NEWS July 23 – China’s Chemical Industry Shows Signs of 19^th Century Capitalism

Cheap Chinese products sold worldwide may have some hidden and unwelcome surprises for consumers. Americans found a dental paste polluted with a dangerous chemical used in anti-freeze and the same chemical found its way into a cold syrup costing over 100 people their lives in Panama. As the Chinese government recognizes in its own surveys, the problem with tainted and substandard products is typical, not accidental, extending to a number of other products, including baby formulas, candies, preserved fish, toys, and home appliances-most of which are consumed by China's own people. The new style “capitalism” in China is more closely linked to the less scrupulous Victorian style of 19th century Great Britain where profit for the individual was more important than creating a general wealth. This leads to many short-cuts being taken with health and safety, pollution control and risk of cross-contamination suffering the most.

NEWS July2 – 2006 A Good Year for the Chemical Industry

2006 brought, in many ways, a continuation of the growth in the chemical industry that began in 2004 and 2005. Major chemical companies saw continued growth based on good economics. Although all costs, raw material in particular, were still high, they had decreased and companies were, mostly, able to keep their product prices at reasonable growth levels. The European chemical industry provided a welcomed surprise in 2006. Demand, including export demand, which grew between 6.6% and 15.3%, was strong so sales growth was good at European chemical companies. This growth translated into higher earnings at most firms, and some that had been showing a loss in 2005 achieved significant profits in 2006.Other regions also saw their export values grow. In North America, U.S. chemical exports rose 12.6%, and in Canada, exports rose 7.7%. Japan, China and South Korea also saw significant increases in export sales.

NEWS June 26 – Japanese Mission a Success

A TRIO of ambitious North West chemical technology companies have showcased their skills to some of industry's biggest global players. A delegation from Nanoco Technologies, Reaxa and Acal Energy visited Japan on a trade mission, where they visited Fujitsu, Panasonic, Canon and Toshiba. The visit was organised by the Chemical Industries Association and assisted by the British Embassy and the British Consulate General in Japan and aimed to raise awareness of the north-west’s speciality and fine chemicals industry to these potentially high profile customers. Presentations on their products and services were given to the strategic research and development teams from the larger companies

NEWS June 21 - Cost Increases Drive US Chemical Production Overseas

According to a new report released by AMR Research, an approaching  U.S. manufacturing crisis poses a threat to the U.S. economy and national security. The report reveals that as a result of the increase in the cost and availability of chemicals, 25 percent of U.S. manufacturers will move some production overseas if current conditions persist. Across all companies that plan to move production offshore, the average amount of production shifted will be 32 percent.