core businesses, while Foxconn strengthens its industrial chain layout through its subsidiary Fullertain.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   Thailand's Constitutional Court Suspends Prime Minister Paetongtarn from OfficeOn July 1 local time, Thailand's Constitutional Court decided to accept a petition to impeach Prime Minister Paetongtarn and suspend her from office. On June 20 local time, the Speaker of Thailand's House of Lords submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court to impeach Prime Minister Paetongtarn, alleging that her phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen violated the constitution and ethical norms.   Musk Responds to Trump's Comments on Reviewing Subsidies: 'Cut Them All, Now!'Earlier, Trump claimed that Musk may have received more subsidies than anyone in history, and without subsidies, he might have to close down and return to his native South Africa. "Maybe we should let the Department of Efficiency take a good, hard look at this? It could save a fortune!" Musk replied in a user comment, "Cut them all, now." Tesla's stock price fell more than 7% at one point.   Japan's 10-Year Government Bond Auction Demand Stronger Than 12-Month AverageDemand for Japan's 10-year government bond auction was stronger than the 12-month average, as expectations of the central bank raising interest rates weakened, easing upward pressure on longer-term bond yields. The bid-to-cover ratio for the auction was 3.51, higher than 3.66 in the previous auction last month and the 12-month average of 3.14. Another sign of strong demand was the 0.03 gap between the average price and the minimum accepted price, compared with 0.01 in the previous auction. Since the end of May, Japan's sovereign bond auctions have been in the spotlight after a poor response to Japan's 20-year bond auction, leading to record highs in ultra-long bond yields. The surge in Japanese government bond yields has impacted global bond markets, with investors remaining vigilant about the expanding government deficit.   Canalys: U.S. Desktop and Laptop Shipments Grew 15% YoY in Q1 to 16.9 Million UnitsData from Canalys shows that U.S. desktop and laptop shipments grew 15% year-on-year to 16.9 million units in the first quarter of 2025. Due to manufacturers increasing shipments in response to tariff policy adjustments, channel inventory has increased significantly, facing subsequent pressure to clear inventory. At the same time, weakened consumer spending will slow annual growth. Full-year PC shipments are expected to grow by only 2% in 2025. With a large number of Windows system upgrades set to begin after Windows 10 ends service in October 2025, shipment growth is expected to rebound to 4% in 2026.   Price Information:   USD/CNY Central Parity Rate The central parity rate of the yuan against the U.S. dollar was set at 7.1534, up 52 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1586, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1656, and the overnight trading close was 7.1636.   Raw Material Prices in USD Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $850/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $860/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average $745/ton; CFR China average $795/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $532.5–534.5/ton; Butane $502.5–504.5/ton. South China frozen cargo August arrival CIF price: Propane $564–574/ton; Butane $529–539/ton. Taiwan frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $532.5–534.5/ton; Butane $502.5–504.5/ton.   LLDPE Prices in USD Film: $880–930/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $940/ton (CFR Dongguan).   HDPE Prices in USD Film: $910–930/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $860–870/ton (CFR Huangpu).   LDPE Prices in USD Film: $1,090–1,100/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1,350/ton (CFR Huangpu).   PP Prices in USD Homopolymer: $935–980/ton (CFR Huangpu); Random copolymer: $965–995/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

International News Guide: Raw Materials - Malaysia Announces Tighter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1 Automotive - EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles Persist Packaging - Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging Electronics - Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy Devices Macro - Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance US Trade Talks Price - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia $850/ton; CFR SE Asia $860/ton The following are details of international news:   1.Italy fines bioplastics maker Novamont for abusing dominant The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (Italian Competition Authority, AGCM) has imposed a €30.4 million fine on bioplastics manufacturer Novamont S.p.A for abuse of its dominant market position. Specifically, the company “abused its dominant position in the national markets for raw materials used in the production of bags (lightweight and ultra-lightweight for fruit and vegetables) by engaging in exclusionary practices targeting competitors,” according to an AGCM press release. 2.Doubling down on double capacity: our second advanced recycling unit is up and running in Baytown ExxonMobil has commissioned a second advanced recycling unit in Baytown, We’ve expanded our Baytown operations with a second advanced recycling unit. Combined with our first unit, which has been  in operation since late 2022 , we have processed more than 100 million pounds of plastic as of May 2025. 3.Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy DevicesSamsung’s 2025 sustainability report reveals that 31% of plastic components in Galaxy smartphones and other products launched in 2024 used recycled materials, a new high for the company. The report notes Samsung has expanded its e-waste recycling program to 80 countries and regions globally, up from 70 in 2023. 4.AkzoNobel Agrees to Sell Majority Stake in Indian Unit to JSW GroupAkzoNobel has signed an agreement to sell its stake in AkzoNobel India Limited (ANIL) to India’s JSW Group, based on an enterprise value of approximately €1.4 billion (22x EV/EBITDA), covering its liquid coatings business in India. AkzoNobel will retain full ownership of ANIL’s powder coatings business and international research center. The divestment is the first step in the company’s strategic portfolio review announced in October 2024 to focus capital and capabilities on leading positions in key global coatings markets. 5.EU Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Vietnamese PET PlasticThe European Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic imports from Vietnam, following complaints from EU PET producers alleging dumping at below normal value, harming the EU industry. The investigation, launched on May 22, 2025, covers 2024 export data and targets PET plastic with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher (ISO 1628-5), under HS code 39076100. 6.Malaysia Announces Stricter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1Malaysia will implement stricter plastic waste import regulations from July 1, banning all plastic waste imports to align with the Basel Convention and its 2019 Plastic Waste Amendment, including prohibiting trade of specific plastic waste among Convention parties. Currently, Malaysia receives far more plastic waste from wealthy developed nations than other non-OECD countries. 7.Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead BIOPROCESS Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging Bioplastics are emerging as a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based non-degradable plastics in packaging, but further research is needed to ensure biodegradable/compostable plastics meet shelf-life requirements. The AIMPLAS-led BIOPROCESS project aims to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of bioplastics for high-performance flexible packaging films in food, cosmetics, personal care, detergents, and cleaning products. Partners include Potato Bioplastics (renewable resource bioplastics manufacturer) and Gaviplas (flexible film producer). 8.Kuraray Expands Production Again, Near-Monopolizing Market Kuraray has announced plans to expand production of optical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film "Poval" at its Saijo Plant in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, driven by demand for larger screen sizes. The new line, scheduled for December 2027, will produce wider optical PVA films compatible with 3-meter-wide polarizers, adding 38 million square meters annual capacity and boosting total capacity from 296 million to 334 million square meters. 9.EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles PersistIn Europe, end-of life vehicles (ELVs) are recycled at a high rate, with an average of 95% of materials being reused and recovered, and 85% being reused and recycled. However, some challenges remain such as the lack of circularity in design and production, the uptake of recycled materials in new vehicles or the low recycling rates for specific materials, such as plastics – with  80% of ELV plastics being currently incinerated or landfilled. This is a missed opportunity with enormous environmental and economic consequences. As the EU finalises the new the End-of Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation, a crucial piece of legislation designed to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire lifecycle, there is a critical window to push for real change. 10.Enterprises Including VW, BMW, Mercedes, and Bosch Sign MoU to Co-Develop Automotive Software Platform Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, and 8 other automotive and tech companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop and share advanced automotive software platforms, aiming to counter U.S. technological dominance and regain control of future vehicle digital architectures. Overseas macroeconomic market information: No Room for Compromise? Trump Says Unwilling to Lower Tariffs on Japanese Cars as Japanese Official Is "Standed Up" by U.S. Treasury Secretary U.S. President Trump said on June 29 he is not prepared to lower the 25% additional tariff on Japanese cars, the focal point of U.S.-Japan trade talks. Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryohei extended his U.S. visit but failed to meet Treasury Secretary Bessent during his 7th trip. Indonesia Relaxes Import Regulations for Commodities Indonesia has relaxed import rules for 10 commodities, planning further deregulation measures. Indonesian President Says Will Collaborate with Chinese Partners to Promote Power Battery Ecosystem Project Indonesian President Prabowo said on June 29 that the power battery ecosystem project, a $5.9 billion investment by state miner Antam, Indonesia Battery Corporation, and Ningbo Puqin Times, will make Indonesia the only Southeast Asian country with integrated upstream-to-downstream battery production, inviting Chinese partners to advance the strategic project. Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance U.S. Trade Talks Canadian Prime Minister Kearney and President Trump agreed to resume trade talks to reach an agreement by July 21, after Trump terminated talks over Canada’s digital tax.   Price information: 【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was set at 7.1586, up 41 pips. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1627, official closing price was 7.1690, and overnight closing price was 7.1740. 【Raw Materials - USD Market Prices】 Ethylene (Asia): CFR Northeast Asia: $850/ton CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton Propylene (Northeast Asia): FOB Korea average: $745/ton, down $5/ton CFR China average: $795/ton, down $5/ton North Asia LPG (CIF): Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton South China LPG (August arrival, CIF): Propane: $566-576/ton Butane: $536-546/ton Taiwan LPG (CIF): Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton 【LLDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $880-930/ton (Huangpu) Injection grade: $940/ton (Dongguan) 【HDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $910-930/ton (Huangpu) Hollow grade: $860-870/ton (Huangpu) 【LDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $1,105-1,120/ton (Yantian) Coating grade: $1,350/ton (Huangpu) 【PP - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Homopolymer: $935-980/ton (Huangpu, up $5/ton) Copolymer: $965-995/ton (Huangpu) Film stock: $1,000/ton (Huangpu) Transparent grade: $1,085/ton (Huangpu) Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)

International News Digest​​​​Materials News​​ – Avery Dennison unveils RFID label compatible with PET recycling stream ​​Trade News​​ – Safic-Alcan to distribute Evonik's functional silanes in Central Eastern Europe​​Policy News​​ – India imposes five-year anti-dumping duties on six Chinese imports to protect domestic industry​​Equipment News​​ – Coveris Installs 5-Layer Cast Film Line with AI Control in UK​​Macro News​​ – Report shows global energy sector CO₂ emissions hit record high in 2023​​Market Data​​ – CNY/USD central parity rate at 7.1620, up 48 pips ​​ Details of International News:​​   1.Borouge and Honeywell join forces to demonstrate AI powered autonomous operations Borouge  Plc is collaborating with  Honeywell  International Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.) to conduct a proof of concept for  AI powered autonomous operations, which has the potential to revolutionize Borouge’s UAE plant operations. The collaboration between Borouge and Honeywell is set to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room designed for full-scale, real-time operation, establishing a new standard for the future of AI in petrochemicals.   2.Coveris Installs 5-Layer Cast Film Line with AI Control in UK Packaging manufacturer Coveris has installed a five-layer cast stretch film extrusion line of the type ALLrollEX 1500 mm from Colines at its Winsford extrusion hub in the UK. The system includes the Mastermind virtual assistant for process automation and was commissioned with full system integration, including downstream palletising.   3.Avery Dennison unveils RFID label compatible with PET recycling stream Materials science company Avery Dennison has developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) label that has received Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design for Recyclability recognition validating its compatibility with North America’s polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling stream.Avery Dennison claims its new label is an industry first, combining the company’s CleanFlake adhesive technology and its expertise in RFID to develop the new product that can cleanly separate from the PET in the mechanical recycling stream and reduce contamination.   4.CAI Performance Additives launches flame-retardant synergist for PVC wires & cables CAI Performance Additives announced the launch of ST-FR6, a flame-retardant synergist for PVC wire and cable applications.ST-FR6 offers a cost-effective, stable alternative to Antimony Trioxide (ATO), addressing supply chain challenges while maintaining top-tier flame retardant performance and environmental safety.   ​​5.India lmposes Five-YearAnti-Dumping Duties onSix Chinese lmports to Safeguard Domestic IndustryIndia has imposed five-year anti-dumping duties on six key Chinese imports-PEDA, Acetonitrile, Vitamin-A Palmitate Insoluble Sulphur, Decor Paper, and Potassium Tertiary Butoxide- following investigations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The move aims to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and address the growing trade imbalance with China. The duties, aligned with WTO norms, are intended to promote fair competition and support local manufacturing. ​​ 6.Safic-Alcan to distribute Evonik's functional silanes in Central Eastern Europe Safic-Alcan announces a strategic distribution agreement reached with Evonik Smart Effects division. Effective July 1st, 2025, Safic-Alcan will additionally distribute EVONIK functional silanes in Central Eastern Europe.The new agreement will also include Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.   ​​Global Macro Market Updates:​​   ​​[South Korea] President Calls for Capital Market Normalization to Achieve KOSPI 5000 Era​​South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol urged the National Assembly on June 26 to expedite supplementary budget deliberations. Emphasizing economic revitalization, he warned that prolonged low growth could trap the economy in a "vicious cycle of intensifying competition and conflict." Yoon asserted that transparent capital markets would spur recovery, enabling the KOSPI to surpass 5,000 points.   ​​[Energy] Report Shows Global CO₂ Emissions from Energy Hit Record High in 2023​​The Energy Institute’s annual Statistical Review of World Energy revealed that energy-related CO₂ emissions grew for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, coinciding with global temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C for the first time. Despite record renewable energy adoption, fossil fuel consumption continued rising.   ​​[UK] Business Group Warns Tax Hikes Force SMEs to Cut Jobs​​The British Chambers of Commerce reported nearly one-third of UK SMEs have either laid off workers or are considering job cuts due to increased National Insurance contributions ordered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in April. Director General Shevaun Haviland stated business confidence has plunged to 2022 lows, forcing many to reconsider expansion plans.   ​​[M&A] Shell Denies BP Acquisition Talks After WSJ Report​​On June 25, according to the Wall Street Journal, people familiar with the matter said that negotiations between representatives of the two companies were actively ongoing and that BP was carefully considering the proposal. BP currently has a market value of about $ 80 billion. Considering the acquisition premium, the transaction may become the largest oil industry transaction since ExxonMobil 's $ 83 billion merger at the beginning of this century. However, people familiar with the situation warned that the potential terms of the deal have not yet been determined, and the merger is far from a foregone conclusion. Shell denied the relevant negotiations after the report, saying that ' the report is further market speculation, no negotiations '. Price Information 【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was set at 7.1620, up 48 pips. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1668, official closing price was 7.1713, and overnight closing price was 7.1750.   【Raw Materials - USD Market Prices】 Ethylene (Asia): CFR Northeast Asia: $850/ton, up $5/ton CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton Propylene (Northeast Asia): FOB Korea average: $750/ton CFR China average: $800/ton North Asia LPG (CIF): Propane: $548-550/ton Butane: $518.5-520.5/ton South China LPG (July arrival, CIF): Propane: $588-598/ton Butane: $538-548/ton Taiwan LPG (CIF): Propane: $548-550.5/ton Butane: $518.5-520.5/ton   【LLDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $920/ton (Huangpu) Injection grade: $950/ton (Dongguan)   【HDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $910-920/ton (Huangpu) Hollow grade: $860-870/ton (Huangpu)   【LDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $1,105-1,130/ton (Yantian) Coating grade: $1,330/ton (Huangpu)   【PP - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Homopolymer: $890-975/ton (Huangpu) Copolymer: $965-995/ton (Huangpu) Transparent grade: $1,085/ton (Huangpu) Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)

International News Digest:  Raw Materials News:Mitsui Chemicals Sells Again, Sinopec Takes Over Automotive News:Natural Fiber Materials Adopted! New BMW i3/iM3 Details Revealed Packaging News: Alpla expands injection moulding with KM Packaging acquisition Healthcare News:Covestro Achieves Localized Production of Medical-Grade TPU in Asia-Pacific for the First Time Macro News:Iran Vows to Take Measures to Ensure Continuation of Nuclear Program Price Information:Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 845/ton,up5/ton   International News Details:  Mitsui Chemicals Sells Again, Sinopec Takes Over On June 24, Mitsui Chemicals announced that its board of directors had formally resolved to transfer its entire 50% stake in Sinopec Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. (SSMC) to Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical Co., Ltd. The transaction is expected to be completed by October 2025. This equity transfer is the latest move in Mitsui Chemicals' global strategic adjustment. Facing shrinking demand in the Japanese domestic market and intensified overseas competition, Mitsui Chemicals is gradually exiting traditional basic chemical businesses to focus on green chemicals and high-performance materials. SSMC, established in April 2006, primarily produces basic chemical products such as phenol, acetone, and bisphenol A. In recent years, the company's performance has continued to decline, with a loss of ¥10.6 billion in FY2025, which is the main reason for Mitsui Chemicals' divestment.  Lotte Chemical and HD Hyundai Plan to Merge Daesan Cracker Facilities Recently, South Korea's Lotte Chemical and HD Hyundai Group announced plans to integrate their naphtha cracker facilities in Daesan, South Korea, aiming to address the challenges of low profitability in the country's petrochemical industry. The two companies are currently negotiating the merger of their respective petrochemical assets in the Daesan region, with valuations being conducted by a major accounting firm. Insiders stated that "nothing has been finalized yet, and everything is under review." The integration of the two plants is expected to streamline operations, after which the companies will gradually shut down redundant facilities to reduce output and improve efficiency. Covestro Achieves Localized Production of Medical-Grade TPU in Asia-Pacific for the First Time Covestro announced that it has commenced production of medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Desmopan® Rx series at its Changhua base in Taiwan, marking the first localized production of this high-standard material