July 31, 2025 1:25 pm

What Are the Chemical Industry Trends to Keep an Eye On?

The chemical industry is moving fast and companies face both challenges and opportunities.

Here are 3 key trends expected in the chemical industry based on a recent report by Deloitte, and how MRC addresses these trends with a modern approach to chemical rail shipping.

Trend 1: Global chemical production is expected to rise, resulting in increased shipping demand.

With global chemical production projected to rise (based on a 3.4% increase in 2024 and a 3.5% growth in 2025), chemical companies will require more capacity to transport raw materials and finished products.

How can MRC help companies transport more of their chemical products?

MRC is meeting the increased demand by expanding its portfolio of well-maintained tank cars – including DOT-117 tank cars. These newer tanks are engineered to comply with the latest federal safety standards, such as the FAST Act. This provides shippers with dependable transportation for both non-flammable and flammable chemicals.

Trend 2: Chemical companies are looking to build a more resilient value chain.

In today’s uncertain global economy, resilient supply chains are a competitive advantage. Railcar leasing plays a crucial role here, offering flexibility and adaptability in transporting chemicals across different regions, particularly when facing evolving regional dynamics.

How can chemical shippers build a strong and adaptable supply chain with MRC?

Our experience, responsiveness and asset portfolio help keep commerce moving for our customers. Backed by deep expertise in chemical rail shipping and a commitment to serving our customers, MRC provides some reliability even when the future feels unpredictable.

Trend 3: There is an emphasis on cost efficiency for chemical shippers.

For chemical shippers looking to improve the cost efficiency of their operations, leasing railcars is a sound alternative to the high costs associated with owning and maintaining a fleet. Additionally, by avoiding large capital expenditures, leasing allows companies to focus on their core business.

How does MRC help chemical shippers have a more cost-effective transportation strategy?

MRC offers flexibility with its sale and sale leaseback, which is an effective way to turn rail assets into usable capital if owning railcars isn’t a core part of your business. With a Sale Leaseback, you get the railcars off your balance sheet and you can lease them back from MRC if you still want the operational use of the railcars without the liability of ownership.

 

As chemical production ramps up and supply chains adapt to recent realities, having a reliable leasing partner and a flexible railcar strategy can provide some much-needed certainty.

With a track record of offering responsive service and a well-maintained fleet of railcars, MRC is prepared to help chemical companies navigate obstacles and be better positioned for opportunities.

Contact our knowledgeable team if you’re interested in learning more about the cars we have in inventory and have any leasing questions.