Trends in Chems: Trump and Tariffs
Andrew Brady - Head of Basics, CreditSights
Jarah Cotton - Analyst, Chemicals, CreditSights
3 March 2025
The impact of tariffs and government policy for chemical companies has been muted. Companies are navigating competitive pressures from subsidized imports, with antidumping measures potentially leading to short-term price increases and capacity rationalization that could benefit domestic producers.
Tariffs and rising raw material costs are influencing pricing strategies, prompting firms to implement modest price adjustments and focus on reshoring to enhance efficiencies. Export positioning and diversification remain critical as companies strive to maintain strong competitive stances as net exporters.
In the chlor-alkali and epoxy markets, antidumping measures and trade dynamics are important, as companies adjust to pressures from subsidized Asian imports. These measures could lead to short-term price increases and capacity rationalization, benefiting some domestic players.