Prices…. increasing for Sept 2023?
For the first time in what seems like ages, prices on many commodities and raw materials are trending upwards to begin Q4. Global producer ALTIVIA announced a $.05/lb increase on Acetone this week, effective mid-August, presumably amongst increasing production costs from Crude Oil & Natural Gas, amongst other market conditions. Overseas-based ester producers have paused […]
USTR China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Expiring September 30th
The Section 301 Tariff Exclusions, which were extended in December 2022 and May 2023, are currently set to expire and be reinstated as a 25% Tariff on September 30th, 2023. In May, the tariff exclusion deadline was extended just a matter of days prior to the deadline, however as of today it’s unknown if the […]
A Rising Tide: The Rebound of Ocean Freight Rates
Long-standing trends of sinking freight rates have appeared to run their course, particularly in the realm of ocean carriers. These once dwindling rates have seemingly hit their lowest and are now beginning to catch an upward current. This uptick is especially notable in several lanes, including those bridging the US with Asia and Europe, Fastmarkets […]
Dow Battles Flames & Supply Chain Fallout: FM Declared at Louisiana Unit
In the wake of a fire on July 16th, Dow has declared a force majeure on Ethylene Oxide (EO) at their Plaquemine, LA unit. The aftermath of the blaze is expected to halt operations for a few weeks at least, with industry insiders hinting that supply issues could extend into the months ahead. EO plays […]
Chemical Industry’s Q2 Reports: A Streak of Underwhelming Performance
As we venture into mid-July, the corporate landscape is abuzz with the disclosure of Q2 earnings results, Reuters reports. These financial fever charts offer a glimpse into what might lie ahead for the remainder of the year. The chemical industry has been walking a tightrope, experiencing persistent double-digit percentage dips in Q2 sales and an […]
