Japan clears polyolefin business integration involving Mitsui Chemicals, partners

Tokyo, Japan — Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. said they have received clearance from Japan’s antitrust regulator for a planned integration of polyolefin businesses.

The companies said the Japan Fair Trade Commission notified them it would not issue a cease-and-desist order following its review of the transaction.

The integration centers on combining operations of Prime Polymer Co., Ltd. — a joint venture between Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu — with Sumitomo Chemical’s polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene businesses in Japan.

The companies said the move is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Japan’s polyolefin sector, including polypropylene and polyethylene, and support resilient, essential businesses underpinning domestic industry.

The plan was first announced in September 2025, followed by a definitive agreement and joint venture arrangement in December 2025.

While Japanese regulatory clearance has been secured, reviews by overseas competition authorities are still ongoing. The companies said the integration will be implemented after those processes are completed.