AGP Executive Report

Leadership Change: Evonik appoints Claus Rettig as interim CEO effective Sept. 1, 2026, ensuring continuity while Christian Kullmann recovers. German Chemicals Outlook: Ifo says Germany’s chemical industry sentiment turns positive for the first time in four years, but the rebound depends on ongoing global supply disruptions. Capital & Assets: India’s Thirumalai Chemicals eyes a ₹400–500 crore raise via a preferential issue and monetising non-core stakes, including Maleic Anhydride unit OOSB and possible Ultramarine & Pigments stake. Water & PFAS Risk: US utilities face mounting pressure from PFAS compliance timelines and cyberattacks, with drinking-water security framed as critical infrastructure. PFAS Litigation: A new class action targets PFOA contamination in Bennington and Shaftsbury, adding to the growing legal push on “forever chemicals.” Agrochemicals & Training: Liberia’s LUYCSD certifies 50 women in organic fertilizer and pest-control production to cut reliance on imported inputs. Industrial Safety/Operations: STARD GEARS promotes pneumatic actuators for chemical valve control, stressing compatibility checks for seals, coatings, and hazardous-area documentation. Energy & Petrochemicals: Iran reports about 40% of South Pars capacity restored after attacks, while Aster expands into aviation fuel at Singapore’s Changi. Market Watch: Chinese TOPCon module prices rise on upstream cost pressure and tariff expectations.

PFAS Regulation Push in California: California lawmakers passed a bill requiring the state to flag pesticides containing PFAS in a public database, sending it to Gov. Newsom; the measure follows disputes over PFAS definitions and health impacts. PFAS Lawsuits Over Drinking Water: A new class action targets PFOA contamination in Bennington and Shaftsbury, tied to the former Chemfab plant and confirmed contaminated wells. Diaper Ingredient Transparency: California advanced a diaper ingredient disclosure bill (AB 1901) requiring full ingredient lists and CAS numbers on company webpages, urging Gov. Newsom to sign. Industrial Safety Tragedy in Russia: A fire at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Russia’s Far East killed 15 workers as investigators probe causes and possible safety breaches. Corporate Deal: Olin and Huntsman shareholders approved their all-stock “merger of equals,” moving the $6B chemicals combination toward closing. Agrochemical/Health Enforcement: India’s Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested suspects in an interstate counterfeit blood-pressure medicine racket involving NICARDIA RETARD. Energy & Petrochem Forum: UAE’s energy minister attended the Kazan Oil, Gas & Chemistry exhibition in Russia to discuss energy and petrochemical cooperation. EU Packaging Compliance Data Challenge: A UK packaging supplier warned brands that EU packaging rules will hinge on consolidating accurate supplier data for compliance. Water Quality & Community Action: Utah mayors launched the “Love Your Watershed” challenge to cut storm-drain pollution into the Jordan River. PFAS in Schools: A Vermont town moved forward with plans for filtration at a school building after PFAS were found in drinking water.

Industrial Policy & Investment: India’s chemicals sector vision targets $1T by 2040 as J P Nadda pushes an investment-and-manufacturing ecosystem and time-bound industry dialogue. Energy Transition & Infrastructure: August Energy and Energeia launch a $100M energy-efficiency platform using Cooling-as-a-Service to cut industrial emissions without heavy upfront capex. Oil & Gas Supply Risk: Korea extends naphtha export restrictions through January, citing Strait of Hormuz uncertainty; GAIL also flags pipeline, LNG sourcing/shipping diversification, petrochemicals scale-up and clean-energy investments. Market Pulse: European shares are flat as Nvidia’s AI boost offsets weakness in chemicals and autos. Regulation & Pollution: EPA-led hazardous-material cleanup continues after Spokane Complex Fires, while a Central Environmental Authority update warns Gregory Lake in Sri Lanka is heavily polluted by agricultural chemicals and waste. Company Moves: Dr. Reddy’s Aurigene expands CDMO operations via a global pharma manufacturing/supply deal; Mitsu Chem Plast adds 600 MT/year capacity. Water & Sustainability Awards: MRPL wins GEEF Global WaterTech 2026 for water efficiency management.

