What is causing the PTFE and Kynar extended delivery times

During the last year, the industry has had more difficulties than I have seen around my 30 years experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have observed several shortages, and delivery issues as a result of plastic resin allocations through plastic resin vendors. This is definitely the very first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE Sheet (TFE) and Kynar are both on allocation.

These two resins are in short supply. The  PTFE Sheeting product PTFE (TFE) as well as Kynar  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that's mined in Mongolia and China. The world need for this mineral has grown significantly, as well as the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance and extremely low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is used in a bunch of purposes from non-stick fry pans to ptfe tape for home use. This particular mineral is the essential raw materials within the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and a lot of refrigerants.This rise in demand joined together with general shortage of raw materials is responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double within the past year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to stay in affect in the near future.

Kynar PVDF Sheet