The US-China trade war escalated as a new round of tariffs affecting $16bn worth of imports, including petrochemicals, took effect at midday in Asia on Thursday, raising the total value of affected goods to $50bn on each side. SEE MORE Global bans and the introduction of levies to combat plastic wastes will spur the development of commercial recycling options in the future, the CEO of Borouge's marketing and sales company said on Monday. SEE MORE Titanium dioxide (TiO2) prices will not see anything like the run-up and collapse in 2011-2012 as market dynamics have shifted and point to more stability ahead, the CEO of US-based producer Chemours said on Tuesday. SEE MORE China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Friday it would levy anti-dumping duties ranging from 23.1 percent to 75.5 percent on halogenated butyl rubberfrom the United States, the European Union and Singapore starting from Aug 20. SEE MORE Oil prices held firm on Tuesday, with U.S. fuel markets seen to be tightening, although the release of crude from the American strategic reserve somewhat offset an expected supply cut due to upcoming sanctions against Iran. SEE MORE