Impact of Trade Policies on the Chemical Industry

The outcome of the US elections will significantly affect trade policies impacting the chemical sector, especially regarding tariffs and international relations. A Trump administration is likely to escalate tariffs on imports, potentially increasing them by 10 to 20 percent, which raises concerns about trade wars, particularly with China and the EU. Conversely, a Harris administration may adopt a more targeted approach to tariffs, which could stabilize trade relationships. These varying approaches could either deter or encourage American chemical exports, particularly amidst the current global oversupply of commodity chemicals.