How does Trade Chemicals & Products support the Mexican chemicals industry?

Trade Chemicals & Products (TCP) was founded 23 years ago to serve as a distributor for our principal market, silicone emulsions. As of 2023, we have been growing our strength in silicones, with a presence in industries such as food-grade chemicals and defoamers. Regarding food-grade silicone emulsions, we focus on sweets, bread and tortillas. We serve paints, textile processes and water treatments in the defoamer area. And we are involved in yogurt, tequila, juice, etc. TCP has continued growing in different commodities and we continue exploring and diversifying our presence in specialty chemicals.

Our main base is over 5,000 square meters, consisting of a production area, a warehouse, and areas for industrial products and food products. We have another warehouse close to the Benito Juarez International Airport and a warehouse in Mérida, which serves the southeast region. TCP also has an in-house transport team with a fleet of trucks. Our operations cover all of Mexico, from Baja California to Quintana Roo.

Where have you experienced growth in 2022?

In 2022, we grew significantly on the chemicals side. We have directed our forces in the Bajio region and Sinaloa and Jalisco. We have expanded our presence in chemical products such as fertilizers. We want to improve our portfolio in the agricultural sector. TCP has grown 20% in this sector, and in 2023, we expect to continue this success. We also intend to direct energy into the cosmetics, food and detergents industries.

How have raw materials shortages impacted your operations?

In 2022, the industry experienced shortages, but these shortages benefited TCP. Our clients needed to look for different products, and we were able to help them find what they needed. Sometimes we already had it, and sometimes we helped them find substitutes. The shortages allowed us to capture an excellent part of the market. It is better for us as a distribution company for the Mexican market to be experiencing shortages than not. However, the cost of containers coming from China has significantly dropped in the past year, allowing us to lower costs and increase offerings. As a result, we expect the shortages to end and a return to pre-pandemic prices in most areas. For 2023, I foresee a normalization of prices.

To what degree will digitalization impact the Mexican chemical industry?

Companies must be at the vanguard of all offerings to improve sales processes. For us, digitalization is essential for working with clients, but it is not entirely transformational. Digitalization benefits companies by lowering costs and improving communication, as it is important to be close to the client, but it is not the most significant shift in the industry. We are not planning to substitute everything for digital because the human element is crucial, particularly in Mexico, where we have a warmer interpersonal culture. However, we are always looking for ways to improve our processes.

How does TCP incorporate sustainability?

We are focusing on improving our sustainability metrics. We offer products such as detergents, softeners, room aromatizers, etc. We work with Polaquimia and Stepan to ensure that our products are better for the environment. Energy is also a priority for sustainability, and TCP is working to shift to solar energy. In the office, we don’t use paper; almost all our information is digital to reduce paper waste. A sustainable approach is fundamental to TCP.

What makes TCP a partner of choice for your clients?

Our principal strength is that we can formulate, making us more competitive compared to other companies. We are also successful due to our portfolio – we carry what the client needs daily. We ensure that we have the most significant quantities of high-quality products possible. We are present and timely in our operations, with reasonable prices. Another strength is that we have our own transportation team, which allows us to get the products to their destination quickly and securely. Our clients have often known us for years, so they respect our expertise and trust that we can support them.