Recently, with the dynamic evolution of cross-border trade frictions and tariff policies between China, the United States and China, the supply chain of global upstream key chemical raw materials (including silicone monomers, basic fluororesins, modified polymers and high-purity solvents, etc.) is facing unprecedented structural challenges. Coupled with the multiple impacts of various countries' environmental compliance (such as VOC control, PFAS restriction bills, etc.) and the continued rise in international shipping costs, the industrial adhesives and special electronic materials industry chain is undergoing a new round of cost restructuring and product structure adjustment.
1. Core incentives: high raw material costs and pressure on the international trade environment
Basic chemical raw materials and upstream monomer prices fluctuate
Affected by the price fluctuations of crude oil derivatives, industrial silicon and other primary raw materials and the adjustment of cross-border import and export tariffs, the production and delivery costs of overseas synthetic resin matrices, silicone oils and additives have increased significantly, pushing up the manufacturing costs of downstream fine chemical products.
Environmental compliance regulations accelerate product iteration
Countries have strengthened their VOC (volatile organic compound) control standards.As well as environmental reviews on fluorinated surfactants and specific flame retardants, major overseas chemical giants have accelerated the elimination of old and highly polluting brands. Some traditional solvent-based and non-environmentally friendly formula products have successively entered production suspension, production restriction or formula upgrade cycles.
International logistics and delivery cycle extension
The lengthening of the cross-border customs clearance review cycle and the tight shipping capacity of special hazardous chemicals have resulted in widespread delays in the spot delivery of imported industrial-grade adhesives and special lubricants.
2. Current status of supply and product matrix adjustment of internationally renowned brands
Under the dual pressure of raw material shortages and changes in international trade policies, many international specialty chemical giants have successively adjusted their supply strategies and product catalogs in China:
ThreeBond (Japanese Three Bond)
Affected by new environmental regulations on solvents and adjustments to resin raw material formulas, ThreeBond has accelerated the upgrading of traditional solvent-based sealants and screw fasteners.Some old high-VOC brands are gradually discontinued or withdrawn from the market, and are fully switched to improved models with low VOC and environmental compliance requirements (such as CV series, etc.) to promote end customers to complete process verification.
Momentive (Momentive Advanced Materials)
Affected by changes in the global production capacity distribution of high-purity silicone monomers and changes in tariff costs, Momentive has adjusted the supply cycle of its production lines such as special silicone rubber (RTV), thermal insulation silicone grease and optical grade potting glue. Some old brands with low profits and high energy consumption have implemented phased discontinuation or integration and mergers, and the spot supply is biased towards strategic core customers.
DuPont (DuPont, USA)
DuPont has optimized the global supply of its product lines of special fluoroplastics, fluorine-containing coatings and industrial special lubricants (such as Krytox and other series). Affected by the tightening of quotas for fluorine-containing basic raw materials and environmental protection supervision, the delivery cycle of some non-core industrial products has been significantly extended, and prices have shown a periodic upward trend.
3. Manufacturing enterprises’ response strategies and break-through suggestions
Facing the risk of price increases, production suspensions and out-of-stock of imported raw materials, downstream electronic assembly, communication equipment and auto parts manufacturing companies should actively take the following measures to ensure production continuity:
Establish safety stocks of key models and lock orders in advance
Pay close attention to the production schedule and customs declaration dynamics of commonly used main materials, prepare materials in advance according to the production schedule for the next 2 to 3 quarters, and lengthen the procurement lead time to deal with sudden production shutdowns and fluctuations in transportation capacity.
Accelerate the launch of "original improved model" or "same-level compliance grade" test verification
For high-risk material numbers that have been officially included in the production discontinuation plan or environmental review, the technology and R&D; departments should work with agents to obtain the technical information (TDS/SDS) and test samples of alternative materials as early as possible, and promote reliability tests such as thermal shock and shear peeling in advance.
Choose a spot service provider with formal customs declaration qualifications and technical service capabilities
Avoid gray channels that lack compliance qualifications and choose professional distributors with stable supply and complete import customs clearance documents and technical selection support capabilities to ensure that you can still receive accurate technical support and spot guarantee during the period of raw material changes.
As a professional distribution service provider that specializes in imported industrial adhesives, special sealants and industrial materials, our company continues to closely track the product dynamics and supply and demand trends of international chemical giants. If you need to obtain the latest discontinuation alternatives, environmentally friendly TDS/SDS or apply for project proofing of brands such as ThreeBond, Momentive, and DuPont, please contact our technical service team.
