BASF, Huntsman and Wanhua Chemical Implement Synchronous Price Hikes！
On September 11, BASF announced immediate price increases for its Lupranate® MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) base products and Lupranate® TDI (toluene diisocyanate) in ASEAN and South Asian countries, with a rise of USD 250 per metric ton (equivalent to approximately RMB 1,676 per metric ton).
Market sources disclosed that Wanhua Chemical raised its product prices for Southeast Asia and South Asia effective September 14, 2026 in response to recent market shifts and persistent increases in raw‑material, energy and supply‑chain costs: MDI up by USD 300/MT; TDI up by USD 300/MT; polyether polyols up by USD 400/MT.
Huntsman will increase prices for all MDI products across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) by EUR 285 per metric ton (roughly RMB 2,205/MT), effective October 1, 2026 or subject to contractual terms.
According to Huntsman, manufacturing costs for MDI keep climbing. The firm previously communicated adjustments for natural‑gas surcharges and price increases announced in July.
Earlier on August 26, Dow Europe GmbH lifted prices for selected polyurethane products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, taking effect immediately or as permitted under contractual provisions. Details are as follows:
- All polyol products: +EUR 250/MT
- All MDI and MDI‑based products: +EUR 200/MT
- All polyurethane system materials: +EUR 150/MT
Dow attributed the price adjustments to rising energy, raw‑material and logistics costs in Europe.
Major overseas chemical production hubs are rolling out successive price hikes amid sustained cost pressure. The global MDI and TDI markets are expected to maintain firm sentiment, and future market trends merit continued monitoring.
Saudi Aramco Mulls Sale of Wholly‑owned Subsidiary Arlanxeo
Saudi Aramco is considering divesting its wholly‑owned subsidiary Arlanxeo. People familiar with the matter stated that the company has engaged advisors to identify potential buyers, with chemical enterprises and private‑equity funds among prospective bidders. The proposed transaction comes as Saudi Aramco pushes forward an asset‑divestment programme targeting up to USD 35 billion in total proceeds.
Cash‑flow pressures weigh on Saudi Aramco. Its USD 35‑billion divestment plan covers real‑estate assets, equity stakes in oil export terminals, gas‑fired power plants and water‑treatment infrastructure. Meanwhile, the group is advancing its approximately USD 69.1‑billion acquisition of the 70 % stake in SABIC held by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and may issue USD 10‑billion worth of bonds for financing purposes.
Proceeds from the potential Arlanxeo sale will fund Saudi economic‑transformation initiatives and underpin dividend payouts. Unlike partial‑stake sales or sale‑and‑lease‑back arrangements, disposing of the wholly‑owned subsidiary means Saudi Aramco will fully exit the operating asset, signalling that Arlanxeo no longer ranks among its strategic priorities.
Post time: Sep-22-2026