Nuclear Energy & Defense: BWX Technologies was selected to deploy its BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for the U.S. Army’s Janus program, aiming to move from trials to reliable hardware for mission-critical power. PFAS Litigation: A federal class action was filed over PFOA-contaminated well water in Shaftsbury and Bennington, naming Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and 3M among others. PFAS Policy & Cleanup: A U.S. court upheld EPA’s PFAS hazardous-substance designations under CERCLA, tightening liability pressure on industry. Agrochemicals & Food Safety: Kenya will ban pesticides prohibited elsewhere and says smuggled imports have fallen about 95% after tougher border enforcement. Microplastics & Crops: A study finds PVC microplastics can boost “forever chemical” uptake in pak choi, while tire-wear particles suppress it. Shipping Risk & Energy: Multiple oil refiners plan to avoid vessels on Iran’s new blacklist over security concerns around Strait of Hormuz shuttle transfers. Hydrogen Push: China’s oil-and-gas plan directs large-scale green hydrogen projects plus pipelines and storage, tying hydrogen into existing fossil infrastructure. EU Competition: The European Commission raised objections to a UPM–Sappi joint venture over potential competition harm in communication paper markets. Industrial Safety: A hazmat incident in Estacada, Oregon, involving leaking pentane drums was mitigated and the area reopened.

Semiconductor Materials Demand: Ceria CMP slurry is forecast to jump to USD 677M by 2034 (4.9% CAGR), with AI-driven chip complexity pushing tighter wafer surface control. Trade & Manufacturing Pulse: Taiwan’s industrial production hit a record +25% YoY in July on AI demand, while Singapore manufacturing output rose 6.8% YoY; chemicals in Singapore fell 10.6%. Chemicals & Compliance: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A/R134a) in smuggling cases, highlighting ongoing enforcement pressure on regulated chemicals. PFAS & Hazard Liability: New Zealand schools faced “potentially volatile chemicals” disposal with controlled explosions, underscoring hazardous-material handling risks. Energy & Petrochemicals: Niger signed a $1.9bn PPP for a 100,000 b/d Dosso refinery and petrochemical complex; meanwhile, US sanctions hit four India-based firms tied to Iran petrochemical trade under “Operation Economic Outcast.” Industry Deals: Brenntag and Sudarshan expanded cosmetic pigment distribution across Asia-Pacific.

PFAS & PFOS Legal Push: U.S. courts upheld EPA’s CERCLA hazardous-substance designations for PFOA/PFOS, tightening liability pressure on manufacturers. PFAS Health Research: NIH-funded work will test whether PFAS exposure raises risks of liver and endometrial cancers. PFAS Detection Innovation: Michigan State University research shows locust brains can “sniff” forever chemicals, pointing to cheaper, portable water screening sensors. Agrochemical Crackdown: India moves to ban carbosulfan, ordering recall of registrations and prohibiting import, manufacture, sale, transport and use. Industrial Safety Incident: A fire at Russia’s Amur Gas Chemical Complex killed three people (including two Chinese citizens) while operators said main installations were not damaged. Process Tech Leap: University of Minnesota and Plasma Blue advance “Northern Lights in a bottle,” using liquid-phase plasma to tackle hard targets like PFAS and improve chemical processing. Water Quality Trials: Stratford trials solar-powered buoys that boost oxygen exchange without chemicals to reduce Lake Victoria odors and organic buildup. Trade & Sanctions: The U.S. expands “Operation Economic Outcast” sanctions on Iran-linked military, cyber and oil/shipping networks, with knock-on effects for petrochemical flows. Food Safety Alarm: China investigates reports of cabbages dipped in formaldehyde to extend shelf life, triggering regional concern. Corporate R&D Digitization: INX and Albert Invent roll out an AI-native R&D operating system to centralize experimental knowledge and speed formulation work.

