On November 3, 2025, BASF announces that the group is taking decisive action to address structural changes in the global chemical fiber market characterized by significant overcapacities, by consolidating its Asian polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF^®)^* business into its Caojing site in China, while discontinuing PolyTHF production at the Ulsan chemicals site in South Korea. The closure is targeted for completion in 2026.

This decision is part of BASF’s ongoing strategic review of its global production setup to enhance competitiveness, in line with its Winning Ways strategy.

After the closure, BASF will continue to provide its customers with a reliable supply of PolyTHF, leveraging its strong regional production presence in Caojing, China; Ludwigshafen, Germany; and Geismar, the United States, with a total annual production capacity of 250,000 metric tons.

^{* PolyTHF® is an essential starting material for elastic spandex and elastane fibers, which are used in a wide range of textiles, for example swimsuits, sportswear and underwear. PolyTHF® is a registered trademark of BASF.}