Q&A: Why are PTFE Teflon prices going through the roof?
Posted by Dave Biering on Wed, Mar 09, 2011 @ 12:58 PM
All of us in the fluoropolymer business are suffering what could be called a perfect storm of bad news! First, the raw material situation. One of the key ingredients in the processing of fluoropolymers is a mineral called fluorspar. This is a material that is critical in the production of not only fluoropolymers but pharmaceuticals, hydrofluoric acid, refrigerants and any other product that requires a fluorine based stock. China controls most of the worlds resources on this mineral and it became part of a war of words and ultimately manipulation in the world market. Countries, including the USA, are now scrambling to reopen old or open new mining resources of this critical mineral. So this shortage, as well as a worldwide surge in demand for fluoropolymers and a reduction in processors of the PTFE resin, all leads to this very difficult situation. The bad news is there is no end in sight. The EU has declared fluorspar to be on it’s worldwide shortage list until 2030. So we all will have to deal with this out of control pricing escalation for years to come. Best if you call Tri Star and place blanket orders for your requirements for the future!!