Markets, Rates and Demand: Data Centers Reshape the Construction Outlook
The U.S. construction market continues to be heavily influenced by the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing and growing demand for digital infrastructure. The scale of investment is creating a notable source of construction activity even as higher interest rates and broader market uncertainty weigh on other segments of the […]
Tariffs and Trade: Continued Uncertainty for Chemical Supply Chains
Tariffs and trade policy remain a significant consideration for the U.S. chemical industry as companies plan near-term supply chains and make longer-term sourcing decisions. Chemical manufacturing depends on an interconnected global network of raw materials, feedstocks, intermediates and finished products, making changes in trade policy particularly consequential for costs, availability and lead times. The uncertainty […]
Energy Costs: A Growing Pressure on Chemical Production and Logistics
Energy costs are emerging as one of the most significant market pressures facing the U.S. chemical industry. While interest rates, Federal Reserve policy and broader economic indicators have historically driven financial markets, the price and availability of crude oil are increasingly influencing expectations for industrial costs, inflation and corporate profitability. The ongoing conflict in the […]
Logistics Impacts Near & Far
The logistics environment facing U.S. chemical companies is being shaped by pressures on both sides of the supply chain. From overseas, importers continue to contend with elevated costs, changing tariffs and uncertainty around when products should move. Domestically, higher diesel prices are adding pressure to trucking and final-mile transportation costs. Together, these forces are making […]
Rhine River Remains In Focus
The Rhine River has provided European chemical producers with an important reprieve in recent days—but the broader logistics disruption caused by this summer’s historic low-water conditions is far from disappearing overnight. The Rhine is one of Europe’s most important industrial transportation arteries, connecting major chemical and manufacturing centers with ports and markets throughout the region. […]
