World Eyes Davos! Good News for Plastic and Tire Recycling; U.S. New Car Market Polarized

International News Highlights:

Material News - Good News for Plastic and Tire Recycling! Western Australia Launches $6 Million Recycling Grant

Automotive News - U.S. New Car Market Polarized: Luxury Sales Rise, Mid-to-Low End Weakens

Construction & Building Materials News - Sika Group's 2025 Sales Expected to Reach Nearly RMB 100 Billion!

Additives News - Rianlon Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Malaysia R&D and Production Base

Macro News - Tariffs, Hot Wars, AI! World Eyes Davos as Trump Leads "Largest Delegation in History"

Price Information - CFR Northeast Asia at $725/ton, CFR Southeast Asia at $710/ton

Below are the Details of International News:

Good News for Plastic and Tire Recycling! Western Australia Launches $6 Million Recycling Grant

According to Plastmatch, a new round of A$6 million funding from the Western Australian (WA) Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) officially opened for applications on January 19, 2026, and will close at 16:00 (WA time) on February 27. The funding will support local governments in improving the recycling of plastics, tires, paper, and cardboard. Remote and regional WA communities can apply for grants of up to A$1 million to enhance local government recycling capabilities.

(Image source: waste360)

U.S. New Car Market Polarized: Luxury Sales Rise, Mid-to-Low End Weakens

Foreign media reports indicate that the U.S. automotive market is showing a clear trend of polarization, with luxury car sales continuing to rise while the mid-to-low-end market shows signs of fatigue. In December 2025, the average transaction price of new cars in the U.S. rose to $50,326, an increase of 0.8% compared to the same period in 2024 and 1.1% month-on-month compared to November 2024. This price level has gradually made new cars, traditionally considered "affordable for ordinary families," a choice for a minority, with low- and middle-income consumers becoming more cautious in their purchasing decisions.

(Image source: Cadillac)

Sika Group's 2025 Sales Expected to Reach Nearly RMB 100 Billion!

Recently, Sika Group released its 2025 financial forecast, expecting the Group to achieve sales of CHF 11.2 billion (approximately RMB 97.564 billion), representing a 0.6% sales increase in local currency terms; the full-year 2025 EBITDA margin is expected to be slightly above 19%.

Sika Group's 2025 financial forecast notes that despite ongoing challenges in the global construction market, the Group has achieved steady market share gains in all regions. In addition, the Group completed 7 acquisition transactions and commissioned 7 new factories throughout 2025.

Thomas Hasler, CEO of Sika Group, stated that despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, Sika achieved moderate growth in 2025 and further consolidated its market position. In particular, upgraded customer solutions helped the Group uphold its pricing principles and achieve market share growth in all regions. It is expected that the global market environment will remain weak in the first half of 2026, but Sika will enter the new year with a leaner cost structure and a clear investment roadmap to accelerate innovation and digital transformation.

Rianlon Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Malaysia R&D and Production Base

On January 19, 2026, on the occasion of its 9th anniversary of listing, Rianlon held the "Groundbreaking Ceremony of Rianlon Malaysia R&D and Production Base" in Johor, Malaysia. Representatives from various sectors attended the ceremony, including Mr. Li Haiping, Chairman and President of Rianlon, YAB Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor, and Mr. Aldo Govi, CEO of Infineum.

Rianlon is investing $300 million to build an R&D and production base in Johor, Malaysia, focusing on the R&D and global market application of anti-aging materials, lubricating materials, and bio-based materials. The aim is to provide reliable, safe, and efficient solutions for polymer material customers and lubricant customers worldwide. The R&D center and Phase I plant are scheduled to be put into use in the first quarter of 2027.

Investing $29 Million, Hong Kong-funded Enterprise to Build New Plastic Recycling Plant in Cambodia

According to Plastmatch on January 20, A1 Plastic Company, headquartered in Hong Kong, has officially started construction of a $29 million polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling plant in Pursat province, Cambodia. Located within the economic zone of Krakor district, the plant marks an important step in Cambodia's transition to a circular economy.

The ceremony was presided over by Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak, who stated that the project reflects growing investor confidence in the country's industrial potential and its commitment to sustainable development.

