Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World
Adapting to Tariffs and Strengthening Regional Networks
Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, discusses the impact of new tariffs and the importance of regional supply networks in the specialty chemical industry.
SOCMA, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates, is a leading trade association representing the specialty chemical industry. SOCMA prepares its members for future challenges and emphasizes the importance of regional supply networks in maintaining industry resilience. Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, has been instrumental in building networks among member companies and navigating industry challenges.
In this interview, Christene Smith from CHEManager discusses with Jennifer the current geopolitical landscape, the impact of new tariffs, and SOCMA’s strategies for fostering collaboration and innovation within the specialty chemical industry.
CHEManager: How are recent geopolitical changes impacting the specialty chemical industry?
Jennifer Abril: As a North American trade association, SOCMA represents a sector deeply rooted in regional manufacturing while operating within globally integrated supply chains. Geopolitical shifts — from trade tensions and tariffs to evolving national industrial policies — are prompting specialty chemical manufacturers to rethink how and where they operate.
These dynamics bring challenges, but they also open the door to new opportunities. SOCMA members often rely on globally sourced raw materials that aren’t available at scale regionally. What distinguishes them is their ability to convert these inputs into high-value, performance chemistries that support critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, agriculture, and aerospace — both in North America and beyond.
While higher input costs are a growing concern, this is also a moment of strategic recalibration. Companies are investing in smarter, more resilient supply chains and building stronger regional networks. At SOCMA, we’re focused on ensuring trade and regulatory policies reflect the interconnected nature of our industry, so our members can adapt, compete, and lead in an increasingly complex global environment.
Can you elaborate on SOCMA’s strategy to navigate the challenges posed by new tariffs and protectionist policies?
J. Abril: SOCMA is advocating for a strategic, sector-specific approach to trade policy — one that reflects the
realities of how specialty chemical manufacturers operate within global value chains. Our members typically import foundational raw materials —often resource-intensive and unavailable at scale domestically — and transform them into specialized materials that fuel innovation across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and construction.
We share the broader goal of strengthening manufacturing capabilities in the US, but that ambition must be paired with practical access to the global inputs that make innovation possible. That’s why SOCMA is engaging directly with policymakers to ensure tariff structures are thoughtfully reviewed, and that appropriate exemptions remain available where domestic alternatives don’t exist.
Our aim is to help shape trade policies that bolster — not inadvertently constrain — the ability of specialty chemical producers to grow, invest, and compete on the global stage.
“Our aim is to help shape trade policies that bolster — not inadvertently constrain — the ability of specialty chemical producers to grow, invest, and compete on the global stage.”
What steps is SOCMA taking to help its members adapt to the changing regulatory environment?
J. Abril: SOCMA acts as a central resource for specialty chemical manufacturers navigating a dynamic and often complex regulatory landscape — from environmental rules and permitting to international trade requirements. We provide real-time policy updates, facilitate direct dialogue between members and regulators, and deliver practical guidance to help companies stay compliant while remaining competitive.
To deepen this support, we’ve launched a policy and tariff tracker on our website and hold weekly member calls to break down key developments and foster timely conversation. We’ve also introduced Navigating Volatility and Change: A SOCMA Pulse Poll Series — a set of quick, focused surveys capturing how companies are adapting their supply strategies, managing cost pressures, and responding to shifting customer demands. These insights help members benchmark in real time and stay agile in a fast-changing environment.
Can you discuss the importance of building regional supply networks in response to global supply chain disruptions? How is SOCMA fostering collaboration among its members to strengthen these regional networks?
J. Abril: The past few years have underscored the fragility of global supply chains and the need for more resilient, regionally anchored solutions. SOCMA is encouraging collaboration among members to strengthen domestic and North American sourcing, while also recognizing that international sourcing remains an essential part of the specialty chemical value chain.
“Our members are not isolated operators — they’re part of a broader ecosystem of innovation and production.”
Our members are not isolated operators — they’re part of a broader ecosystem of innovation and production. SOCMA is fostering this ecosystem by building connections across companies, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and identifying strategic opportunities for collaboration. Through this networked approach, we’re helping companies expand their supplier base, increase flexibility, and build greater resilience against geopolitical and economic disruptions.
How does SOCMA plan to support its members in leveraging new technologies and staying competitive in the evolving market?
J. Abril: SOCMA’s Vision 2030 initiative sets a transformational goal: to elevate the role of specialty chemical manufacturing in North America as a strategic engine of innovation, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. We’re committed to helping our members implement advanced practices that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and open new market opportunities.
This includes advocating for research and development (R&D) incentives, streamlining regulatory pathways for emerging approaches, and advancing workforce strategies that align with the industry’s evolving needs. With the right policy environment and a continued focus on innovation, SOCMA members are well-positioned to lead the next era of chemical manufacturing — developing high-performance solutions that drive both economic growth and global progress.
How is SOCMA planning to engage with stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in the specialty chemical industry?
J. Abril: SOCMA is actively engaging with federal officials, legislators, and industry partners to ensure the specialty chemical sector is represented at every level of decision-making. We are advocating for a transparent, predictable trade policy that reflects both the global integration and domestic significance of our industry.
Our members are essential to the national industrial base — creating high-quality jobs, supporting downstream innovation, and contributing to long-term economic and technological leadership. As the Trump administration pursues a more self-sufficient trade agenda, SOCMA is committed to serving as a constructive partner with the aim of shaping policies that strengthen North American manufacturing while safeguarding the global supply networks that enable innovation.
