Group 1 - The global eco-friendly refrigerant market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2025 to $2.3 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% driven by the phasing out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and increasing demand for sustainable cooling solutions [1] - Natural refrigerants are experiencing significant growth due to global regulations on HFCs and rising environmental awareness, with ammonia refrigerants expected to see high growth due to their zero ozone depletion potential [1] - The Asia-Pacific region is leading the market with a CAGR exceeding 7%, supported by government environmental initiatives [1] Group 2 - The refrigeration segment dominates the market with over 52% share, driven by demand in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and cold chain storage [2] - The industrial sector accounts for over 45% of the market share, with ammonia and carbon dioxide refrigerants gaining traction in commercial applications, particularly in supermarkets and cold storage facilities [2] - The Asia-Pacific region holds over 44% of the global eco-friendly refrigerant market share, while Europe and North America show strong potential for growth due to regulatory measures and state-specific mandates [2]

Core Viewpoint - The company expects a significant recovery in annual earnings driven by rising chemical sales prices, reduced asset impairments, and ongoing cost control measures [1] Financial Performance - The company projects earnings per share to range between 7 to 12 Rand, benefiting from a year-on-year increase in average chemical prices and strict cost management [1] - For the fiscal year 2024 to 2025, the company's pre-tax impairment losses are expected to drop significantly to 20.7 billion Rand, compared to 74.9 billion Rand in the same period last year [1] - This anticipated earnings turnaround contrasts sharply with a loss of 69.94 Rand per share in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024 [1] - The adjusted EBITDA is projected to decline by 10% to 17%, falling within the range of 50 billion to 54 billion Rand [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) has proposed new regulations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, mandating that starting in 2028, 1% of LNG exports must be transported by U.S.-flagged vessels, increasing to 15% by 2047, which has faced strong opposition from industry analysts and organizations [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - USTR's new regulations aim to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry by requiring a gradual increase in the percentage of LNG exports transported by U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels [1]. - The regulations will start with 1% of LNG exports in 2028, increasing incrementally until reaching 15% by 2047 [1]. Group 2: Industry Response - The American LNG industry, represented by the Center for LNG (CLNG) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), has submitted a joint letter opposing the new regulations, citing potential harm to U.S. LNG exports [1]. - Industry analysts argue that while 1% may seem minor, the current lack of U.S.-built LNG vessels makes compliance nearly impossible, as only one U.S.-flagged LNG vessel exists in the global fleet [1][2]. Group 3: Current Industry Challenges - The U.S. lacks both domestic LNG transport vessels and sufficient U.S.-flagged ships to meet current and future LNG export demands [2]. - There are significant challenges in shipbuilding capacity, including a shortage of dry docks, technical capabilities, and supply chains, compounded by a lack of skilled personnel to operate and maintain LNG vessels [2]. - In 2024, the U.S. is expected to export 1,396 batches of LNG, but the global LNG fleet consists of only 792 operational vessels, with just one U.S.-flagged vessel, which has a capacity only half that of modern LNG ships [2].

Group 1 - The global butadiene market outlook for the second half of 2025 is pessimistic due to increased supply pressures from refinery maintenance season ending and new plant startups [1] - Asian butadiene prices remain high, prompting traders to seek export opportunities from Europe and the US to Asia, despite a decline in global butadiene prices this year [1] - The restart of butadiene facilities by TotalEnergies and Dow Chemical in Europe has further increased supply, facilitating exports [1] Group 2 - The price spread between butadiene and naphtha in Asia is expected to narrow, with estimates suggesting a decrease from $641.17/ton in the first half of 2025 to around $400/ton in the second half [2] - US butadiene supply is projected to gradually increase after the refinery maintenance season, with expectations of at least two shipments arriving each quarter for the remainder of the year [2] - The US butadiene export opportunities are limited due to low overseas prices and trade tensions, with a need for US prices to drop below $0.30/lb to stimulate exports [2]

作为全球最大棕榈油出口国，印尼扩大棕榈油能源应用的计划常引发市场担忧。印尼为满足国内能源需 求可能导致出口量减少，此举往往会影响全球植物油价格走势。数据显示，今年印尼为B40计划分配的 棕榈油燃料达1560万千升，较上年实际消耗量1320万千升有所增长。据生物柴油生产商协会APROBI此 前估算，B50计划实施后年需棕榈油燃料或将达到1900万千升。 中化新网讯 近日，印尼能源部高级官员Eniya Listiani Dewi表示，印尼计划从明年起将生物柴油中棕榈 油强制掺混比例提升至50%(即B50计划)。 目前印尼实施的生物燃料强制掺混比例为40%(B40)，该国正致力于通过提高棕榈油掺混比例来减少对 进口化石燃料的依赖。Eniya表示，政府将对新的50%掺混比例进行多项测试，测试周期可能长达八个 月。 ...