KRAIBURG TPE Provides Innovative Materials for Personal Protective Equipment

High-altitude work in construction, utilities, and industrial maintenance increases occupational risks. Workers rely on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that provides grip, durability, and comfort under continuous use. Material selection determines how PPE performs under these conditions.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, offers innovative material solutions suitable for PPE in high-risk, high-contact environments. The company will showcase its innovative materials at booth D13 in Hall 7.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, China, from April 21 to 24, 2026.

A New Green Chapter for the College Football Playoff National Championship! Tripartite Cooperation Creates Recyclable Commemorative Cups to Support Ocean Cleanup

PureCycle Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with Churchill Container and 4ocean, officially launched a high-profile sustainability initiative during the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship held on January 19.

Overseas Macro Market:

Tariffs, Hot Wars, AI! World Eyes Davos as Trump Leads "Largest Delegation in History"

According to the World Economic Forum website, this year's Davos Forum is scheduled to be held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23. With the theme "The Spirit of Dialogue," the organizers claim it will set a record for attendance; nearly 3,000 delegates are expected to attend during the four-day event, including about 400 dignitaries, nearly 65 heads of state and government, and nearly 850 corporate CEOs and chairpersons.

Norwegian PM: Opposes U.S. Tariff Hikes, Supports Denmark's Position on Greenland

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated in a declaration on the 19th that he has made it clear to U.S. President Donald Trump that Norway opposes the U.S. plan to impose additional tariffs on Norway and other countries, and that Norway supports Denmark's position on the Greenland issue. He also made it clear to Trump that the Nobel Peace Prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee and that the Norwegian government is not responsible for the award.

MOF: Canceling Export Tax Rebates for Photovoltaic Products Helps Combat "Involution-style" Disorderly Competition

On January 20, Li Xianzhong, Director of the Comprehensive Department of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that the MOF and the State Taxation Administration recently issued a Announcement clarifying that export tax rebates for photovoltaic and other products will be canceled starting April 1, 2026, and export tax rebates for electronic products will be canceled in two phases over two years. This adjustment to the export tax rebate policy is conducive to promoting the efficient use of resources, guiding the rational adjustment of the industrial structure, comprehensively rectifying "involution-style" disorderly competition, and promoting high-quality economic development.

MOF: Will Continue to Arrange Ultra-Long-Term Special Treasury Bonds in 2026 for "Two Major Types of Construction" and "Two New Types of Work"

On January 20, Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance, stated at a press conference that in 2026, the government will continue to arrange ultra-long-term special treasury bonds to be used for "two major types of construction" (major national strategic projects and major livelihood projects) and "two new types of work" (new infrastructure and new urbanization). Policies will be optimized, the negative list management for special bond projects will be improved, and the pilot program of self-inspection and self-issuance will be deepened to better exert the effectiveness of bond funds.

2025 Deficit Ratio Set at Around 4%, with 500 Billion Yuan in Special Treasury Bonds Issued

Today (January 20), the State Council Information Office held a press conference where Liao Min introduced the role of proactive fiscal policies in promoting high-quality economic and social development and answered reporters' questions. The press conference noted that counter-cyclical adjustment efforts will be increased. The 2025 deficit ratio is set at around 4%, an increase of 1 percentage point over the previous year; the new government debt scale is 11.86 trillion yuan, an increase of 2.9 trillion yuan over the previous year, far exceeding the average level of recent years.

Two Ministries: Further Support Urban Renewal Actions, Optimize Transitional Support Policies

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the "Notice on Several Measures to Further Support Urban Renewal Actions." It proposes that the use of existing land and real estate resources to develop industries and sectors supported by the state may enjoy a transitional policy within a certain period without changing the land user and planning conditions, with the transition period generally not exceeding 5 years. At the expiration of the transition period, if the industrial development direction and performance supervision requirements are met, land use procedures for the new purpose shall be handled in accordance with the law and agreements; if not met, the transitional support policy shall be withdrawn in accordance with the agreement, and the original land use shall be maintained. When handling paid land use procedures upon the expiration of the transition period, leasing or agreement-based transfer methods may be adopted.

