Why are there TFE and PVDF extended delivery

Over the last year, the industry has experienced more challenges than I have seen around my 3 decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have observed several shortages, and delivery problems due to material allocations by plastic resin manufacturers. This is the very first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE (TFE) and PVDF both are on allocation.

This pair of resins are in short supply. The  PTFE Sheet suppliers product PTFE (TFE) as well as PVDF  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar which is mined in Mongolia and China. The world requirement for this mineral has increased significantly, and the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and very low co-efficient of friction (slippery) and is utilised in tons of purposes from non-stick fry pans to ptfe tape for personal use. This specific mineral is a important raw material within the production of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and a lot of refrigerants.This increased demand coupled with general shortage of raw materials has caused a dramatic price increase (almost double over the last year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to stay in affect in the near future.