What specific product and region is Covestro declaring force majeure on, and when did it take effect?

Covestro LLC declared force majeure on its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) supply in the US, Mexico, and Canada, effective since May 19, citing 'unforeseen production issues'—a statement issued on May 22.

What underlying supply chain pressures are contributing to the MDI shortage in North America, according to market sources?

Market sources cited carbon monoxide supply constraints, tightness in the chlor-alkali market, Covestro’s ongoing turnaround at its Baytown, Texas plant since late March (originally expected to end in early May), and Olin’s unplanned May outage at its Freeport, Texas vinyl chain—compounded by pre-existing scarcity of drummed and packaged MDI and increased MDI exports (rising from 13,591 mt in January to 29,397 mt in March), which reduced domestic spot availability.

Covestro declares force majeure on North American MDI amid supply disruptions

May 25, 2026

Covestro declared force majeure on North American MDI supply due to production issues, effective May 19. This exacerbates strain on the regional polyurethane market amid existing supply constraints from competitors and export shifts.

chemweek

Covestro declares force majeure on North American MDI

chemweek

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Covestro declares force majeure on North American MDI amid supply disruptions

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Covestro to build new MDI plant in China, eyes second facility in UAE

Covestro declares force majeure on North American MDI amid supply disruptions

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