in the Asia-Pacific region. This will enable more flexible and efficient supply to meet growing market demand. Changhua is Covestro's second global base, after the New Martinsville facility in North America, to receive certification for medical-grade TPU production. Alpla expands injection moulding with KM Packaging acquisition Austrian packaging manufacturer Alpla its strengthening its injection moulding division, Alplainject, with the acquisition of KM Packaging. Based in Ubstadt-Weiher, Germany, KM Packaging manufacturers closures for tubes, bottles, and jars at six sites across Germany, Austria, Poland, and the United States. The company producers over 6.5 billion injection-moulded parts per year. Continental’s Automotive Group Establishes Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS) Division On June 25, Tier 1 automotive supplier Continental announced that its Automotive Group, which is set to be spun off into an independent company named Aumovio Group, has established the Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS) division. AESS will independently design and validate automotive semiconductor products, primarily to meet internal demand. GlobalFoundries (GF) will serve as AESS's exclusive semiconductor chip manufacturing partner, with dedicated production lines to be established.  Nissan Motor: Q2 Forecasts ¥200 Billion Loss According to Kyodo News on June 25, Nissan Motor Co. stated on June 24 that its consolidated financial results for Q2 2025 (April–June) are expected to show an operating loss of ¥200 billion (approximately RMB 9.9 billion). Nissan reported a profit of ¥900 million in the same period last year. The sharp increase in losses is attributed to sluggish sales in key markets (China, the U.S., and Japan) and the impact of high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. In May, Nissan announced large-scale restructuring measures, including global layoffs of 20,000 employees and the closure of seven plants.   Natural Fiber Materials Adopted! New BMW i3/iM3 Details Revealed: Expected Launch in 2026 Recently, details about the new BMW i3 and iM3 models, including configurations and production plans, were revealed. The BMW iM3 is expected to feature a quad-motor setup with over 700 horsepower. Notably, the car's interior will incorporate a newly developed natural fiber composite material by BMW. Developed in collaboration with a Swiss company, this material is made from flaxseed and boasts strength comparable to carbon fiber while reducing CO2 emissions during production by 40%. It may be used for bucket seats and other interior components. Fiat Incorporates Recycled Materials from Beverage Cartons in Vehicle With the launch of the latest model of Fiat Grande Panda, Fiat claims it has become the first car manufacturer to incorporate recycled materials from used beverage cartons in a vehicle.Each Fiat Grande Panda contains recycled material from the thin layers of polyethylene and aluminium used in 140 beverage cartons. This recycled material is used in the central console, dashboard, interior front and rear door panels.   Avantium Secures €10 Million Financing to Address Short-Term Liquidity On June 23, Avantium announced that it had secured €10 million in financing to address short-term liquidity issues. The financing includes a €4 million subordinated loan from the Province of Groningen and a €6 million increase in senior bonds from banks (Invest-NL, ABN AMRO, ING, ASN, Rabobank). The €10 million financing provides short-term liquidity while the company explores medium- to long-term funding options. Avantium is also in talks with external parties regarding the partial or full transfer of its R&D solutions and Volta technology, which may involve asset divestment and/or strategic partnerships to support further development.   Overseas Macro Market Information:  [Iran Vows to Take Measures to Ensure Continuation of Nuclear Program] On June 24, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated that Iran is assessing the damage caused by military strikes from Israel and the U.S. and has taken necessary steps to ensure the continuation of its nuclear program. AEOI spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi added that no force can halt or limit the progress of Iran's nuclear industry. On June 22, Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities were targeted by U.S. airstrikes. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the facilities were "completely destroyed," but U.S. media cited a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency report on June 24 stating that the strikes did not destroy key nuclear infrastructure and may only delay Iran's nuclear program by months. Trump and the White House denied these claims.   [Israeli PM Vows to 'Thwart' Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions] On June 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video address that if Iran attempts to restart its nuclear program, Israel will "thwart any such attempt," adding that "Iran will not possess nuclear weapons." Netanyahu claimed that Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" since June 13 had "eliminated two existential threats: Iran's nuclear weapons and its arsenal of 20,000 ballistic missiles." He also asserted that a single strike had "wiped out" Iran's military command, killing three top Iranian military commanders and several other senior officers, as well as multiple leading nuclear scientists.  [Bank of Thailand Holds Benchmark Rate Steady] The Bank of Thailand kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%, in line with market expectations.   