Rising surcharges, shrinking competition: A warning for US supply chains

Published May 15, 2026 5:00am ET



The chemical distribution industry is no stranger to global crises. When instability flares overseas, it rarely stays contained. It ripples outward, touching American industries, workers, and consumers alike.

Today, as conflict in the Middle East disrupts global commerce, those pressures are once again reaching our shores, adding another layer of stress to an already fragile system. But these challenges don’t stop at our shores. At the same time, rail service disruptions, industry consolidation, and capacity constraints are making it harder for chemical shipments to move efficiently once they arrive in the United States, creating additional bottlenecks throughout the full shipping journey. 

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