Navigating Hurricane and Port Disruptions in the Specialty Chemical Industry

September 30, 2024

America’s specialty chemical manufacturers are navigating through an unprecedented series of challenges this week, from natural disasters to potential disruptions at key ports. SOCMA was closely in contact with members during Hurricane Helene’s impact.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Last week, Hurricane Helene swept through the southern and eastern U.S., leaving behind historic flooding, widespread power outages, and severe damage to infrastructure. With many highways and bridges closed, transportation has become an issue, impacting major supply routes. SOCMA has been coordinating closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assist both in preparation for the storm and in recovery efforts. If your operations have been impacted, please reach out to Sarah Williams, SOCMA Director of Technical and Safety. Sarah is coordinating with the appropriate agencies and can help connect you with the resources needed.

Pending Port Disruptions
At the same time, SOCMA is closely monitoring negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). Potential work stoppages at critical ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, including New York/New Jersey, Savannah, and Houston, could cause significant disruptions to production schedules. Even small delays can have far-reaching consequences in our industry, where customization and precision are crucial.

SOCMA is actively discussing the potential impact of port closures with the White House and the Department of Commerce. This week, we will participate in a virtual roundtable discussion with Commerce officials to address how port closures could affect the specialty chemical sector and the industries that depend on us. In particular, the White House has sought our input on how SOCMA members support supply chains for critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and national defense. Without our specialized chemicals, production across various industries could come to a standstill.

If you have any questions or anticipate being affected by a potential strike, please contact Genevieve Strand, SOCMA Director of Government Relations, to discuss how we can provide assistance.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Abril
President & CEO, SOCMA

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