Price Information:  [USD/CNY Central Parity Rate] USD/CNY central parity rate: 7.1668, down 12 pips. Previous trading day's central parity rate: 7.1656. Previous trading day's official closing rate: 7.1781. Previous night session closing rate: 7.1712. Offshore USD/CNY extended gains, approaching the 7.16 mark, hitting its highest level since November 2024. [Raw Material USD Market Prices] Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia: 845/ton,up5/ton. CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average: $750/ton. CFR China average: $800/ton. North Asia Frozen Cargo Arrival Price: Propane: $558–560/ton. Butane: $528–530/ton. South China Frozen Cargo Late-July Arrival Price: Propane: $601–611/ton. Butane: $543–553/ton. Taiwan Frozen Cargo Arrival Price: Propane: $558–560/ton. Butane: $528–530/ton. [LLDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $920/ton (CFR Huangpu). Injection: $950/ton (CFR Dongguan). [HDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $910–920/ton (CFR Huangpu). Blow Molding: $860–870/ton (CFR Huangpu). [LDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $1105–1130/ton (CFR Yantian). Coating: $1330/ton (CFR Huangpu). [PP USD Market Prices] Homopolymer: $890–975/ton (CFR Huangpu). Copolymer: $965–995/ton (CFR Huangpu). Transparent: 1085/ton(CFRHuangpu),down35/ton. Pipe: $1160/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

International News Digest: Raw Materials News- Covestro acquires Pontacol: expansion in specialty films    Automotive News-Audi Considers New U.S. Plant with Costs up to €4 Billion Packaging News- India’s Dhunseri Ventures plans Rs22 billion polyfilm capacity expansion Medical News-“First of its kind” inhaler to reshape respiratory drug delivery Macro News-Japan Still Studying Timing for Next Round of U.S. Trade Talks Price Information-Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $840/MT; CFR Southeast Asia $860/MT   Detailed International News: 1.Iran Mulls Closing Strait of Hormuz Iranian officials hinted at potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, a statement that triggered a surge in international crude oil prices. Goldman Sachs warned that in an extreme-risk scenario, prolonged blockade of the Strait could drive global oil prices to over $100 per barrel. Located between Oman and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, handling one-third of global seaborne crude oil transport and one-fifth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has dubbed it "the world's most important oil chokepoint."   2. Covestro Acquires Pontacol: Expansion in Specialty Films   On June 23, 2025, Covestro has signed an agreement to acquire Pontacol, a Swiss manufacturer of multilayer adhesive films. With this acquisition, Covestro strategically expands its specialty films portfolio and further advances the implementation of its "Sustainable Future" corporate strategy. At the same time, the company continues to consistently expand its growth in sustainable and innovative business areas.   3. India’s Dhunseri Ventures plans Rs22-billion polyfilm capacity expansion India’s Dhunseri Ventures Ltd (DVL) plans to invest rupee (Rs) 22.4 billion ($260 million) to expand its packaging film capacity through brownfield and greenfield expansions, a company official said on Tuesday.The expansion would be done through its wholly owned subsidiary Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt Ltd (DPFPL).   4.Audi Considers New U.S. Plant with €4B Cost Aiming to avoid tariff conflicts between the U.S. and the EU, Audi is considering building a new plant in the United States. Reports indicate that establishing a plant in the southern U.S. would be the costliest option under consideration, with company sources estimating the investment could reach €4 billion (approximately ¥33.1 billion).   5. Ensinger to expand production capacity of polyimide powder Ensinger to expand production capacity of polyimide powderPlastics processor Ensinger is increasing the production capacity of its TECAPOWDER product line. The polyimide material will be produced not only at the company’s site in Lenzing, Austria, but also in Obernburg am Main, Germany. The new production line at the Industrie Centre Obernburg (ICO) is expected to be operational by 2027.   6. “First of its kind” inhaler to reshape respiratory drug delivery Cambridge Healthcare Innovations (CHI), a start-up designing and licensing revolutionary inhaler technology, has announced Quattrii, the ‘first ever’ dry powder inhaler (DPI) engine that is capable of delivering large volumes of biologic and mRNA molecules in a single inhalation. The engine will be available for pharmaceutical companies to start using in Phase 1 clinical trials from Q4 of this year.  7. Cititoy Invests in Indonesia Plant with 4,000 Workers Following reports of toy manufacturers like GFT, Delin, Huaden, Weixing, Yunhao, Hualong, Qifeng, Jinfu, Lianzhi, Xuri, and Longchang investing in Indonesian factories, global toy giant Cititoy is preparing to build PT Kids Play Indonesia in Subang Smartpolitan, Indonesia. The first-phase project is scheduled for completion and operation in September 2025, with all products to be exported via Patimban Seaport.   8. First PP Packaging Plant in Russia's Zabaykalsky Krai Starts Operation, with an annual capacity of 1.7 million to fill the regional gap A polypropylene packaging material production plant has been built in Russia 's Transbaikal region. The enterprise produces polypropylene mesh woven bags on a large scale for the storage and transportation of fruit and vegetable products. At present, there is no similar enterprise in the region. 