Tariff on Ion Exchange Resin Imported from China
By: Denise UrbansEffective August 23rd a tariff of 25% was applied to ion exchange resin imported from China. Although they were unsuccessful, many of the affected manufacturers lobbied the USTR 310 Committee to remove ion exchange resins and copolymers from this list.
Not all of the resin consumed in the United States is produced here. Purolite has a manufacturing plant in Philadelphia and operations in the UK, Romania and China. Thermax resin is manufactured in India. ResinTech imports resin manufactured to their standards from China. Aldex manufactures in Canada. Dow has worldwide operations including the US.
How does this affect you?
- Prices were on the rise anyway. The demand for cation resin and some anion outstrips supply. Lead times for the most common resins stretched from 7 to 10 days to 4 to 6 WEEKS.
- Purolite has implemented a 9.75% surcharge on all US orders.
- ResinTech has implemented surcharges and tried to minimize the impact on customers.
- Most manufactures have raised prices in response to higher demand.
The founders of Urbans Aqua have relationships with Purolite, Thermax & ResinTech which span decades. 
Despite market volatility, we will continue to:
- Receive shipments
- Increase inventory levels
- Do our best to keep pricing competitive
Learn more about the tariff situation here: WQA Updates on Tariff
Urbans Aqua is a stocking wholesaler of Residential & Commercial Water Treatment Equipment and supplies including Ion Exchange Resin- Purolite, Thermax & Resintech; Calgon & Jacobi Activated Carbon; Filterag Plus; GreensandPlus; Pyrolox Advantage; KDF; Birm; Sand/Gravel; Clack, Fleck & AqMatic valves; Stenner Pumps & Parts.
We work exclusively with water treatment dealers.