The latest round of consolidation in the chemicals industry sees specialty chemical maker Lanxess bid for lubricant-additive producer Chemtura. The deal is predicated on portfolio expansion rather than cost cutting. Panjiva data shows there has been little interaction between the two in the U.S. from a trade perspective, and only a small amount in Mexico so far. The deal comes as Lanxess’ trade activity in the U.S. is slowing – it fell 41% in August alone.