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GLOBAL ECONOMY

The chemical industry is expected to continue to contend with disruptions to oil, gas and feedstock caused by a new era marked by instability. These transformations are characterized by weaknesses in global governance, a rise of conflict, and mounting backlashes to multilateralism and free trade. The rise of a multipolar, less globalized world has been accelerated by the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. With growing geopolitical tensions, more friction in supply chains could become the norm. And as labour costs rise in less developed economies and changes in production methods in some industries favor a more localized presence, there may also be less impetus for companies to seek production sites further afield, causing globalization to be on the retreat. All this could see inflationary pressures remaining more elevated over the longer term.

The combination of supply chain bottlenecks, generous government spending, tight labor markets and a commodity shock triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused inflation to shoot well above central banks targets across many developed economies.

The disruption of 2022 has helped the chemical industry position itself to lead the coming materials transformation. But with macroeconomic indicators such as volatile energy prices, higher costs, and the fracturing of trading patterns signaling uncertainty in the global economy, how can companies plan to overcome potential headwinds and position themselves for a bright long-term future? Our 2023 chemical industry outlook explores four trends that are top of mind for business leaders in the year ahead.

The global dyes and pigments market size was valued at USD 38.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing demand from various application industries such as textiles, paints & coatings, construction, and plastics is expected to drive the market growth. Major producers are actively venturing into enhancing their products by utilizing advanced technologies for the efficient removal of hazardous pollutants during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers are likely to experience varied production costs due to volatility in the prices of raw materials, such as benzene. A wide distribution network in the market is achieved through both brick & mortar stores and online retailing.

Materials transformation is coming—2023.

Materials transformation is coming—2023 could set the stage.

The racecourse on which US chemical companies run has been dramatically altered in 2022, setting the trajectory for the next major change and greater sustainability in the chemical industry. This evolution will likely continue in 2023 amid an emerging new industrial policy in the United States, evolving consumer preferences, supply chain challenges, and economic uncertainty. But chemical companies have stewarded a good "war chest" for these uncertain times. As an industry, businesses in the United States have performed well in recent years.

Chemical producers can play a crucial role in effectively tackling climate change. Chemicals and materials are ubiquitous in a modern-day lifestyle, and for chemical producers to operate in an evolving global geopolitical landscape, there will be a strong need to make fundamental changes, either proactively or reactively. In the coming year, chemical companies will likely have to plan for challenges—from global inflation to oil price volatility. This combination could make 2023 an important year for a strategic shift. Explore the four trends below that will likely influence the direction of the industry over the next 12 months.

The availability of products on e-commerce platforms has increased the client base of market participants. Rapid growth in the global construction industry has also been a key growth-driving factor for the overall market. Countries, such as U.S., U.K., China, Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, exhibit significant growth potential in the global construction sector.

The reactive dyes segment dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 57% in 2022. These products are composed of highly colored organic substances and have primary applications in tinting textiles. They have a high resistance to fading and are available in a range of bright shades, which makes them suitable for coloring cotton and rayon. Moreover, they can form a covalent bond with fibers during the process of dyeing. It also includes a parent dye, a linking group, and an active group. These advantages enable them to inhibit characteristics, which are superior and preferable over other dyes used in cellulose fibers. The segment is estimated to expand further at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030.

Inorganic pigments earned a higher share in the market as compared to organic pigments due to properties, such as good wetting, darker color, and leanness. However, the organic pigments segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.7%, in terms of revenue, from 2023 to 2030. Stringent regulations affecting the inorganic pigments demand are also likely to provide positive scope for organic pigments through internal substitution of the product.

INDIAN ECONOMY:

Indias thriving chemical industry owes its success to escalating demand and supportive government policies. Indias chemical sector is ranked the sixth-largest globally by output and third in Asia. Contributing a substantial seven percent to Indias GDP, the chemical industry is a key supplier to diverse industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Government initiatives, including chemical development schemes, and plastic parks, are fueling investment opportunities. Notably, the chemical industry allows 100 percent FDI through the automatic route, except for select hazardous chemicals.

