There’s a growing push across the chemical industry — globally and in India — toward sustainability, regulatory compliance, and safer chemical management. R&D and compliance costs are rising, but companies investing in “green chemistry” or safer alternatives may gain long-term advantage.

The slowdown in demand and global volatility is shifting business focus from high-volume, low-margin bulk chemicals toward speciality chemicals, agro-chemical intermediates, pharma-linked chemicals, and niche high-value chemicals. These segments tend to have better margins and are less exposed to commodity price swings. (The Financial Express)

For companies involved in chemical trading or supply-chain (raw materials, intermediates), this environment suggests caution — because competition from imports, global supply-side overcapacity, and shifting demand may impact margin and sales volumes.