The performance additive market has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is expected to continue to gain strength. One of the driving factors has been a move away from single-function additives and a push towards multi-functional products. Manufacturers are reformulating, looking for the replacement raw materials that will provide cost savings and improve performance... Read more »
Chemical Distribution 2023 Economic Outlook NACD’s economic reports for December 2022 indicate that 2023 is likely to feel the impact of a recession (1). With high interest rates and increased consumer debt, chemical sales may be dampened if high users of chemical products are backing off purchases. With federal debt continuing to increase alongside interest... Read more »
At a time of year when transportation and freight are already pressed, the possibility of a major rail strike threatens to further disrupt the US economy. In September, a tentative agreement was made between rail companies and unions, temporarily preventing a strike. Now it appears that a strike may be imminent next month. Contract negotiations... Read more »
A second wave of Superfund taxes will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The new round of taxes will be applied to imported crude oil and petroleum products. The petroleum excise tax applies to crude received at a US refinery and is to be paid by the refinery operator. Taxes on petroleum products... Read more »
by Shannon Beranek, National Sales Representative Last month, I had the opportunity to attend my first industry conference since joining the ChemCeed sales team this summer. The International Elastomer Conference was held in Knoxville, Tennessee from October 10-13 and ChemCeed exhibited at this event. I was accompanied at IEC with my colleague, Myra Detienne. The... Read more »
ChemCeed is pleased to announce that we will be attending the NACD Annual Meeting in Coronado, California! The event will be held from November 7-10, 2022 at the Hotel Coronado. For more information on the event, visit https://www.nacd.com/education-meetings/meetings/2022-annual-meeting/ To schedule a meeting, contact us at inquiry@chemceed.com.
The demand for lithium has boomed in recent years, particularly with the global push towards electric vehicles (EVs). What was once an element with limited applications, lithium’s use in rechargeable batteries has caused an explosion in demand. Since 2021, the pricing of lithium carbonate has increased more than 400% and continues to rise. The supply... Read more »
Combustible dust safety is vital for many businesses and manufacturers. In 2021, combustible dust was responsible for 163 fires, 53 explosions, 215 injuries and sixty-nine deaths, according to Dust Safety Science’s Combustible Dust Incident Report. Combustible dust is fine particles of products that build up over time and when suspended in the air can ignite.... Read more »
Ocean shipping issues have been a major factor in the supply chain difficulties since the start of the pandemic. In 2021, US legislators proposed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) in an attempt to mitigate some of the problems plaguing the industry. Signed into law by President Biden in June 2022, the OSRA intends to... Read more »
US rail workers could be headed for a nationwide strike if an agreement is not reached within days, which could be a devastating blow to the economy and manufacturing. Union members voted in July to strike, seeking better quality-of-life provisions in their contracts. These provisions center around attendance policies and vacation and sick days. ... Read more »