Approaching 5 Trillion Yuan: China's Power Grid Investment in the Next 5 Years Far Exceeds the "14th Five-Year Plan"

On January 15, the State Grid officially announced that the total fixed asset investment during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period (2026-2030) will reach 4 trillion yuan, a 40% increase compared to the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, with an average annual investment scale of 800 billion yuan. Subsequently, China Southern Power Grid disclosed an investment scale of 180 billion yuan for 2026, and the industry generally expects the total investment of China Southern Power Grid during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period to reach about 1 trillion yuan. Based on this calculation, the total five-year investment of the two major power grids will approach 5 trillion yuan, far exceeding the 2.64 trillion yuan during the "13th Five-Year Plan" and 2.85 trillion yuan during the "14th Five-Year Plan."

Qinghai: Cuts Potassium Chloride Production Capacity of Golmud Zangge Potash Co., Ltd. from 2 Million Tons to 1.2 Million Tons

The Qinghai Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology issued the "Announcement on Reducing the Potassium Chloride Production Capacity of Golmud Zangge Potash Co., Ltd." today. The announcement states that due to the severe depletion of resources in the mining area under its mining rights and the outdated nature of some production facilities resulting in low resource utilization, Golmud Zangge Potash Co., Ltd. has re-compiled the "Mineral Resources Development and Utilization Plan for the Potash-Magnesium Salt Mine in the Zangge Potash Mining Section of the Qarhan Salt Lake in Golmud City, Qinghai Province" and voluntarily applied for capacity reduction to promote the sustainable development and utilization of salt lake resources. Considering the opinions of the city (prefecture) and relevant departments, the Qinghai Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology has approved the reduction of Golmud Zangge Potash Co., Ltd.'s potassium chloride production capacity from 2 million tons to 1.2 million tons.

China's Largest Single-Unit Capacity Gas-Fired Power Plant Put into Full Operation

Reporters learned from the National Energy Group today (20th) that the Zhejiang Anji Power Plant has been officially put into full operation. It is China's gas-fired power plant with the largest single-unit capacity and the highest efficiency, and will provide stable support for the winter electricity peak in the East China region. The two units put into operation at the Anji Power Plant have a total installed capacity of 1,686 megawatts, with a design efficiency of up to 64.15%. As a clean power source with flexible regulation capabilities, the Anji Power Plant can achieve rapid start-stop and output adjustment within 90 minutes, strongly supporting the stable operation of the power grid and promoting the efficient consumption of renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

Price Information:

RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Continues to Hit a New High in Over 32 Months

The RMB/USD central parity rate was set at 7.0006, up 45 pips; the previous trading day's central parity was 7.0051, the previous trading day's official closing price was 6.9636, and the previous night session closed at 6.9640.

Upstream Raw Material USD Market Prices

CFR Northeast Asia is at 725 U.S. dollars per ton, and CFR Southeast Asia is at 710 U.S. dollars per ton. Northeast Asia propylene FOB Korea averages 740 U.S. dollars per ton, and CFR China averages 790 U.S. dollars per ton. North Asia refrigerated cargo CIF prices are 558 to 560 U.S. dollars per ton for propane and 578 to 580 U.S. dollars per ton for butane. China South China refrigerated cargo CIF prices for early February arrival are 599 to 609 U.S. dollars per ton for propane and 594 to 604 U.S. dollars per ton for butane. Taiwan refrigerated cargo CIF prices are 558 to 560 U.S. dollars per ton for propane and 578 to 580 U.S. dollars per ton for butane.

LLDPE USD Market Prices

Film is priced at 800 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Xiamen); Injection is priced at 820 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu).

HDPE USD Market Prices

Film is priced at 890 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection is priced at 770 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding ranges from 795 to 840 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe is priced at 1000 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu).

LDPE USD Market Prices

Film is priced at 1020 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating ranges from 1050 to 1180 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Qingdao).

PP USD Market Prices

Injection is priced at 800 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Dongguan); Copolymer is priced at 860 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Nansha); Film ranges from 960 to 990 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent is priced at 1000 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe is priced at 1100 U.S. dollars per ton (CFR Shanghai).