

Sorbitol Liquid (E420(ii)) CAS: 50-70-4

South Korea's planned petrochemical restructuring is expected to close smaller stand-alone naphtha crackers, signalling a broader wave of capacity consolidation across Asia. Procurement teams should assess how fewer production assets may influence polymer supply, feedstock pricing and regional sourcing strategies.

Chinese steam crackers operating near maximum capacity can spread fixed costs across larger output volumes and export surplus petrochemicals into global markets. European crackers averaging around 75% utilization face a widening cost disadvantage that could reshape polymer pricing, regional production and procurement strategies

Styrene and ABS markets are entering a recovery phase as feedstock availability improves and global production gradually increases. Procurement teams should understand how supply, regional trade and geopolitical uncertainty will influence purchasing decisions through the second half of 2026.

July 1 brings major trade policy changes for chemical buyers: India’s duty waiver has ended, EU anti-dumping decisions on Chinese chemicals are nearing publication, and US tariff rules remain active. Procurement teams should immediately reprice H2 sourcing assumptions.

The global titanium dioxide (TiO2) market remains divided between Chinese oversupply and European supply constraints. As Brent crude falls below $80 per barrel and freight costs ease, Chinese TiO2 exports are becoming increasingly competitive in Europe, reshaping procurement decisions for coatings, plastics, and pigment buyers.

By 2026 the global ascorbic acid market will still be anchored by China, yet freight cost inflation and new regulatory pressures are reshaping procurement strategies. Companies must navigate logistics premiums, ensure ICs2 compliance, and diversify suppliers to mitigate risk.
We're committed to your privacy. Tradeasia uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. For more information, check out our privacy policy.