Margin Protection

The company has implemented mid‑single‑digit price increases for specialties and high‑teens to mid‑twenties for Chemical Intermediates (CI) to offset raw‑material inflation. CFO Willie McLain said the firm expects mid‑single‑digit price hikes from Q1 to Q2 in specialties, with CI increases in the high teens or approaching 20 %. These actions aim to hold volumes and protect margins amid supply‑chain disruptions linked to Middle East conflicts. Tightened CI supply has bolstered margins and created market‑share opportunities, but also raises operational risk for Fibers and contributes to working‑capital pressure.