The international market of the chemical industry in 2025

Since February 2025, the US government has continuously announced the imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods imported to the US. International trade involving chemical raw materials has attracted much attention, especially with the recent US tariffs and China's countermeasures. China's chemical exports are facing significant challenges. But in the industry's view, structural opportunities still exist in the chemical industry.

The US government's trade policy may not only restrict the development of Chinese chemical companies and related downstream terminal industries, but also affect the global chemical trade pattern, "said Ma Yingjun, an analyst at Zhuochuang Information. Under the current tariff policy, it may trigger a global trend of trade protectionism, causing other countries to adopt similar trade restrictions, thereby changing the global trade flow and market pattern of chemical products.

For example, by partially offsetting the adverse effects through Southeast Asia and Mexico, or developing emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa, we can promote the growth of raw material and intermediate exports. "Jia Tingting, an analyst at Zhuochuang Information, said that high-end chemicals still have market competitiveness due to their technological barriers, and cost optimization and overseas strategic layout will become the key to the long-term development of enterprises.

Ma Yingjun also said that Chinese chemical enterprises need to adjust the export market structure in response to the US tariff policy, increase trade cooperation with other countries and emerging markets, and promote the development of chemical products trade in the "the Belt and Road" countries. For example, chemical companies are increasing their market expansion in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, strengthening trade cooperation with these countries, expanding the export share of chemical products, and reducing dependence on the US market.