9. Mexico's Chemical Industry Poised to Attract $50B Investment José Carlos Ponce, President of Mexico's National Chemical Industry Association (ANIQ) and CFO of Mexican chemical producer Alpek, stated that the Mexican chemical sector could attract $50 billion in investment over the next decade if key challenges—including the operational performance of state-owned energy giant Pemex—are addressed.   Overseas Macro Market Information   1.Japan Still Finalizing Timing for Next U.S. Trade Talks Japan's chief negotiator and Minister of Economic Revitalization, Ryō Akasawa: Committed to reaching a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S., without setting a deadline; still studying timing for the next negotiation round.   2.South Korea Seeks Exemption from U.S. Auto and Steel Tariffs The South Korean government stated that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held his first meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C. Yeo emphasized the importance of exempting key goods like automobiles and steel from U.S. tariffs and expressed South Korean industry concerns over recent developments in U.S. export control policies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to swiftly reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.   3.Iran and Israel Announce Formal Ceasefire Local time on June 24, Iran and Israel declared a formal ceasefire.   4.Trump Confirms Iran-Israel Ceasefire in Effect At 1:00 a.m. ET on the 24th, U.S. President Trump posted on social media: "Ceasefire is now in effect. Do not violate." Earlier, at 6:02 p.m. ET on the 23rd, Trump announced the ceasefire would begin in approximately 6 hours—12:00 a.m. ET on the 24th. The agreement includes two 12-hour ceasefire phases: Iran initiates the first, followed by Israel, with the war officially ending after 24 hours.   5.Japan's 20-Year JGB Bid-to-Cover Ratio Hits Highest Since March After Japan's Ministry of Finance reduced ultra-long-term bond issuance, the bid-to-cover ratio for 20-year Japanese government bonds (JGBs) reached 3.11 in Tuesday's auction—the highest since March. The previous auction in May had a ratio of 2.5, a more than 10-year low, though still below the 12-month average of 3.31.   6.Indian Officials: India and U.S. Still Aim to Reach Trade Deal by July Deadline Indian officials said India and the U.S. hope to finalize a preliminary trade agreement before the U.S. tariff hike deadline on July 9, though challenges remain—particularly in sectors like agriculture.   Price Information   CNY/USD parity Rate Reaches Highest Since November 2024 The central parity rate was set at 7.1656, up 54 pips from the previous day. The previous day's parity rate was 7.1710, official closing price 7.1858, and overnight closing price 7.1772.   Upstream Raw Materials (USD Prices) Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $840/MT; CFR Southeast Asia $860/MT Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average $750/MT (+$35); CFR China average $800/MT (+$35) North Asia LPG C&F: Propane $589–591/MT; Butane $558–560/MT South China LPG July C&F: Propane $617–627/MT; Butane $554–564/MT Taiwan LPG C&F: Propane $589–591/MT; Butane $558–560/MT   LLDPE USD Prices Film: $920/MT (CFR Huangpu); Injection: $950/MT (CFR Dongguan)   HDPE USD Prices Film: $910–920/MT (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $860–870/MT (CFR Huangpu)   LDPE USD Prices Film: $1,105–1,130/MT (CFR Yantian); Casting: $1,330/MT (CFR Huangpu)   PP USD Prices Homopolymer: $890–975/MT (CFR Huangpu) (-$5); Copolymer: $965–995/MT (CFR Huangpu) Transparent: $1,120/MT (CFR Huangpu) (+$20); Pipe: $1,160/MT (CFR Shanghai)    

The production facility "Phoenix" for polypropylene packaging materials has been completed in the Trans-Baikal Territory of Russia, and a grand opening ceremony was held to mark the commencement of operations. The company specializes in the large-scale production of polypropylene mesh woven bags, which are used for the storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables. Currently, there are no similar enterprises in the region. For the Baikal Region, the establishment of this factory fills a long-standing gap in the local industry. Previously, packaging materials had to be procured and transported from other regions, resulting in high costs. According to Zargalema Badmazhapova, the Minister of Economic Development of the Trans-Baikal Territory, "The total investment in the project exceeds 24 million rubles, of which 18 million rubles comes from the support of the Industrial Development Fund of the Trans-Baikal Territory. This fund provides preferential loans through the 'Manufacturing Industry' program, specifically for the purchase of polypropylene woven bag production lines." The mesh woven bags produced by the factory have high strength performance and can carry large volume goods. The fruit and vegetable specific mesh bags are designed with optimized mesh holes - ensuring breathability and freshness of the internal products while preventing them from falling out. The products will be supplied to enterprises engaged in fruit and vegetable wholesale, greenhouse farms, agricultural complexes and private enterprises in the Trans-Baikal region and surrounding areas, while also meeting the group's own needs. "Feniks" belongs to the "Chernovskiy Vegetable Growing" enterprise group and also engages in the sale of fruits and vegetables. The factory plans to produce no less than 1.7 million polypropylene woven bags annually.