EU-India FTA Watch: Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board warns the new EU-India deal could shift tariff advantages toward Indian goods, raising rules-of-origin and competitiveness risks for Sri Lankan exporters, especially apparel. Healthcare Access: Malta will let private family medicine specialists order more blood tests and ultrasound scans from public hospitals starting Sept. 1, aiming to cut referrals and costs. Agrochem & Food Systems: Cambodian smallholders are turning to agroecology as fertilizer and pesticide costs rise and yields fall, citing soil damage and health impacts from heavy chemical reliance. Iran Sanctions Ripple: The US launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” adding four Indian firms over alleged Iranian oil/petrochemical trading, tightening pressure on Tehran-linked networks. Circular Plastics: A Pune startup says it can extract aluminium from hard-to-recycle multi-layer plastic without heat, turning the rest into pellets usable as substitutes for virgin resins. Semiconductor Supply Chain: Taiwan’s Taiex rose as chip stocks rebounded on bargain buying, while investors stayed cautious ahead of Nvidia’s earnings. Chemicals Infrastructure: Essar is moving ahead with a planned gas-to-chemicals refinery in Palghar, Maharashtra, targeting ~7 million tons capacity and ₹30,000–₹40,000 crore investment. Specialty Materials: SK Chemicals is expanding bedding use of SKYPEL TPEE into cushions, seat cushions and mattresses, replacing olefin-based fillings. Semiconductor Gases Deal: GPPC and Japan’s Air Water will co-invest in Taiwan’s specialty gas maker Hong-Kuang Hi-Tech to deepen Taiwan-Japan semiconductor materials cooperation.

Trade Shock for Chemicals Supply Chains: U.S. 50% tariffs on Canadian imports kicked in after talks collapsed, with Canada pledging dollar-for-dollar retaliation starting Sept. 8; sectors flagged as exposed include plastics/rubber and chemicals, raising fears for tens of thousands of jobs. PFAS Compliance Moves: Henrico County will vote on updated wastewater discharge limits and monitoring/reporting requirements for PFAS “forever chemicals,” aligning local rules with state and federal standards. PFAS in Water, Again: Tennessee issued a fish consumption advisory for mercury and PCBs in Mitchell Branch Stream, adding to the week’s broader water-safety scrutiny. Energy & Chemicals Deals: Aramco signed agreements and an MoU worth $3.7B+ with French partners, including industrial AI and digital-twin collaboration. M&A Watch: Shell is attracting bids for its U.S. chemicals plants, potentially valuing the portfolio at up to $8B, with ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell among suitors. Agrochemical/Health Risk Lens: UK lawmakers pushed to ban endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children’s toys, citing EU action on PFAS and hormone disruptors. Cybersecurity for Water Treatment: Experts warned AI is speeding attacks on water utilities, increasing the risk of tampering with treatment processes. Research & Industry Signals: BASF opened a global superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai, underscoring ongoing investment in specialty chemical performance testing.

M&A Watch: Shell’s US chemicals plants in Louisiana, Texas and Pennsylvania could be sold for up to $8bn, with Exxon, LyondellBasell, Apollo and Kuwait Petroleum among suitors submitting non-binding offers. Energy & Commodities: Strait of Hormuz traffic stays suppressed with fewer than 20 transits as US-Iran blockades restrict shipments, while crude volatility lifts petrochemical-linked stocks. Industrial Decarbonization: Holcim Deutschland commissioned a membrane pilot at its Höver cement works aiming to capture up to 90% of CO₂, a step toward climate-neutral cement. Agrochem Safety: Kenya’s pesticide regulator faced tough questioning in parliament over residue and banned-chemical claims, as lawmakers pressed for clearer oversight. Supply Chain & Environment: Greenpeace says Germany’s heat and drought cost at least €36bn, with impacts across crops, health and productivity. Hydrogen Buildout: Market reports point to growth in cryogenic pumps, scrubber systems and hydrogen compressors as LNG and hydrogen infrastructure expands. Agrochem R&D: Syngenta’s Camilla Corsi won the ACS International Award for Research in Agrochemicals. Corporate Leadership: Petro Rabigh named Hassan Al Yami as CEO, effective Sept 1. Infrastructure Materials: Enlight Metals launched GI earthing strips for power, substations, oil & gas, petrochem and data centres.

