Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation

Mitsubishi Chemical Group has revised upward its consolidated net profit forecast for the April–September 2026 period to 86 billion yen, from the previous 59 billion yen. Inventory valuation gains arose from soaring naphtha prices due to turmoil in the Middle East, while temporary demand increases driven by customers' raw material procurement concerns and strong semiconductor-related sales also contributed. The full-year net profit forecast remains unchanged at 127 billion yen, with the company noting that assessing second-half performance is difficult.

The global isobutanol market is projected to grow from USD 0.74 billion in 2025 to USD 1.89 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 38%, according to a new report by Custom Market Insights. The market was valued at approximately USD 0.74 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 0.81 billion in 2026. Growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable biofuel components, increased use in specialty chemicals and coatings, expansion of bio-based production, and advancements in fermentation technologies. The bio-based isobutanol segment is the largest and fastest-growing, while the Asia Pacific region holds the top market position and shows the highest growth rate. Key players include Gevo Inc., OQ Chemicals GmbH, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.