中化新网讯 近日，英国化学工业协会(CIA)首席执行官史蒂夫·埃利奥特表示，过去4年英国化工产量大 幅下降源于多重因素。"当前地缘政治局势紧张，俄乌冲突持续，关税政策不确定性，以及部分市场产 能过剩导致我们难以在价格上竞争。" 对于碳成本问题，埃利奥特强调英国化工行业需要缓冲期和过渡时间，以确保行业不仅能提供净零解决 方案，还能继续支撑国家关键基础设施建设，并推动战略中确定的重点增长领域。埃利奥特认为，近期 英国接连宣布的化工/石化装置关停计划应引起政府更高重视。"我们的诉求是：立即落实工业战略中的 电力成本减免措施，且不应简单将成本负担从电力转向天然气;同时，在2027至2030年期间，至少维持 现有碳配额或免费信用额度水平，避免进一步收紧，否则将牺牲那些真正支撑净零转型的行业与企 业。"埃利奥特强调。 他同时指出该设施面临的困境："英力士当前遭遇多重困境—需求持续疲软叠加能源成本、碳成本以及 更广泛的监管相关支出。这些因素的累积正严重冲击着《英国工业战略》中被称为'驱动增长的关键基 础产业'。"CIA对《英国工业战略》表示欢迎，呼吁加快实施进程。"制定工业战略本身对英国是积极 的，传递了长期确定性的信号。 ...

Core Viewpoint - Covestro Group has agreed to acquire two independent production sites for hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) located in Freeport, Texas, and Rayong, Thailand, previously operated by Vencorex, which entered bankruptcy proceedings last September [1] Group 1 - The acquisition involves two legal entities held by Vencorex Holding SAS, a subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical [1] - The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, although the specific financial details have not been disclosed [1] - This acquisition will expand and optimize Covestro's production footprint for aliphatic chemicals in the US and Asia-Pacific regions, supporting growth in the coatings and adhesives sectors [1] Group 2 - Covestro is already a major supplier of HDI derivatives, which are widely used in polyurethane coatings, adhesives, and sealants [1]

Core Viewpoint - Songyuan Industrial announced a significant expansion of its long-term strategic partnership with European specialty chemicals distributor Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH, enhancing distribution of plastic additives in several Eastern European countries [1] Company Summary - Songyuan Industrial is the world's second-largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers, holding a leading position in antioxidants, light stabilizers, and other specialty chemicals, with applications in plastics, coatings, and lubricants [1] - Biesterfeld, established in 1906 in Hamburg, Germany, has evolved into a leading international distributor and service provider for plastics, rubber, and specialty chemicals, covering various sectors including standard polymers, engineering polymers, high-performance polymers, rubber, healthcare, industrial, and consumer goods [1] Industry Summary - The partnership will enable Biesterfeld to distribute a joint product portfolio of plastic additives, including antioxidants and light stabilizers, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania [1] - Biesterfeld previously secured distribution rights for these products in several Western and Central European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Hungary [1]

Group 1 - Iraq announced the resumption of the "oil-for-infrastructure" program in August 2025, aiming to exchange oil exports for Chinese investments in infrastructure, marking a significant step in economic reconstruction and providing market opportunities for Chinese companies [1] - Chinese oil companies, including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Sinopec, and CNOOC, are actively involved in Iraq's oil sector, showcasing a multi-layered and collaborative approach [1] - Iraq's oil production is projected to increase from approximately 4 million barrels per day to over 6 million barrels per day by 2029, driven by the need to meet domestic energy demands and boost export revenues [3] Group 2 - Iraq is the second-largest oil producer in OPEC, with 96% of its fiscal revenue dependent on oil exports, generating $88.6 billion from 1.23 billion barrels of oil exported in 2023 [3] - The average extraction cost of Iraqi crude oil is between $1 to $2 per barrel, providing a significant cost advantage in the global energy market [2] - In the first half of 2025, Iraq remained China's fourth-largest oil supplier, highlighting the close energy ties between the two countries [4] Group 3 - In the 2024 oil and gas block bidding, seven Chinese companies, including CNOOC and Sinopec, secured 10 blocks, accounting for over one-third of the total, indicating China's leading position in Iraq's oil and gas market [4] - Chinese companies are also active in Iraq's infrastructure sector, with a recent contract awarded for a seawater pipeline project valued at $2.524 billion, with a contract duration of 54 months [4] - The cooperation in the energy sector not only provides stable energy supplies for China but also brings much-needed investment and technology to Iraq, supporting its economic development [4]

严字当头，加强重点管控。该公司聚焦薄弱环节开展地毯式排查，重点检查厂房排水系统、低洼地带、 电气设备等关键部位;严格执行"双巡检"机制，白天重点核查排水设施通畅性，夜间加密巡查易积水路 段和设备厂房，通过全天候防控，确保风险早发现、早处置。 防字为要，强化协同联动。内蒙古宜化建立生产、设备、安全等多部门协同联防机制，实时跟踪天气变 化，及时发布预警信息，并根据实际情况开展汛期安全教育培训与应急预案演练，提升职工自救互救能 力;全面清查盘点防汛物资，按需补充防汛沙袋、雨衣、铁锹、水泵等物资，确保关键时刻调得出、用 得上，形成上下联动的防汛合力。 中化新网讯 针对近期暴雨雷电天气增多的情况，内蒙古宜化化工有限公司立足生产实际，紧盯关键环 节，早部署、严管控、强联动，构建全方位科学防汛体系，筑牢雨季防洪、防排水、防雷电"三防"安全 堤，确保企业安全度汛。 早字当先，压实责任链条。内蒙古宜化科学部署、精准防控，成立雨季"三防"指挥部，细化职责分工， 加强24小时值班值守，建立专项工作台账，实行每日人员签到及巡查记录双核查机制，做细做实防汛各 项准备工作，确保责任层层压实。 ...