International News Digest: Raw Materials - EU Weighs Measures to Save Plastic Recycling Firms Automotive - Tesla Robotaxi Debuts Quietly with ~10 Model Ys Packaging -BASF Japan and partners to develop bag-in-box container for edible oil using rPA Electronics - MediaTek Sues Huawei at EU Unified Patent Court Medical - World’s First Commercial Polymer Heart Valve Launched! Macro - 50% Tariff on "Steel Derivatives" Takes Effect Today! Price - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia $830/ton, Up $10   International News Details EU Considers Support Measures to Rescue Plastic Recyclers The EU is considering ways to support European plastics recyclers. Speaking to the press after the June 17 Environment Council meeting, European Commissioner Jessika Roswall said she discussed European plastic recyclers’ urgent need for support with Ministers.The meeting was held by Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, together with Environment Ministers for EU member states. Tesla Robotaxi Debuts Quietly with Only ~10 Model YsTesla CEO Elon Musk announced via social media platform X that the company’s Robotaxi service launched Sunday, calling it "the culmination of a decade of hard work." Only about 10 Robotaxis were initially deployed, limited to invited social media influencers with restricted driving zones—modest compared to Musk’s earlier autonomous taxi visions. BASF Partners to Develop rPA-Based Edible Oil Bag-in-Box PackagingBASF Japan, Kohjin Film & Chemicals, TOPPAN, a group company of TOPPAN Holdings Inc., and J-OIL MILLS, INC. are collaborating to develop Japan's first “bag-in-box” (BIB*2) commercial container for edible oil using chemically recycled polyamide. This collaboration supports the recycling of packaging materials. MediaTek Sues Huawei at EU Unified Patent CourtHFI Innovation, a subsidiary of MediaTek, sued five Huawei-affiliated companies at the Mannheim division of the EU Unified Patent Court (UPC) for infringing European Patent EP2689624, an LTE patent titled "Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel Search Space Configuration Method." This responds to Huawei’s earlier patent infringement lawsuit against MediaTek. World’s First Commercial Polymer Heart Valve Launched!Foldax’s Tria mitral valve obtained approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), becoming the world’s first commercial polymer heart valve. Made from proprietary LifePolymer™—a non-animal-derived polymer designed for anti-calcification and biostability—Tria™ reduces calcification risks and eliminates the need for lifelong anticoagulants, outperforming traditional biological and mechanical valves. 50% Tariff on "Steel Derivatives" Takes Effect Today!The U.S. Department of Commerce imposed a 50% tariff on steel-derived household appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) from June 23. The move adds eight appliance categories to "steel derivatives," sparking EU-U.S. tariff negotiations with unclear prospects. The EU may take broad countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Researchers Develop Catalyst to Break Down PFAS in Wetting Agents Chemists at Goethe University Frankfurt developed a catalyst targeting  capable of breaking down per-and polyfluorinated organic substances (PFAS) - also known as ‘forever chemicals’ - in a targeted manner. PFAS are widely used to make surfaces resistant to dirt and water, but their extreme persistence in the environment and potential health risks have made them a growing concern. What sets this new catalyst apart is that it does not rely on costly or toxic heavy metals like platinum, palladium, or iridium. Beyond its ability to degrade PFAS, the catalyst could also be used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals Wearable Breakthrough! Diabetes Patch Pump System Nears LaunchPharmaSens AG, developer of an innovative insulin patch pump, and SiBionics, a CGM technology leader, announced a strategic partnership to develop the niia signature—an integrated patch pump system combining insulin delivery and real-time glucose monitoring for diabetics.   Overseas Macro Updates Iran to Continue Uranium EnrichmentIran will persist with uranium enrichment, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said, stressing, "No one can tell Iran what to do." Japan Denies U.S. Demand to Raise Defense Spending to 3.5% of GDPJapan rejected reports that the U.S. demanded defense spending reach 3.5% of GDP. "It’s not about the amount but how Japan enhances capabilities," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said. Global Shipping Alerts to Middle East Risks as Two Supertankers U-Turn Before HormuzTwo VLCCs carrying ~2 million barrels of crude oil turned back from the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the first diversions since Israel’s June 13 attacks. Tanker freight rates have surged 90%, with derivatives rising further. Goldman Warns Middle East Tensions Could Push Brent to $110Goldman Sachs said oil and gas prices could rise if Hormuz Strait shipments drop by half for a month, potentially pushing Brent to $110/barrel. A 1.75 mb/d reduction in Iranian supply could lift Brent to $90. U.S. Plans to Withdraw Semiconductor Waivers for China OperationsU.S. Commerce Department notified TSMC, Samsung, and other chipmakers of plans to revoke waivers allowing them to use U.S. technology in mainland China.   Price Information 【USD/CNY Central Parity】7.1710, down 15 pips (prev: 7.1695; official close: 7.1837; overnight: 7.1820) 【Raw Materials (USD/ton)】 Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia 840 (up 10), CFR SE Asia 860 (up 10) Propylene NE Asia: FOB Korea avg 715; CFR China avg 765 (up 5) North Asia LPG CIF: Propane 586-588, Butane 556-558 South China LPG July arrival: Propane 625-635, Butane 562-572 Taiwan LPG CIF: Propane 586-588, Butane 556-558 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $915/ton (CFR Huangpu) Injection: $960/ton (CFR Dongguan) 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $900-915/ton (CFR Huangpu) Hollow: $865/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $1,035/ton (CFR Xiamen) 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: $890-980/ton (CFR Huangpu, up $5/ton) Copolymer: $965-995/ton (CFR Huangpu, up $5/ton) Transparent: $1,100/ton (CFR Huangpu) Pipe: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai)