Why are there Virgin PTFE and Kynar- PVDF long lead times

During the last year, the business has experienced more challenges than I've come across around my 30 years experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have experienced several shortages, and delivery problems stemming from resin allocations through plastic resin manufacturers. This is definitely the very first occasion I have seen all these issues at one time.

PTFE Sheet (TFE) and Kynar - PVDF both are on allocation.

Both of these resins are in short supply. The  PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene product PTFE (TFE) and also Kynar  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar which is mined in Mongolia and China. The worldwide interest in this mineral has grown significantly, along with the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance and incredibly low co-efficient of friction (slippery) and is utilized throughout dozens of purposes from non-stick fry pans to ptfe tape for personal use. This specific mineral is a crucial raw material in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and several refrigerants.This increase in demand linked with shortage of raw materials is mainly responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double in the last year), shortages, and we expect these two factors to stay in affect in the near future.

Kynar PVDF Sheet