[Overseas Highlights] Dow Invests in Silicone! Borouge International Group Launches Bio-Based PP! Arkema’s North American PVDF Comes on Stream

International News Headlines:

Raw Material HighlightsTPU+PLA material! Researchers 3D-print a smart zipper that can switch between soft and hard states.

Automotive NewsDow announced the expansion of its production capacity and the enhancement of its innovation capabilities to support the continued growth of the specialty silicones market.

Shoe and Apparel NewsStructural Program-Controlled Innovation! A New Sustainable Materials Track for High-End Sports Shoes

Electronic Highlights- Arkema’s North American PVDF expansion project has started production!

Building Materials NewsBio-based polypropylene grade for drinking water pipe fittings! Borealis Group launches a drop-in replacement product.

Macroeconomic NewsThe EU has finally approved a trade agreement with the United States before the deadline set by Trump.

The following are details of international news.：

Bio-based polypropylene grade suitable for drinking water pipe fittings! Borouge International Group launches a drop-in replacement product.

A manufacturer and modified plastics company producing pipe fittings for drinking water and irrigation system polypropylene pipe components, now available as an option.Bio-based modified version of Borouge International’s mature polypropylene grade BA160E-8229-01. This new grade is part of the Bornewables™ product family and contains 10% bio-based feedstock derived from waste and agricultural and forestry by-products, while retaining all the performance, processing characteristics, and drinking water-related compliance certifications of the conventional grade.

2. Arkema, North AmericaThe PVDF capacity expansion project has been put into operation!

Arkema announces North AmericaThe PVDF expansion project has been successfully put into production, increasing capacity by 15%. The expansion project at the Calvert facility in Kentucky involved an investment of approximately $20 million, further solidifying Arkema Group's leading position in the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) market.The investment project wasIn February 2025, it was publicly announced that the project has been completed on schedule, with the overall investment controlled within the initial budget range. This expansion will meet the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as the cable and infrastructure construction needs required by the accelerated expansion of data centers, while also addressing the increasing demand in the semiconductor market.

Dow Inc. announced the expansion of its capacity and enhancement of its innovation capabilities to support the continued growth of the specialty silicone market.

Dow Inc. (NYSE: DOW)Dow (DOW) announced a series of targeted investment projects, with total investment expected to reach approximately $100 million by the end of 2027, to expand its global manufacturing and innovation capabilities for specialty silicone products. These investments further demonstrate Dow’s commitment to supporting rapidly growing end markets while enhancing innovation synergies and supply chain resilience for customers worldwide.

4. South Korea’s ABS Imports and Exports Both Declined in May 2026, with China Remaining the Largest Importer

South Korean customs data show that,In May, South Korea’s ABS exports fell 12% month on month to 80,344 tons, while imports declined 36% to 972 tons. China remained the largest import destination, with 11,219 tons, although May imports fell 11% from the previous month; Vietnam ranked second with 6,982 tons, and the United States third with 6,781 tons. In terms of exports to South Korea, China was also the largest supplier, with 716 tons, followed by Japan and the United States at 188 tons and 33 tons, respectively.

5. TPU + PLA Materials! Researchers 3D-Print a Smart Zipper That Can Switch Between Soft and Hard States

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence LaboratoryResearchers at CSAIL did exactly that—they developed a new type of “three-sided Y-shaped zipper” based on a professor’s design from 40 years ago. In the new “three-sided Y-shaped zipper,” the researchers used two materials: polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). PLA provides strength, allowing it to تحمل large loads, while TPU provides flexibility. This zipper can take advantage of the natural structural rigidity of triangles, enabling the material to transform from a soft state to a rigid one. When the material no longer needs to remain rigid, simply unzipping it allows it to return to a soft state, making it easier to package and transport.

6. Structural Programmatic Innovation! A New Sustainable Materials Track for High-End Sports Shoes

In the ZiProMat research project, a Fraunhofer research team has developed a new solution: using a programmable single-material base to create shoe soles that meet multidimensional performance requirements while also allowing the upper to be made from the same raw material. This technical approach combines high-end performance, sustainability, and full recyclability.This copolyester elastomer outsole is formed by laminating multiple sheets, with different functional regions defined by the arrangement of ribs and raised ridges; each sheet is preformed with this differentiated structure.

Overseas Macro MarketTop News:

The EU finally approved a trade deal with the United States before the deadline set by Trump.

The trade agreement between the European Union and the United States is set to take effect after final approval by the EU. Against the backdrop of persistently tense economic relations, the EU hopes the agreement will inject some stability into bilateral ties. EU member states approved the agreement on Thursday, ending a nearly year-long, stop-and-start ratification process that at one point nearly derailed the entire deal. Under the agreement, the EU will eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and some agricultural products; in exchange, U.S. tariffs on EU goods will be capped at15%。

Maersk's two vessels successfully sailed out of the Persian Gulf.

MaerskOn June 25, it was announced that the "Maersk Baltimore" and a chartered vessel successfully navigated out of the Persian Gulf between the night of June 24 and the early morning of June 25, completing their passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels passed through safely with the coordination and cooperation of safety partners, and no incidents occurred.

[Senior UAE official says new faits accomplis cannot be imposed on Gulf states and the Strait of Hormuz]

Senior Advisor to the President of the UAEAnwar Gargash stated on X that the new geopolitical realities cannot be imposed on the Gulf Arab states through "insidious aggression against them." He emphasized that the facts established by imposed aggression do not create stability, but rather sow the seeds for future conflicts, "which is precisely applicable to the Strait of Hormuz."

Price Information

The central parity rate of the RMB against the US dollar is reported.6.8209, down 14 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 6.8195, the previous trading day's official closing price was 6.8052, and the previous night's session closed at 6.8092.

[Upstream Raw Material USD Market Price]

On June 24, CFR Northeast Asia ethylene was stable at USD 870/ton, while CFR Southeast Asia fell by USD 70/ton to USD 830/ton.

Northeast Asia propyleneThe average FOB price in South Korea has dropped to $930 per ton, down $30 per ton, while the average CFR price in China has decreased to $970 per ton, down $20 per ton.

North Asia refrigerated cargo CIF, propane577-581 USD/ton; butane 577-581 USD/ton.

Frozen goods in South ChinaJuly CFR price: propane USD 638–648/mt; butane USD 658–668/mt.

Taiwan region frozen goods CIF price, propane577–581 USD/ton; butane: 577–581 USD/ton.

【LLDPE USD market price]

Thin film:USD 980/ton (CFR Huangpu);

【HDPE USD market price]

Thin film:1170 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);

Hollow:USD 1,250/ton (CFR Yantian);

Injection Molding:USD 1,200/ton (CFR Yantian);

【LDPE USD market price]

Thin film:USD 1,280/ton (CFR Huangpu);

【PP USD market price]

Homopolymer:USD 1,270/ton (CFR Huangpu);

Copolymerization:1270 USD/ton (CFR Nansha);

Membrane material:USD 1,560/ton (CFR Huangpu);

Transparent:USD 1,440/ton (CFR Huangpu);

Edit: Translate the above content into English and output only the translation result, without any explanation. Yun Shimeng （Carrie）