How does the TMA capacity vacuum affect TOTM supply security for cable makers?

How does the TMA capacity vacuum affect TOTM supply security for cable makers?
The TMA supply crunch creates a direct bottleneck for TOTM producers, who compete with powder coatings, insulating materials, and PAI resins for limited anhydride feedstock. Domestic TMA operating rates climbed from 53.7% in January to 74.5% by March 2024, yet inventory still hit an eight-year low of just 800 tons in early April. Export demand remains robust—monthly exports of 11,000-13,000 tons dwarf imports of 1,400-4,800 tons—as Chinese producers fill the gap left by Ineos. For downstream cable and automotive users, this means TOTM availability is tied to TMA allocation decisions by Zhengdan, Baichuan, and Taida. Zhengdan's planned conversion of its 30,000-ton TOTM unit into 65,000 tons of new TMA capacity (24-month build) will temporarily reduce TOTM output, tightening supply further until 2026-2027. End-users should qualify alternative high-temperature plasticizers or secure long-term contracts now.