Interviews with Huntsman and with dsm-firmenich
Hermínio Muchon Latin America Sales Manager HUNTSMAN
How do you see US tariffs affecting customers’ businesses?
Some customers’ projects have been paused due to sensitivity around tariffs. Customers are highly concerned about retaliatory tariffs from the Brazilian government, which could impact demand in 2025. Brazilian local industry relies heavily on US products, meaning tariff retaliation would hinder investment and inventory buildup. Nearshoring expectations, especially in Mexico’s technology and automotive sectors, have also faced setbacks.
What are the key opportunities you see in Argentina?
Huntsman’s key Latin American markets are Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, all showing strong performance despite tariff challenges. Growth opportunities in Argentina are prevalent in oil and gas exploration and production, gas treating, and CO2 capture. The agrochemical industry in Argentina is strong too. There is also interest in construction additives. Conversations with customers in early 2025 indicate promising new projects and ongoing developments in these sectors.
How do Huntsman’s products contribute to making industry more sustainable?
We offer low-emission catalysts for the polyurethane industry, along with solvents that can serve as alternatives to traditional high-VOC solvents. Additionally, our amines are used in CO2 capture at certain steel plants.
What are your expectations for Huntsman in Latin America in 2025-26?
Developments in Argentina and Colombia for Huntsman are promising, supported by distributors poised to deliver significant business between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.
In some segments without current distributors, new potential partners are entering the region, eager to introduce specialty products. This enthusiasm reflects Huntsman’s proactive spirit in expanding its network and product reach. Despite market uncertainties, there is a hunger for business and growth across the industry, fueling future opportunities in Latin America.
Francisco Fienga SVP Latin America and President Brazil
DSM-FIRMENICH
Could you introduce us to Dsm-firmenich?
Dsm-firmenich is the result of the merger between DSM, a global leader in health, nutrition, and bioscience, and Firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned fragrance and taste company, which was completed in 2023. In Brazil, we have a presence in more than 20 locations, including offices, production plants, laboratories, warehouses, and distribution centers. We operate across four business units: Animal Nutrition & Health; Perfumery & Beauty; Taste, Texture & Health; and Health, Nutrition & Care.
What impact is AI is having on the chemical sector?
Dsm-firmenich is already using AI in its TTH division to help our flavorists in their formulations. Our company generated the first AI-created flavor globally. Likewise, we use AI in our perfumery division to assist our staff by leveraging the impressive volume of information it can handle, which attests to its sensorial complexity. In our animal nutrition division, we just launched Lore, which is an AI assistant that helps consolidate data regarding farming, enabling more agile and informed decision-making.
Can you tell us about Dsm-firmenich’s approach and commitment to sustainability?
We recently reached an important milestone ahead of schedule: achieving 100% renewable electricity across our operations. This was made possible by prioritizing long-term energy purchase agreements, establishing local supply contracts, and securing certified guarantees for transparency and traceability.
Looking forward, we aim to reduce direct and energy-related emissions from our operations by 42% and value-chain emissions by 25% by 2030, on the path to becoming net-zero by 2045.
What are Dsm-firmenich’s strategies for the future and expansion plans?
Dsm-firmenich, looking forward, has decided to focus on its beauty, human nutrition, and health business. The company has decided to carve out its animal nutrition business to concentrate on the human side, which has very different cycles from those of the animal nutrition business. Our future strategy relies on having a more focused portfolio.