[overseas news] celanese and toray announce price hikes; basf: European Chemical Industry to Face a Decade of Consolidation

Headlines Digest:

Raw Material News- HDIStable Monomer Supply! Tosoh Acquires Asahi Kasei's Stake in Nanyang Chemical50%

Automotive News-China and the EU reach consensus in consultations; CAAM, Chery, and BYD have all issued statements.

Packaging News-German industry groups urge government to abandon plastic tax plan

Equipment News-Haitian Group Signs Global Strategic Partnership Agreement with Milliken

Macroeconomic Headlines-Oman states that the agreement with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz depends on the outcome of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Price Information-The RMB/USD central parity rate is quoted at6.7249Adjust upward49

Below are the details of international news highlights:

1. HDIStable Monomer Supply! Tosoh Acquires Asahi Kasei's Stake in Nanyang Chemical50%

10 13 – Dong Cao (Tosoh) decided to acquire Asahi Kasei (Asahi KaseiHeld by Nanyang Huacheng Co., Ltd.Nanyo KaseiAll shares (50%), and convert it into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Nanyang Huacheng Co., Ltd. on1980In [year], Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd. (now Tosoh) and Asahi Kasei each contributed capital.50%Established with the aim of producingHDIMonomer. The current business operation model is as follows: Tosoh and Asahi Kasei supply raw materials, etc., and the two companies respectively receive products manufactured by Nanyang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.HDIMonomer. This time, Tosoh has decided to acquire all shares of Nanyang Chemical Co., Ltd. held by Asahi Kasei (50%), and convert it into a wholly-owned subsidiary.

2.Cumulative Financing11.5100 million yen, JapanesaPromote the physical recycling and application of composite plastics

10 13On [date], a Japanese plastic recycling companyesaAnnounced the completion of a new round of financing, with cumulative funding reaching11.5billion yen. The investors include MitsubishiUFJTrust Bank, MitsubishiUFJCapital, Environmental and Energy InvestmentSG Wonder zoneThe funding comes from new investors and additional investments from existing shareholders. This financing will be used to strengthen the production and supply capacity of composite recycled plastic pellets and expand downstream applications.esaWe plan to collaborate with manufacturing enterprises to develop applications based on customers’ requirements for material quality, supply volume, and processing conditions, thereby driving the sustained procurement and application of recycled composite plastic pellets.

3.Toray America Announces Price Increase for Polyester Films

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is2026For most of the year, it has continued to disrupt energy and petrochemical supply chains. Over the past few months, this has led to further cost increases across many categories, includingPETRaw materials for resins, energy, specialty additives, freight, and other operating expenses. Toray stated that despite continuous efforts to mitigate these cost pressures by improving operational efficiency and working closely with suppliers, it has been unable to fully absorb the cumulative impact of these significant increases. In light of this challenging environment, the company deems it necessary to adjust prices for all grades of polyester film products in the U.S. market, with an increase of per pound.0.12USD (per ton)1771RMB), since10 19Products shipped from this date will be subject to the new pricing.

4.China and the EU reach consensus in consultations; CAAM, Chery, and BYD have all issued statements.

10 14Recently, under the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, both sides discussed hybrid vehicles.Electric vehicleIntensive consultations on trade issues have led to a consensus, with the automotive industry repeatedly voicing its support. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers issued a statement welcoming and supporting the positive outcomes achieved through these consultations. The statement holds that this development between China and Europe within the World Trade Organization (WTOUnder the multilateral rules framework, a consensus has been reached on trade issues concerning hybrid and electric vehicles, firmly upholding the principles of fact-based decision-making, non-discrimination, and compliance. This consensus helps stabilize industry expectations on both sides, maintain the stability and smooth operation of automotive industrial and supply chains, and create a more predictable environment for trade and investment cooperation among automakers. It also serves to safeguard the shared interests of industries and consumers on both sides, thereby preventing an escalation of trade friction.

5.BASF CEO: The Future10The European chemical industry will undergo large-scale consolidation in the coming year.

Recently,European Petrochemical and Chemical AssociationEPCAThe annual meeting was held in Vienna, Austria. BASF (BASFChief Executive OfficerMarkus KamiethAt the meeting, it was stated that the European Commission's proposal on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETSThe latest proposal could lead to more plant closures in the energy-intensive petrochemical industry. In particular, Brussels’ intention to attach conditions to free emission allowances may prompt companies to halt production in Europe and increase imports instead.

6.Haitian Group and Milliken Sign Global Strategic Partnership to Build a New Ecosystem for Polypropylene Industry Chain Collaboration

10 12On [date], the global leader in injection molding equipmentHaitian GroupWith global materials science companiesMillikenThe global strategic cooperation agreement was officially signed in Shanghai. Driven by the development and strategic layout needs of the polypropylene industry, the collaboration between the two parties encompasses four key dimensions: innovative applications of polypropylene materials, customer expansion and empowerment, collaborative exploration of global markets, and deep synergy across the industrial chain. Leveraging the Haitian Tongchuang resin trading platform, both parties will integrate the entire value chain—spanning equipment, materials, process applications, and supply chain services—to establish an integrated technical service system and foster a new ecosystem for collaborative development within the polypropylene industry.

