Oil Slump Felt Across Markets

Many sectors of manufacturing are reacting to the decline in oil prices.   Chemical prices from oil-based feedstocks have consistently fallen, leading to lower material costs and higher profit margins in some sectors.   Other industries, such as rubber manufacturing, whose materials serve the oil and gas field are feeling the effects of waning demand as oil refining slows.   Turbulent markets continue to be a concern in 2016, with no end in sight to the oversupply and weak demand in the oil market.