Chemical Market Weekly | Oct 6, 2026: Anti-dumping Probe on EU p-Nitrotoluene, New Energy Storage +61% YoY, Overseas Investment Continues
10/6/2026
Chemical Market Weekly | October 6, 2026: MOFCOM opens anti-dumping probe on EU p-nitrotoluene, new energy storage capacity up 61% YoY, overseas chemical investment continues.
Dense official data were published in China this week: MOFCOM opened an anti-dumping investigation into imported p-nitrotoluene, the metals-minerals-chemical industry's trade in the first seven months exceeded USD 1.3 trillion, and the National Energy Administration reported new energy storage capacity up 61% year-on-year. Overseas, South Korea's largest petrochemical cartel case entered judicial process and European companies kept adding chemical investment. Below is the October 6 industry briefing; every item carries its original source.
1. Trade and policy
### MOFCOM opens anti-dumping investigation into p-nitrotoluene from the EU
By Announcement No. 44 of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene originating in the EU from October 3. The petition was filed on September 14 by Jiangsu Huaihe Chemical Co., Ltd. and Hubei Dongfang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; the investigation is scheduled to conclude by October 3, 2027. The announcement shows that prices of EU-origin p-nitrotoluene fell nearly 60% cumulatively from 2022 to 2025. Source: MOFCOM
### Metals-minerals-chemical industry trade exceeded USD 1.3 trillion in Jan-Jul
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) disclosed that from January to July this year, the country's metals-minerals-chemical industry achieved total imports and exports of USD 1,336.3 billion, accounting for 30.7% of the national total, up 20.7% year-on-year. Exports reached USD 491.4 billion, 19.5% of national exports, up 14.7%; imports were USD 844.8 billion. Source: CCPIT
2. Energy and storage
### National new energy storage capacity reached 153 GW, up 61% YoY
The National Energy Administration released data showing that by the end of June 2026, installed new energy storage capacity nationwide reached 153 GW / 396 GWh, up 61% year-on-year. The rapid growth drives demand for storage tanks, heat-exchange and piping equipment, and also creates opportunities for chemical equipment makers in energy-storage materials, electrolytes and cathode-material production lines. Source: National Energy Administration
### China's first 100 MW-class compressed CO2 energy storage plant connected to grid
On October 2, the Mulei 100 MW-class compressed CO2 energy storage power station in Xinjiang was connected to the grid and began generating. The project generates about 200 GWh per year, saves about 50,000 tonnes of standard coal annually and cuts CO2 emissions by about 170,000 tonnes per year, adding a new technical route for long-duration storage. Source: CCTV News
### First offshore CO2 injection and gas-boosting demonstration project completed
On October 4, the central platform of the Dongfang 1-1 gas field offshore CO2 injection and gas-boosting demonstration project was completed; CO2 is injected into the offshore gas field to assist gas recovery — China's first offshore demonstration application of CO2 injection for enhanced gas recovery, significant for offshore gas-field production increase and carbon utilization. Source: CCTV News
3. Standards and safety
### Three mandatory hazardous-chemical standards took effect from September 30
Three mandatory industry standards — AQ 3067-2026 "Criteria for Determining Major Production Safety Hazards in Chemical and Hazardous Chemicals Production and Operation Enterprises", AQ 3072-2026 "Requirements for Safety Guarantee Responsibilities of Major Hazard Sources of Hazardous Chemicals", and AQ 3026-2026 "Safety Specification for Equipment Maintenance Operations in Chemical Enterprises" — took effect on September 30, 2026, covering hazard determination, major-hazard-source management and equipment maintenance safety. Chemical enterprises need to align equipment configuration and maintenance procedures accordingly. Source: Ministry of Emergency Management
### Video dispatch on chemical safety during National Day holiday
On October 5, the Office of the State Council Work Safety Committee and the Ministry of Emergency Management held a video dispatch on safety prevention during the National Day holiday, targeting road traffic, industry and trade, mining and other key areas, requiring enterprises to consolidate primary responsibility and prevent holiday risks; chemical-plant maintenance and on-duty arrangements were key links. Source: Ministry of Emergency Management
4. Exhibitions and exchange
### 23rd China International Chemical Industry Fair held in Shanghai
From September 15 to 17, the 23rd China International Chemical Industry Fair (ICIF China 2026) was held in Shanghai, hosted by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, focusing on new chemical materials, green processes and intelligent equipment. Domestic and overseas chemical equipment companies showcased reactors, mixing, separation and complete-systems products. Source: Xinhua
5. Overseas markets
### South Korean prosecutors indict 8 petrochemical companies for price manipulation
On October 1, Seoul prosecutors indicted 8 South Korean petrochemical companies for price collusion on 8 petrochemical product categories, with an involved amount of about KRW 16.4 trillion (about USD 12.2 billion), covering January 2021 to April 2026 — one of South Korea's largest cartel cases to date. Source: ICIS
### Asian petrochemical trade thinned during Golden Week; aromatics supply tight
S&P Global's latest Asian petrochemical weekly shows that during October 5-9, tight aromatics supply supported prices in Asia, while China's market was subdued amid the National Day Golden Week; aromatics chain price trends across upstream and downstream need continued tracking. Source: S&P Global
### India's Hindalco cancels USD 1.25 billion acquisition
News on October 5: Hindalco announced cancellation of its USD 1.25 billion plan to acquire AluChem, a US high-purity alumina producer; the deal was announced in June 2025, and the reason for termination has not been disclosed. Source: Chemical Week
6. Overseas technology and investment
### European chemical companies step up food and materials investment
In early October, multiple European chemical investments landed: Evonik started an EUR 80 million biotechnology expansion project in Slovakia; Infraleuna commissioned an anaerobic wastewater treatment unit at the Leuna site in Germany; Toray developed a solvent-based PPS recycling process; Nestlé invested over USD 50 million to expand its Toronto confectionery plant — the only allergen-free plant in North America. Source: Chemical Engineering Source: ProFood World
What does this mean for chemical equipment?
Three trends from this week's public data deserve attention from equipment companies. First, safety and standard upgrades: with three mandatory hazardous-chemical standards in force, equipment must meet new requirements in sealing, access openings and safety accessories in advance, and retrofit demand for old production lines increases. Second, expanding storage and new-energy supporting demand: reactors and storage tanks gain more order opportunities in energy-storage materials, electrolytes and cathode-material lines. Third, overseas market divergence: Asian petrochemical trade is thin but Europe and the US remain active in technology investment — mixing tanks and dispersers makers with complete-line customization and export capability still have room. For companies planning new lines or retrofits, checking new standard requirements early and matching equipment to process beats after-the-fact rectification on cost.
Summary
This briefing aggregates 14 items of domestic public data and overseas market dynamics, covering trade policy, energy storage, standards and safety, exhibitions, and overseas market investment. Data items emphasize traceable sources, each with a hidden source link; equipment purchasing and investment decisions should be re-verified against official announcements and your own operating conditions.
Further reading: - Chemical Market Weekly | Oct 5, 2026: Pure benzene +6.3%, new hazardous chemical standards in force - Chemical equipment turnkey model: how a complete line lands from design to start-up
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This briefing is compiled by Shenzhen Hyline Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hyline.cn); all information rights belong to the original authors. Main products: stainless steel reactors, mixing tanks, storage tanks, dispersers, concentration tanks and complete chemical process lines; custom (non-standard) manufacturing supported.