7.German industry groups urge government to abandon plastic tax plan

Multiple associations representing Germany’s packaging, plastics, recycling, and manufacturing industries have urged the German government to abandon its plan to impose a new tax on plastic packaging, arguing that the measure would not only increase costs and administrative burdens but also fail to advance circular economy objectives. This position was outlined in a statement released on2026 10 9The statement released on the day by30Jointly signed by multiple industry associations, including the German Plastics Association (PlasticsEurope Deutschland), German Plastics Packaging Industry Association (IKGerman Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Disposal (BVSE)BVSE) and the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) — aimed at responding to a proposal by the German Ministry of Finance scheduled for2027The tax bill that took effect in the middle of the year.

8.Celanese announces price increases in the Americas regionPA6/PA66Product price

CelaneseCelanese) announced that it will raise prices for certain polyamide products sold in the Americas. This price adjustment aims to address rising costs and evolving market conditions, while also reflecting Celanese’s commitment to ensuring reliable supply, maintaining product quality, and delivering excellent customer service. This price adjustment applies to2026 10 19All products shipped on or after the specified date, or as otherwise stipulated in the contract.

Overseas Macro Market:

Oman states that the agreement with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz depends on the outcome of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Omani Foreign Minister BadrAt a press conference in Islamabad, Al-Busaidi stated that Oman has concluded discussions with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz agreement, but the final arrangement depends on the United States.-The outcome of the Iran talks and other pending issues. The two sides have reached a provisional agreement to await U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Geely Issues Statement on Automotive Sector Outcomes of the Second Meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism

Geely Holding Group stated that it will remain committed to open cooperation and lawful, compliant operations, delivering value to consumers through technological innovation and high-quality products and services. The company will actively expand exchanges and collaboration with European industrial partners, jointly safeguard the stability of the automotive industry’s supply chain, promote green development in the automotive sector, and make positive contributions to the healthy development of China-Europe economic and trade relations.

Russian Ministry of Defense Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Energy and Infrastructure

Local time10 14On that day, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in the early hours of the morning, the Russian military carried out intensive strikes using ground-based precision weapons and long-range drones against communication and energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, and Kharkiv Oblast. These facilities serve Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and its armed forces. Additionally, over the past night, Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down902Ukrainian fixed-wing drone. (CCTV News)

General Administration of Customs: There is a solid foundation and support for the continued growth of foreign trade imports and exports in the fourth quarter.

Wang Jun, Deputy Commissioner of the General Administration of Customs, stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that in the first three quarters, China’s foreign trade effectively responded to external shocks and challenges, maintaining a sound development momentum. Despite the current complex and turbulent international situation and the myriad of emerging risks and challenges, the drivers and vitality of China’s foreign trade have strengthened, demonstrating its resilience. There is a solid foundation and support for continued growth in imports and exports in the fourth quarter.

China9Monthly integrated circuit exports449.51Billion USD, Year-on-Year Growth136%】

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China9Monthly integrated circuit exports449.51billion USD, year-on-year growth136%Automobile exports207.5billion USD, year-on-year growth62%Rare earth exports6809.4USD 10,000, year-on-year growth14.3%Mobile phone exports169.82billion USD, year-on-year growth14.2%。

China's Ministry of Finance: Minister Lan Fo'an will lead the Chinese delegation to attendAPECThe Finance Minister will attend and preside over the meeting.

According to the Ministry of Finance website, the33Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)APECThe Finance Ministers' Meeting will be held on10 20 21Held in Hong Kong, China. From21 APECFinance ministers or their representatives from various economies, heads of relevant international organizations, and senior representatives of partner countries will attend the meeting. Chinese Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an will lead the Chinese delegation and preside over the meeting, while Vice Minister Liao Min will deliver remarks on behalf of China.

Price Information:

The RMB/USD central parity rate is quoted at6.7249Adjust upward49Points; Previous trading day's mid-price6.7298Previous trading day's official closing price6.6945The previous day's night session closed at6.6928。

Upstream Raw Material USD Market Price

10 13 CFRNortheast Asia Ethylene1130 /Ton stable,CFRSoutheast Asia1100 / 20 /

Northeast Asia PropyleneFOBSouth Korea's average price reaches1300 /Tons stable,CFRChina's average price to1350 /Tons stable.

North Asia Frozen Cargo11Monthly Propane CIF981-983 /ton; butane1131-1133 /

Frozen Cargo in South China11Monthly average CIF price of propane1048-1058 /ton; butane1118-1128 /

Frozen goods from Taiwan11Monthly average CIF price of propane981-983 /ton; butane1131-1133 /

【LLDPEUSD Market Price

Thin film:1180 / CFRHuangpu)

【HDPEUSD Market Price

Thin film:1250 / CFRYantian

Hollow1300 / CFRDongguan

Injection molding:1085 / CFRHuangpu)

【LDPEUSD Market Price

Thin film:1440 / CFRHuangpu)

【PPUSD Market Price

Homopolymerization:1420 / CFRHuangpu)

Copolymerization1400 / CFRNansha

Transparent:1600 / CFRHuangpu)

Pipe material:1650 / CFRHuangpu)