The Indian chemical industry is expected to reach US$304 billion by 2025, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3 percent. The chemical industry in India is valued at a substantial US$220 billion and experts predict that it could reach an astonishing US$1 trillion by 2040.

By 2025, the demand for chemicals in India is expected to grow by 9 percent per annum, and the chemical industry is anticipated to contribute US$383 billion to Indias GDP by 2030. This increase is expected due to the rise in demand in the end-user segments for specialty chemicals and petrochemicals segment.

According to Invest India, the market size of the chemical and petrochemical sector in India is US$178 billion. The Indian chemical industry covers around 80,000 commercial products, employees over two million people, and makes up 3.4 percent of the global chemical industry.

The production of Total Major Chemicals and Petrochemicals in 2022-23 (up to September 2022) is 26570 thousand MT. CAGR in production of Total Chemicals and Petrochemicals during the period 2017-18 to 2021-22 is 4.61%.

INDUSTRY TRENDS

Outlook:

The disruption of 2022 has helped the chemical industry position itself to lead the coming materials transformation. But with macroeconomic indicators such as volatile energy prices, higher costs, and the fracturing of trading patterns signaling uncertainty in the global economy, how can companies plan to overcome potential headwinds and position themselves for a bright long-term future? Our 2023 chemical industry outlook explores four trends that are top of mind for business leaders in the year ahead.

Company Overview:

The Company operates through three verticals- Specialty chemicals, Agro chemicals and Chemical intermediaries. Through its subsidiary company K.P International Limited Company is having manufacturing facility at GIDC, Dahej. After successfully started production from June-2021, Company has gained domestic client network and also increased their Export. For further expansion and to achieve attractive future growth, Company is currently working on Phase-III Production. The company is having potential export market in various countries like USA, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand, Korea, Mexico, Japan and Indonesia. FY 2021-22 ended on a good note despite of having temporary disruption and adverse microeconomic situation, the Company managed to have healthy revenue growth as well as it continues to meet the commitments. With the vision of expansion of Capacity, the Company have worked for the best Results.

Internal Controls:

The company has adequate systems of internal control in place, which is commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. The IT system and infrastructure are continuously examined and improved with appropriate and timely upgradation.

Internal Audit function plays a key role in providing to both the operating management and to the Audit Committee of the Board, an objective view and reassurance of the overall control systems and effectiveness of the Risk Management processes across the Company and its subsidiary. Internal Audit also assesses opportunities for improvement in business processes, systems and controls and provides recommendations designed to add value to the operations.

The Audit Committee meets on a quarterly basis to review and discuss effectiveness of the internal control system. The Audit Committee also meets the Statutory Auditors separately to ascertain their views on the adequacy and efficiency of the internal control systems.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Chemicals industry occupies a pivotal position in meeting basic needs and improving quality of life. The industry is a key enabler for industrial and agricultural development of the country and provides building blocks for several downstream industries, such as textiles, papers, paints, varnishes, soaps, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. It is also among the most diversified industrial sectors and covers over 80,000 commercial products.

The government permits 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in this sector under the automatic approval route. Manufacturing of most chemical products inter-alia covering organic/inorganic, dyestuff and pesticides is de-licensed. Factors such as boost to speciality and agrochemicals chemicals due to rapid development in construction and agricultural sector, inadequate per capita consumption and strong demand from paints, textiles and diversified manufacturing base shall aid towards the development of Indian chemicals sector, the same is expected to grow at around 9% per annum and touch US$ 304 billion by 2025.

Government of India has launched several schemes and initiatives to encourage growth of the sector which include:

Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) scheme: concept of PCPIR is cluster approach to promote petroleum, chemicals and petrochemical sectors in an integrated and environmentally friendly manner on a large scale. PCPIRs have already received investments worth US$ 24.68 billion till now, these PCPIRs are expected to attract investment in the tune of US$ 117.42 billion approximately. PCPIRs are being developed in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha and Tamil Nadu and have already generated direct and indirect employment for 0.2 million people with total potential of 3.4 million.

