OCI Co. Ltd. of Seoul is shutting down its toluene diisocyanate (TDI) business to improve overall profitability. OCI's board of directors approved the measure on Sept. 29, 2026, and the company announced on Oct. 1 that TDI production and sales will cease on Dec. 18, 2026.
OCI has a 50,000 metric tons/year TDI plant in Gunsan, South Korea, that began operation in 2009. Earlier reports said the TDI facility dates to 1991 and has run for more than 30 years.
Annual sales in the TDI business totaled 118 billion Korean won ($88 million) in 2025, or 5.9% of OCI's total revenue.
OCI said the move is part of adjusting marginal businesses to improve profitability and enhance corporate and shareholder value, with resources redirected toward higher-margin segments such as semiconductor materials and advanced carbon chemicals.
The exit is expected to reshape Asia-Pacific TDI supply, with customers in South Korea and Southeast Asia needing to find new suppliers and Chinese exporters potentially gaining share.
