Sun Chemical, a global leader in printing inks, coatings, and pigments, has announced its decision to implement a tariff surcharge on its color materials products. This is a direct response to recent global trade developments that significantly impacted raw material tariffs like toluene and xylene. The surcharge will affect a range of color materials, including pigments, both those imported into and produced within the United States.

The company stated in a press release issued on May 5, that despite a substantial portion of its production and sourcing being domestic, the newly imposed tariffs are creating significant cost pressures across various aspects of its operations. These pressures include increased expenses for essential base chemicals, raw materials, critical equipment parts, and overall supply chain logistics.

Sun Chemical emphasized its robust global manufacturing footprint, spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, as a key asset in navigating these turbulent times. The company affirmed its commitment to leveraging this extensive global presence and its established supply chain network to actively mitigate the adverse cost impacts resulting from the tariffs.

Brian Panczyk, President of the Color Materials Division at Sun Chemical, acknowledged the weight of this decision. “We acknowledge that this surcharge represents a significant cost increase for our valued customers,” he stated. “As the tariff situation continues to evolve, we are firmly committed to adjusting our approach with fairness and transparency. Simultaneously, we are actively pursuing various supply chain options to lessen the overall impact of these tariffs.”

Panczyk further underscored the company’s dedication to its clientele during this period of economic uncertainty. “We deeply value the business of our customers and sincerely appreciate their understanding as we navigate these challenging times together,” he added.

The specifics regarding the effective date and the precise amount of the surcharge will be determined on a country-by-country basis. Sun Chemical has assured that these details will be communicated directly to all affected customers in due course, allowing them to understand the implications for their specific business needs.

The backdrop to this announcement is the recent surge in global trade tensions. On April 2, 2025, the United States declared broad trade tariffs on its imports, triggering a wave of reciprocal tariffs from over 60 countries. The current landscape sees additional tariffs of 10% levied by most countries. However, imports originating from China have faced a particularly steep increase, with tariffs now totaling a substantial 145%. This complex web of tariffs is creating significant ripple effects across various industries, including the color materials sector.