PFAS Water Safety Move: Riverina Water says a dilution program brought PFAS in treated supplies in West Wagga Wagga back within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines after elevated PFOS was found in raw bores, though the contamination source remains unclear. Nigeria Downstream Logistics: Dangote Petroleum expanded its “free fuel delivery” initiative to Kano, Imo, Anambra and Nasarawa to cut distribution costs for marketers and potentially ease pump prices. Oil & Gas Industry Labor: PENGASSAN elected Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro as its new president, vowing to protect jobs and push back on casualisation. Regional Refining Push: Aliko Dangote offered East African states a 30% stake in a planned $20bn Kenya refinery at Lamu (700,000 bpd) with construction expected to start in September. Trade Shock for Chemicals Supply Chains: Canada braces for the full hit from 50% U.S. tariffs after talks collapsed, threatening cross-border shipments of industrial inputs. PFAS/Environmental Enforcement: Kuwait Petroleum reported lower propane and butane exports amid force majeure-linked route disruptions and a shift toward domestic supply. Climate Pressure on Chemical Transport: Europe’s extreme heat is drying major rivers like the Rhine, disrupting inland navigation used for moving bulk chemicals and fuels.

Petrochemicals & Capital Returns: Borouge confirmed a $656m interim dividend (8.1 fils/share) after H1 2026 results, reiterating a full-year 16.2 fils/share plan as it completes Borouge International integration. Industrial Projects: Oman’s Nizwa Industrial City signed a RO4m+ ($10.4m) chemical mixing and oilfield equipment maintenance contract to expand localized services and jobs. Regulatory Pressure on Chemicals: A California diaper bill cleared the Assembly, pushing manufacturers to disclose intentionally added chemicals (including PFAS and phthalates) online and on packaging. Semiconductor Chemical Scrutiny: Environmental groups sued the Trump administration over EPA approval of two unnamed semiconductor chemicals tied to reproductive and developmental risks. PFAS & Community Health: One year after Roseland’s Smitty’s Supply explosion, residents and testers say oil and “forever chemicals” still contaminate waterways, with ongoing concerns about cancer-causing toxins. Trade & Supply Chain: South Korea’s manufacturing sentiment rebounded above baseline on exports, while rare-earth sourcing shifts toward Brazil raise environmental alarm. Food Safety Chemicals: Karnataka seized 10,890 kg of bananas over alleged chemical ripening, with officials warning consumers can’t always tell by appearance.

Tariff Shock for Chemicals Trade: The US moved to impose 50% tariffs on about $20bn of Canadian imports after talks collapsed, with Canada warning “dollar for dollar” retaliation—raising near-term uncertainty for chemicals, textiles and industrial inputs. PFAS and Food-Contact Compliance: EU packaging rules entered general application Aug 12, forcing exporters to rethink recyclability, recycled content and “substances of concern,” with knock-on pressure on chemical safety and traceability across food, cosmetics and consumer goods. Water and Chemical Safety Oversight: Bahrain urged cooperatives to strictly separate food from detergents/chemicals and follow storage, hygiene and waste-disposal rules, while Gujarat’s FDA crackdown seized suspected counterfeit medicines tied to JB Chemicals batches. Industrial Expansion in India: Acutaas Chemicals approved up to Rs 212 crore for a Gujarat plant targeting electronic-grade chemicals, and Refex Industries reshuffled senior roles including a new ESG VP. Environmental Risk Watch: A one-year follow-up on Louisiana’s Smitty’s Supply blast keeps attention on lingering oil/contamination concerns, while drought-driven low river levels in Europe are disrupting logistics for major industrial corridors.

Hygiene & Materials: BASF opened a Global Hygiene Solutions Lab in Mumbai to support superabsorbents and diaper performance testing for customers worldwide. Battery Supply Chain: PCBL Chemical won policy clearance for a ₹329 crore acetylene black project under India’s Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at boosting conductive materials for lithium-ion batteries. Industrial Expansion: Vipul Organics started commercial production at its Sayakha, Gujarat specialty chemicals plant, consolidating pigment manufacturing and targeting 3,600 MT capacity. Energy & Downstream: Holtec International is exploring an SMR manufacturing and R&D push in Gujarat as India accelerates nuclear buildout. Agrochemicals & Health: A KMCRI study found pesticide traces in farmers’ blood for up to 15 days post-spraying, raising kidney/heart/metabolic concerns. Policy & Regulation: US court rulings upheld PFAS “forever chemicals” Superfund designations, shaping manufacturer liability. Trade Shock: New US tariffs on Canadian goods took effect after talks collapsed, including impacts on whey protein and chemicals-adjacent supply chains.

