What is causing the TFE and PVDF extended delivery times

Within the last year, the industry has had more challenges than I've come across inside my three decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have observed several shortages, and delivery issues caused by material allocations coming from plastic resin suppliers. This is definitely the very first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE Rod (TFE) and PVDF are both on allocation.

The two of these resins are in short supply. The  PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene product PTFE (TFE) and also Kynar  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that's mined in Mongolia and China. The worldwide demand for this mineral has increased significantly, as well as supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and really low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is utilized throughout a lot of applications from non-stick fry griddles to ptfe tape for personal use. This mineral is the key raw material inside the production of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and many refrigerants.This surge in demand paired with shortage of raw materials is mainly responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double over the last year), shortages, and we expect these two factors to stay in affect in the near future.

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