SOCMA Urges Balanced Trade Policies

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) warned that the recent tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico and the additional tariffs imposed on China threaten US supply chains. In a statement, SOCMA said:

“The Trump Administration announcement imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on goods from China is a significant shift in U.S. trade policy and poses serious challenges for the specialty chemical sector, disrupting well-established supply chains and increasing operational costs for manufacturers.

“For years, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has fostered a stable and predictable trade environment for the chemical industry, supporting integrated North American supply networks. These new tariffs threaten that stability, creating uncertainty for manufacturers that rely on the seamless movement of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products across borders. The additional costs and regulatory complications introduced by these tariffs could have far-reaching effects on production efficiency, global competitiveness, and innovation within our sector.”

SOCMA President and CEO Jennifer Abril noted that while SOCMA supports policies that promote fair trade and protect North American producers, broad tariffs risk unintended consequences that weaken US manufacturing.

“A targeted, strategic approach is essential to addressing trade challenges without undermining the supply chains that specialty chemical manufacturers depend on,” said Abril. “We urge the Administration to implement trade policies that protect domestic interests while preserving access to critical raw materials and maintaining the benefits of USMCA.”