PFAS Scrutiny for Consumer Goods: Consumer Reports tested 19 baby wipe products for 30 PFAS compounds and found none detectable, and also reported no PFAS or lead in 10 baby lotions; it likewise found no detectable BPA/lead/phthalates in tested baby bottles and flagged fragrance-free, simpler formulas as the safer bet for sensitive baby skin. Food-Safety Enforcement: Maharashtra’s FDA suspended licenses of multiple Mumbai eateries, including a Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald’s outlet, after inspections cited live flies, dead cockroaches, improper storage of chemicals near food, and hygiene lapses. PFAS Funding Push: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and the DNR urged lawmakers to release $10M from a PFAS settlement with Tyco Fire Products for private-well testing and replacements in the Marinette area. Industrial Chemical Compliance Gap: Arkansas regulators said a Fort Smith chemical plant (C&S Chemicals) operated without a required stormwater permit before a May spill and also missed hazardous-chemical inventory filings, setting up potential enforcement. Corporate Chemical Expansion: Reliance Industries shareholders approved adding explosives, blasting agents, fertilisers and agrochemicals to its business objects, including products like ammonia and ammonium nitrate. Drug-Precursor Chemical Detection: Nigeria’s NDLEA said US-provided forensic equipment helped identify a precursor chemical tied to fentanyl production during a major meth lab bust in Ogun. Agrochemical/Plant Defense Research: Chinese researchers reported cowpea plants can summon parasitic wasps and also prime soil defenses via root-released chemicals, pointing to new ways to manage crop pests.

Food Safety & Certification: Sri Lanka plans a certification programme to ensure fruits are sold free from harmful chemical residues, with officials mapping hygienic ripening facilities and promoting Good Agricultural Practices across farmers, traders and supermarkets. Agrochemicals & Adulteration Crackdown: India’s Gujarat seized 14,709 kg of adulterated cooking oil in Patan, allegedly mixing waste oil with soybean oil and relabeling for sale; in Udupi, raids seized 10,890 kg of chemically ripened bananas. Industrial Innovation: MIT spinout SiTration and BHP are trialling copper recovery from legacy mine water in Arizona, aiming for autonomous production and later commercial-scale cathodes without using chemicals. Materials & Regulation: Lanxess launched Disflamoll Advance plasticizing flame retardants with low triphenyl phosphate (TPP) to help plastics makers meet tightening rules and reduce antimony trioxide use. PFAS & Environmental Policy: A US appeals decision kept EPA’s CERCLA hazardous-substance designation for PFAS chemicals (PFOA/PFOS), keeping cleanup liability pressure on polluters. Public Health & Chemicals: A Nature Reviews Cardiology review says nicotine itself—whether smoked, vaped, or in pouches—still carries cardiovascular harm, even if combustion products are removed. Supply Chain & Manufacturing: UK CBI data shows export order books returning to “normal” levels for the first time in years, while chemical output remains a drag. Safety & Emergency Response: Delaware declared a state of emergency in Dover after a tornado caused widespread damage and power outages.

DOE Funding: Arcanum Ventures was picked for $50M from the U.S. Department of Energy to build a commercial-scale battery-grade ethylene carbonate plant, aiming to cut U.S. reliance on imported supply for lithium-ion electrolytes. PFAS & Public Health: New Hampshire received a $7.3M PFAS settlement payment from 3M, adding to more than $43M already collected for drinking-water cleanup; meanwhile, a U.S. Senate watchdog push urges faster PFAS remediation at military sites after an Inspector General report flagged major gaps. Fuel Quality Regulation: Namibia’s MIME and NSI signed an agreement to strengthen petroleum fuel quality control, testing, and enforcement to curb fuel dumping and smuggling. Agrochemical Delivery Safety: Australia’s drone rules for farm spraying are being loosened, but critics warn heavier spray drones could increase flyaway risks and harmful drift. Hazardous Waste Controls: Cape Cod launched free “Love Your Local Water” hazardous household waste collection days through October to keep pesticides and other toxics out of groundwater. Medical Counterfeit Crackdown: Delhi Police arrested 17 over an anti-cancer medicine racket, including counterfeit Keytruda sold across multiple cities. Energy Transition Minerals: Aramco and Maaden agreed a JV to explore copper and other transition minerals in Saudi Arabia’s Transition Zone using AI-driven targeting.