The Indian chemical industry has received the much-needed boost in the past 4 to 5 years. The Government is taking strict measures to cut down on the challenges that the industry is facing. It is also coming up with new projects and plants to leverage all the opportunities to the maximum. In fact, the Governments new "Make in India" initiative would also play a pivotal role in boosting the growth of the Indian chemical industry. Other favourable Government initiatives such as "Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme", are likely to boost the manufacturing sector, and thereby indirectly benefit the industry and the Company.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

One of the main drivers of Indias economic growth is the countrys strong domestic consumption, which is supported by a sizable and expanding middle class. A major factor in maintaining the nations economic momentum has also been the governments initiatives to encourage ease of doing business and draw foreign investment. According to the National Statistical Offices (NSO) second advance estimate, Indias GDP growth is projected to be 7% in FY 2022-23 compared to 9.1% in FY 2021-22. The bilateral trade also reached a record high of USD 447.46 billion with 6.03% growth during FY 202223, surpassing the previous high of USD 422.00 billion in FY 2021-22, despite the weakening external demand.

CHINA PLUS ONE STRATEGY

The global agrochemical industry is dominated by China. Due to growing environmental concerns, many specialty chemical companies in China have ceased their activities, and industries that rely on specialty chemicals are diversifying to different countries. Consequently, Indian manufacturers are looking at expanding their portfolio with value-added products. Rising demand from domestic as well as overseas companies for Indian agrochemicals brings an immense opportunity for growth in the coming years.

IMPORT SUBSTITUTES

The Indian Speciality Chemicals Industry is heavily dependent on imports. The government is nudging domestic producers to fulfil this demand. The situation has been exacerbated by the war impeding imports. This can push Indian producers to meet domestic demand.

THREATS

LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF SKILLED MANPOWER: -

Despite having a favourable demographic profile, labour and skill shortage continues to be one of the key concerns for the Indian chemical industry. The Government along with Industry bodies are putting their best foot forward to have education and vocational training institution arming the manpower with appropriate skill set.

CHEAP IMPORTS: -

Structural shifts in the Chinese market arising from over capacity coupled with weakening prices are threatening the Indian players. As China threat was partly getting managed through the anti-dumping duty route, we now have Russian problem. Russia is a key producer of steel and as its currency has hit rock bottom, the Indian market can see cheap imports.

COMPETITION: -

Our government has allowed 100% FDI in Chemical Sector. This has resulted in domestic players facing stiff competition from foreign multinationals, capable of exerting strong price pressure on local markets. Yash Chemex Limited views this as a health indicator of further thriving and leveraging on its attributes. Better pricing, quality products, high volumes and strategic locations, compared to its peers are some of the factors that places the Company in a better position to face this competition.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT / INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS:

The employee strength of the Company as on 31st March, 2023 was 3. The relations with the employees of the Company remained cordial and harmonious.

The Company encourages the employees to upgrade their knowledge and skills. The training sessions on various working parameters are conducted in routine apart from allowing employees for outside specialized training, wherever required.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT:

Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March, 2021 are in compliance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) prescribed under section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (CONSOLIDATED) (Rs. In Lakhs):

2022-23 2021-22 Reason for decline
Revenue from Operations 9141.91 9977.87 -Lower demand -Increase in Financial Cost and Depreciation -Fluctuations in Prices of Chemicals
EBITDA 472.27 458.95
Profit after Tax 381.59 341.23
Earnings Per Share (EPS in Rs.) 2.73 3.33

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Statements in "Management Discussion and Analysis" describing the Companys objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions are forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable security laws or regulations. These statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events. The actual results might differ materially from those expressed or implied depending upon factors such as climatic conditions, global and domestic demand-supply conditions, finished goods prices, raw materials cost and availability, foreign exchange market movements, changes in Governmental regulations and tax structure, economic and political developments within India and the countries with which the Company has business.

Therefore, the Company assumes no responsibility in respect of forward looking statements herein which may undergo change in future on the basis of subsequent developments, information or events.