Zochem plans price hike for zinc oxide

Dickson, Tennessee – North American producers of zinc oxide Zochem LLC is raising the price of the raw material compound beginning 15 Oct. 

Zochem has said the price hike – expected to be between 3% and 5% for all grades of zinc oxide – is due to increased freight, supply chain, labour and Covid-19 costs. 

The increase also will support capital improvements at Zochem's facilities and Dickson and Brampton, Ontario.

The price increase will not affect customers currently under contract with the company, Zochem said.

"Current prices in the market are not sustainable," said Zochem CEO Ron Crittendon. 

"This small increase will allow Zochem to maintain the highest standards as a zinc oxide producer, while providing value to both our customers and shareholders."

Zinc oxide is a widely used compound in rubber industry due to the properties that shows as activator for sulphur vulcanisation. 

The tire industry remains the largest single market for ZnO.